VISITING MADRID WITH YOUR DOG

Those that are born and bred in Madrid are also known as “gatos” (cats), but despite their name the Madrileños really love dogs. To be precise, at least a quarter of Madrid citizens are happy owners of furry friends.

Their importance is particularly evident in the capital. If you decide to take a walk around Madrid in the morning, you will find a large amount of dogs wandering around the street by their owners’ side. Officially, dogs don’t need to be on the lead before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m., which is very noticeable in the capital’s parks, where morning and evening hours are the most popular among dog-owners. Such a freedom of moving around allows dogs to play and run as much as they need.

Madrid is a big city, which is why sometimes it is impossible to get to a park on foot. Even so, city authorities meet dogs’ needs, as they are allowed to travel by metro on any working day at any point except rush hours (which are between 7.30 and 9.30, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.), and on the weekend, holidays, in July, and August – no limitations at all. However, do not forget to put a muzzle and lead on your pet. If you decide to use bus service, then the same muzzle or a carriage bag would be of use too.

Apart from parks, Madrid’s dogs can go to various restaurants. They are especially welcome at vegetarian venues but not only there. Of course, in the summer you can always seat on the terrace, as a restaurant that wouldn’t allow a dog on its terrace is really rare. The list of restaurants and bars open as to humans so to pets gets longer with each passing day. Besides, many restaurants will be willing to make an exception even if regularly they wouldn’t accept dogs.

If, having enjoyed your meal, you decide to do some shopping, you won’t hav eto go home to leave your dog there. For instance, all INDITEX shops are open to dogs, which means that you can go to Zara, Oysho, Stradivarius, Berhska, and Massimo Dutti.

So if you are travelling to Madrid, take your four-legged friend with you and explore the city together!