Walking the Camino with Your Dog: A Practical Guide

Walking to Santiago with your dog is possible and can be a wonderful experience, but it takes more planning than walking alone, mainly around where to sleep and how to keep your dog healthy on long days.

Where to sleep

This is the biggest challenge. Rules change from place to place: some albergues accept dogs, many do not, and some only allow them in a separate area. Pet-friendly guesthouses and rural houses are easier to find. Call or check before each stage, and book ahead in summer.

Is your dog ready?

Train together for several weeks with long walks on different surfaces. Short-nosed breeds, very young or older dogs, and dogs that struggle with heat may not cope with 20 km days. Ask your vet for a check-up before you go.

What to bring

Your dog's health records and, if you travel from another country, its pet passport and microchip details. A lead, a collapsible bowl, enough water, waste bags, a basic first-aid kit, and paw protection or balm for hot asphalt and rough paths.

On the path

Walk early in the day in summer and rest in the shade at midday. Keep your dog on a lead near livestock, in villages and on busy stretches, and be aware that some farm dogs along the route are not friendly.