Staying with a pet

Georgia and animals

Animals are generally treated well in Georgia, and walking a dog in the street surprises no one. In Tbilisi more and more cafés and hotels welcome animals.

But the rules are not yet uniform. One hotel gladly takes a dog, another only a small one, a third none at all. So we check every step in advance.

Who this service is for

For those travelling with a dog or cat who do not want to negotiate with every hotel separately. And for those moving to Georgia to live, together with their pet.

We plan the whole chain: arrival, transfer, accommodation, walks, the vet and the return. The animal is an expected guest everywhere.

Entry documents

To bring an animal into Georgia you usually need a microchip, a rabies vaccination and a veterinary certificate. The details vary by country.

So we check the requirements for your country and your route before you buy a ticket. Preparing a document sometimes takes weeks.

At the border keep the documents in the original and within easy reach. Keep a copy on your phone too.

Returning home

Going home is often harder than arriving. Some countries require an extra test or a waiting period for an animal coming from Georgia.

That test takes time and sometimes has to be done before the trip. It is the thing people most often forget.

So we check the return requirements before you arrive and, if needed, arrange the certificate with a local vet.

Flying with a pet

Airline rules differ: a small animal often flies in the cabin, a large one in the hold, in a special crate.

In summer some airlines do not accept animals in the hold because of the heat. We check this before the ticket is bought.

When you arrive at Tbilisi airport, the driver knows you have an animal, and the car is suitable. The crate must fit inside.

What we check at a hotel

We ask for written confirmation: what size of animal, how many, what charge and what rules. A spoken "yes, that's fine" often changes on arrival.

We clarify whether the animal may be in the lobby, the restaurant and on the terrace, or only in the room. That makes a big difference.

We check whether there is somewhere nearby for walks - a park, a square or a green strip. In the city centre that is not always the case.

An apartment or villa

For a big dog an apartment or villa is often better than a hotel: more space, fewer neighbours and often a garden.

A villa with a fenced garden is ideal for a dog - it runs freely and you do not worry. We check the height and soundness of the fence.

An apartment host often asks for an extra cleaning fee. We list it separately in the suggestion.

Eco-cottages and nature

A forest cottage is paradise for a dog: forest, river, smells. Many eco-cottages welcome animals gladly.

In nature a dog is better on a lead - it may meet a wild animal, a shepherd dog or livestock.

There are many ticks in the forest, especially in spring. Apply protection before the trip.

Rules in the room

An animal often may not be left alone in the room, or only in a crate. Many hotels have this rule.

Animals on the bed and sofa are often not allowed. Bring its own blanket or bed - that calms the animal too.

In case of damage - a scratch, a stain - the hotel charges a fee. Photos of the room at check-in make this simpler.

Transfers and taxis

A taxi-app driver sometimes refuses an animal, especially a big dog. So on arrival and between cities we recommend our transfer.

Our driver knows about the animal in advance, the car has a seat cover, and we stop every two hours on the way.

On a long road, to Batumi for example, water and a short walk at the stops matter for the animal. We build them into the route.

Trains and public transport

Taking an animal on the train has its own rules, depending on its size. We clarify them when buying the ticket.

Travelling with a big dog in a marshrutka or the metro is difficult in practice. A small animal in a carrier usually causes no problem.

The simplest way with an animal is our transfer or a hire car from a company that allows pets.

Cafés and restaurants

In Tbilisi many cafés let a dog onto the terrace or even inside. Some offer a bowl of water themselves.

In a traditional restaurant and at a village table the animal often stays outside. That is normal practice, not an unfriendly attitude.

When you arrive we send a list of places where you can sit comfortably with your pet. The list is updated from our guests' experience.

Parks and walks

Tbilisi has several large parks where people walk dogs, and the hills around the city are for long walks. In Batumi - the boulevard and the area around the botanical garden.

In some parks and beaches animals are restricted, especially in summer. We check this in advance.

Picking up after your pet is required in the city and a sign of good manners. Parks do not always have bins for it.

Street dogs

Georgian cities have many street dogs. A dog with an ear tag is vaccinated and sterilised, and usually calm.

When they see your dog, street dogs sometimes come over to check. It usually ends without conflict, but a lead is essential.

If your dog reacts to other dogs, we suggest a calm walking route and time - early morning or evening.

Mountains and shepherd dogs

In the mountains large shepherd dogs guard the livestock. They actively defend their flock and see a strange dog as an enemy.

So on a mountain trail do not pass close to a flock, and keep your dog on a short lead. The shepherd usually calls the dogs off.

A local guide or host knows where the flocks are and chooses the route accordingly. For hiking with a pet this matters especially.

The sea and your dog

A seaside holiday with a dog on the Black Sea is possible, but not on every beach. On city beaches animals are often restricted in summer, especially during the day.

South and north of Batumi there are quieter beaches where people walk dogs early in the morning or in the evening. We check local rules in advance.

After the sea, rinse your dog with fresh water - salt and sand irritate the skin. A villa or house with an outdoor shower makes this easier.

Summer heat

In July and August Tbilisi and Kakheti are very hot, and the asphalt burns a dog's paws. Walks are better early in the morning and in the evening.

Never leave an animal in the car, even for a few minutes. In the summer sun a car heats up in seconds.

For summer we choose accommodation with air conditioning and a shady garden. The mountains or a sea breeze are a rest for the animal too.

A pet sitter

You cannot always take your pet to a museum, a monastery or a cellar tour. For those times we arrange a sitter who stays with it or takes it for a walk.

The sitter meets the animal beforehand, while you are there. That way it is not left alone with a stranger.

After the visit the sitter sends you a short note and a photo. You sightsee with peace of mind, and the animal is content.

A vet

Tbilisi and Batumi have good veterinary clinics, and some work at night. In the regions the choice is smaller.

If your pet falls ill, we find a clinic, book the appointment and help with translation. In some cases the vet comes to you.

For a chronic condition bring a supply of medicine and your vet's report. Not every medicine is sold here under the same name.

Pet insurance

If your pet is insured at home, check whether the insurance applies abroad. Some policies cover costs only in your own country.

Vet costs in Georgia are lower than in Europe, but serious treatment is still significant. Always keep the receipts and the report.

We help translate the documents so that you can claim reimbursement after you get home.

Food and supplies

Well-known brands of pet food are sold in the big cities, but a particular diet food is not always available. Bring a supply for the first days.

We know the pet shops in Tbilisi and Batumi and, if needed, arrange delivery.

In the mountains and villages pet food is practically unavailable. We tell you how much to bring according to the route.

Travelling with a cat

A cat adapts to a new place less easily than a dog. Staying in one place for a long time is calmer for a cat than moving every two days.

For a cat we look for a flat or room where the windows close and the balcony is safe. A cat easily gets lost in an unfamiliar place.

A litter tray and litter you can buy locally, or we arrange them before you arrive. A small thing, but it matters on the first evening.

Other animals

A bird, a rabbit or an exotic animal - the entry rules here are different and often strict. Some species need a permit to be brought in.

Most hotels do not accept such animals. A flat or villa is a more realistic option.

In such cases we check the requirements individually and tell you honestly how realistic the trip is.

Children and a pet together

A family with children and a dog is the hardest and the most fun combination. A villa or cottage with a garden is almost always best here.

For the transfer we choose a car big enough for child seats, luggage and the dog's crate together.

We plan the route so that there is one big activity a day, and both the dog and the children have time to rest.

Winter with a pet

In winter, snow and road salt in the mountains damage a dog's paws. Protective boots or balm are useful.

A short-haired dog needs a warm coat in Gudauri and Bakuriani. In the city winter is mild.

Ski hotels accept animals less often. In the winter mountains a chalet or cottage is better with a pet.

Moving to Georgia with a pet

If you are moving to Georgia, finding a flat for your pet is a task of its own. Many landlords are against animals.

We look for landlords who accept animals and write that condition into the contract. That way no dispute arises later.

Registering with a local vet and continuing the vaccination schedule is best done in the first month. We help with that too.

Etiquette for guests with pets

A host who accepts an animal is placing trust in you. Keeping that trust matters for the next guest too.

The animal should not disturb the neighbours by barking at night, and the room should stay clean. If something is damaged, it is better to say so yourself.

Hosts with good experience of guests with pets open their doors wider. That makes travelling with a pet easier for everyone.

If something goes wrong

If a hotel refuses the animal on arrival despite confirmation, call us at once. The written confirmation is the main argument then.

In such a case we either sort the problem out on the spot or find another place the same evening. You will not be left on the street with your pet.

We record every such case, and a hotel that does not honour its confirmation does not stay on our list.

What we need from you

The species, breed, weight and age of the animal. How many animals and how they behave with other animals and people.

The route and dates, so we can check every place for the animal. How you are arriving - by air, by car or by train.

The animal's needs: diet, medicines, fears or special habits. We pass this information to the host and the sitter.

Price

For an animal some hotels charge per night, some a one-off cleaning fee, some nothing. We state this separately in every suggestion.

A transfer with a pet, a sitter and a vet visit are separate lines. You know in advance what the animal's trip costs.

Our service is separate and agreed in advance. We add nothing to the extra charges connected with the animal.