Traveling with Pets in Bogotá: A City That Opens Its Doors
Bogotá, that city of green mountains and changing skies, has learned to welcome not only human travelers but also their four-legged companions. What was once a rarity has now become a real possibility: exploring the Colombian capital without leaving behind that being who accompanies us on every adventure. The city, with its fast pace and fresh air, has been opening spaces where pets are not just tolerated but welcomed. But like any responsible trip, it requires knowing the right corners, the rules that protect everyone, and those places where both you and your pet will feel at home.
Hotels and Accommodations Where Your Pet is the Guest of Honor
Finding a place to rest with your furry companion in Bogotá is no longer an impossible search. Several establishments have understood that travelers with pets seek comfort and well-being for all family members.
Hotel B3 Virrey in the exclusive Chicó neighborhood welcomes dogs up to 15 kilos without additional charge. Its spacious rooms and personalized service make both humans and canines feel special. They only ask for an up-to-date vaccination card.
NH Collection Bogotá Royal Teleport in the financial sector accepts pets of all sizes with a reasonable additional fee. What truly captivates is its terrace with city views, perfect for those relaxing moments after a day of exploration.
Selina Bogotá Chapinero combines the nomadic spirit with pet-friendly awareness. This hostel-hotel in the heart of Chapinero Alto not only accepts pets but also organizes meetings among travelers with animals. Its inner courtyard is a safe space for socializing.
Hotel de la Ópera in La Candelaria, the historic center of Bogotá, surprises with its pet-friendly policy amidst colonial architecture. They accept small and medium-sized dogs, offering water and food bowls upon request. Walking through the cobblestone streets with your pet from here is a unique experience.
Airbnb with patio in Usaquén - The temporary rental option in this traditional neighborhood offers the freedom of your own space. Many hosts in Usaquén have houses with patios or gardens, ideal for pets that need to run without a leash.
Parks and Green Areas: Bogotá's Lungs for Pets
Bogotá breathes through its parks, and many of them have created spaces specially designed for the enjoyment of pets and their owners.
Parque El Virrey in the north of the city has a delimited area for dogs where they can run freely. On weekends it fills with families and their pets, creating a community atmosphere where dogs socialize while owners share experiences.
Parque Nacional, that green lung in the center of Bogotá, allows entry of dogs on leashes on most of its trails. Its wide spaces and the shade of its centenary trees make it the perfect place for long, tranquil walks.
Parque Simón Bolívar, the largest in the city, has specific areas for dogs at several of its entrances. What's special here is the possibility of combining the walk with your pet with activities like renting a bicycle or simply sitting to watch the ducks on the lake.
Parque de los Novios at Calle 63 with Carrera 7 is more than a dog park: it's a meeting point. Afternoons here fill with owners chatting while their pets play on the obstacles and agility zones recently installed.
Restaurants and Cafés Where You Can Share the Table
In Bogotá, more and more establishments understand that a well-behaved pet can accompany its owner even at mealtime.
Masa in Parque 93 not only serves some of the best artisanal pizzas in the city but has tables on its terrace where dogs are welcomed with water bowls. Its relaxed atmosphere and quality ingredients make the visit worthwhile.
Juan Valdez Café in several of its locations, especially at Calle 85 with Carrera 11, allows dogs in its outdoor areas. It's the perfect place for a coffee break while your pet rests after a walk.
Wok in the Andino Shopping Center has a pet-friendly policy on its terrace. What's interesting here is that they offer a special menu for dogs with healthy options, showing they truly think about all their diners.
La Puerta Falsa in La Candelaria, that historic place where tamales and hot chocolate have been served since 1816, accepts small pets inside. Sitting in this history-filled place with your furry companion is connecting with Bogotá of yesterday and today simultaneously.
Essential Tips: Transportation, Health, and Regulations
Traveling with pets requires preparation, especially in a big city like Bogotá. These tips can make the difference between a stressful trip and a memorable experience.
Public transportation: Dogs can travel on TransMilenio only if they are in closed carriers. On feeder buses and SITP, it depends on the driver, but they generally allow dogs with muzzles. Taxis and apps like Uber Pet are the safest and most comfortable option.
Local regulations: Bogotá requires all dogs to be on leashes in public spaces and muzzled if they are breeds considered potentially dangerous. Feces must be picked up immediately - most parks have bag dispensers. The vaccination card, especially against rabies, must always be up to date.
Health and safety: Bogotá's altitude (2,640 meters) can affect some pets, especially if they come from sea level. Watch for signs of excessive fatigue and allow time for acclimatization. Always carry your own water to avoid stomach problems. Identify emergency veterinary clinics near where you're staying - the Veterinary Clinic of the National University offers 24-hour service.
Unpredictable weather: Bogotá can go from intense sun to torrential rain in minutes. Always carry a raincoat for your pet and towels to dry them. Mornings are usually the best hours for long walks, before the midday sun heats the sidewalks too much.
Bogotá That Beats Alongside Its Pets
What you discover when traveling to Bogotá with your pet is that the city, beneath its appearance of concrete and haste, hides a network of spaces and people who have decided to make room for those beings who accompany us. It's not perfect - there are still restaurants that deny entry, taxi drivers who refuse to transport them, and regulations that may seem excessive. But the movement exists, grows, expands like the roots of trees in the parks.
Each hotel that opens its doors, each park that delimits a space, each café that places a water bowl at its entrance, is a small act of recognition: that traveling is not just about destinations, but about who we share them with. Bogotá, with its contrasts and energy, reveals itself differently when you explore it with your pet. It forces you to walk more slowly, to notice details that would otherwise go unnoticed, to converse with other owners who, like you, have decided that adventure is better when you don't travel alone.
Share this guide with other pet owners visiting Bogotá. Because every traveler who arrives with their furry companion, every positive experience, every shared recommendation, makes the city a little more welcoming for all of us who believe that the best journey is the one made in company.
