Leash laws in the city
In Gothenburg, dogs must be kept on a leash in most public areas. Exceptions apply in designated off-leash dog parks and some nature areas. Always check the signs on site.
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Tips and advice for a better dog life in the city

Gothenburg has a wide range of dog parks — from fenced city parks to large nature areas. We've ranked the best places based on thousands of Google reviews combined with how dog-specific they are.
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Gothenburg has a rich café scene, but not every café welcomes dogs. We've gone through hundreds of reviews to find the ones that are truly dog-friendly — ranked by rating and dog-friendliness.
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Gothenburg has a varied restaurant scene and many places welcome dogs on the outdoor terrace. We've ranked the best based on thousands of customer reviews combined with how dog-friendly they actually are.
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Summer in Gothenburg brings lovely outdoor terraces along the river and in the city's parks — and many welcome dogs. We've ranked the best dog-friendly outdoor terraces based on reviews and how welcoming they actually are.
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Gothenburg, with its archipelago and many beaches, offers fantastic opportunities for dog owners in summer. We've ranked the best dog-friendly swimming spots and dog beaches based on reviews and how dog-specific they are.
Read more →In Gothenburg, dogs must be kept on a leash in most public areas. Exceptions apply in designated off-leash dog parks and some nature areas. Always check the signs on site.
Many restaurants in Gothenburg welcome dogs on the outdoor terrace — fewer indoors. Always call ahead to confirm, and bring water for your dog.
Dogs are allowed on public transport in Gothenburg if they sit on your lap or are carried. Larger dogs need to stay calm and must not block the aisle.
Gothenburg has several fenced dog parks where your dog can run free. See our park guide for a complete list with addresses.
Always keep the number of the nearest animal clinic saved. Gothenburg has several emergency clinics open evenings and weekends. See our list of vets.
In winter, the streets of Gothenburg are heavily salted. Salt damages your dog's paws — always rinse the paws after a walk or use paw balm for protection.