Pet Owner's Guide to
Living in Belgium 2026

Choosing a Veterinarian in Belgium

Veterinary care in Belgium is widely accessible and of high quality. Most cities and towns have at least one veterinary clinic, and emergency care is available in major urban areas.

Top Veterinary Clinics:

• Université de Liège Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Liège) – One of the country’s top teaching hospitals offering advanced and referral services.
• Dierenkliniek Malpertuus (Leuven) – A modern facility known for diagnostics and surgery.
• Clinique Vétérinaire du Parc (Brussels) – Multilingual team popular among expats.
• Animal Clinic De Ark (Antwerp) – General and emergency services with a strong local reputation.

👉 Tip: While many vets speak English, especially in international cities like Brussels, it’s helpful to learn some key pet care terms in French or Dutch, depending on your region.

🏥 Emergency Services
Emergency veterinary clinics are located in most cities and may operate through partnerships with local vets or teaching hospitals.

To be prepared:

• Find your nearest 24/7 clinic
• Program emergency contacts into your phone
• Carry a portable copy of your pet’s health and vaccination records

Pet-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants

Many Belgian cafés, especially in Brussels and Flanders, welcome dogs—particularly in outdoor seating areas. Some even offer water bowls and snacks.

Pet-Friendly Spots:

• Le Balmoral (Brussels) – A retro café with a dog-friendly terrace.
• Café Labath (Ghent) – Stylish café known for its relaxed vibe and dog-loving staff.
• Bar d’Hugo (Liège) – Cozy wine bar with a pet-positive attitude.
• De Broers van Julienne (Antwerp) – Organic eatery with an inviting garden terrace.

Dog Parks and Green Spaces

Belgium may be compact, but it offers great green spaces—from city parks to lush forests and coastlines.

Dog-Friendly Spots:

• Bois de la Cambre (Brussels) – Expansive park popular with pet owners; leash required in most areas.
• Laeken Park (Brussels) – Beautiful grounds with off-leash fields.
• Zoniënwoud / Forêt de Soignes (Brussels region) – A massive beech forest with leash-required hiking trails.
• Middelkerke Beach (Flanders coast) – Allows dogs on-leash year-round and off-leash in winter.
  

Hiking Tips:

• Off-leash freedom is limited to designated zones
• Dogs must be under voice control and not disturb wildlife or livestock
• Always carry water and a leash—Belgian trails often cross farmland and town borders
  

🚆 Transportation with Pets

Belgium’s public transport network (SNCB trains, De Lijn, TEC, STIB) is relatively pet-friendly.

Trains:

• Small pets in carriers ride for free
• Larger dogs are allowed but require a discounted pet fare ticket
• Dogs must be leashed and muzzled if not in a carrier
  

Trams & Buses:

• Rules vary slightly by region but generally follow train guidelines
• Always leash your dog and be prepared to muzzle if asked

Pet Supply Stores

Belgium’s pet stores offer everything from designer collars to organic kibble. You’ll find both large chains and smaller boutiques.

Popular Retailers:

• Tom&Co – The most widespread Belgian pet store chain with a wide range of food, supplies, and grooming.
• Aveve (now called Arvesta) – Agricultural supply stores with strong pet sections.
  Zoomalia.be – Online pet supply store with home delivery.
• Maxi Zoo – European chain with high-quality gear and food.

Final Thoughts

Belgium has high standards for pet ownership, including regular vet care and proper socialization.

• Community events like “dog walks,” pet markets, and animal festivals are increasingly common.
• Adoption is encouraged—consider shelters like Gaia, Veeweyde, or the Blue Cross Belgium.
• Dog training classes are available in most towns and often subsidized by local communes.

Belgium is a fantastic country for expat pet owners—with high-quality care, accessible green spaces, and a strong sense of community. The key to a smooth experience? Stay informed about local regulations, train your pet well, and enjoy the café culture, countryside strolls, and occasional waffle break with your furry friend.

👉 Need help registering your pet, finding a local vet, or navigating regional rules? Starwood Pet Travel is here to guide you every step of the way.