Gdańsk is a historic port city on the Baltic Sea with around 470,000 residents, forming part of the Tricity metropolitan area with Gdynia and Sopot. The city offers an exceptional combination of maritime heritage, sandy beaches, and urban green spaces for pet owners. Gdańsk has been progressively expanding its network of wybiegi dla psów (dog parks) across the city's districts, and dogs can travel on public transport (ZTM). The beaches are accessible to dogs outside of designated swimming zones, which restrict dogs only from June 24 to August 31. The Oliwa Park, Jelitkowo district, and the Motława River promenade through the historic Old Town provide excellent walking routes. For pet sitters, Gdańsk combines a rich cultural heritage with coastal living and affordable costs.
Veterinary Clinics
Sosken Vet 24h
Multiple locations in Gdańsk
Przychodnia Weterynaryjna VITAVET
Piastowska (central Gdańsk)
Gabinet Weterynaryjny Batorego 14
Wrzeszcz (central Gdańsk)
Pet-Friendly Parks
Park Oliwski (Oliwa Park)
Leash requiredA historic 11-hectare park surrounding the Oliwa Cathedral in the northern district of Oliwa. Features French and English garden sections, ponds, streams, and mature trees. Dogs are welcome on a leash. The park connects to the forested Trójmiejski Landscape Park for extended walks. One of the most beautiful parks on the Baltic coast.
Opata Jacka Rybiński, 80-328 Gdańsk
Jelitkowo Beach and Park
Off-leash OKA coastal green space in the Jelitkowo district with a dog park (wybieg dla psów), walking paths through pine forest, and access to the beach. Dogs can enjoy the sand and shallow Baltic waters outside of swimming season restrictions (June 24 – August 31). The pine-scented trails are pleasant year-round.
Jelitkowo, 80-340 Gdańsk
Stocznia Park (Shipyard Park)
Leash requiredA modern park built on the former Gdańsk Shipyard grounds near the European Solidarity Centre. Features open lawns, contemporary design elements, and walking paths along the Motława River. Dogs are welcome on a leash. Conveniently located near the Old Town for combined sightseeing and dog walks.
Plac Solidarności, 80-863 Gdańsk
Local Pet Regulations
No Dog Tax in Gdańsk
Gdańsk does not charge a fee for dog ownership. The City Council has not adopted a resolution introducing an opłata za psa (dog ownership fee), making Gdańsk one of the Polish cities where dog ownership carries no municipal tax.
Dog Registration
Dogs must be registered with the municipality. Registration is free but failure to register can result in a fine of up to 500 złoty. All dogs must also be microchipped under Polish veterinary regulations.
Beach Restrictions
Dogs are allowed on Gdańsk beaches year-round except at the 7 designated swimming areas (kąpieliska), where dogs are prohibited from June 24 to August 31. Outside of these dates and zones, dogs can enjoy the Baltic beaches freely.
Public Transport (ZTM)
Dogs can travel on ZTM public transport in Gdańsk — free for holders of season or long-term tickets. A maximum of one dog per adult is permitted. Dogs must be on a leash and muzzled, and owners must carry current vaccination certificates. Small dogs in carriers also ride free.
Aggressive Breed Permits
Owners of dogs from the list of 11 potentially aggressive breeds must obtain a special permit from the municipal authorities. The permit process involves demonstrating proper housing conditions and the owner's ability to control the dog.
For nationwide regulations, see our Poland pet care guide.
Best Neighborhoods for Pets
Oliwa
A northern district with the historic Oliwa Park, the cathedral, and direct access to the Trójmiejski Landscape Park — thousands of hectares of forest. Quiet residential streets with gardens and a village-like atmosphere despite being part of the city. Excellent for nature-loving pet owners.
Wrzeszcz
The main commercial and cultural district outside the Old Town, with university buildings, independent cafés, and good public transport. Dolny Wrzeszcz has a lively street scene with many dog-friendly establishments. Central location with park access in multiple directions.
Jelitkowo
A coastal residential area between Oliwa and Sopot with direct beach access, pine forests, and a dedicated dog park. The area is quieter and more residential than central Gdańsk, ideal for pet sitters who want daily beach and forest walks.