Kate's Dog School Blog
Kate Stallworthy | 2025
An Expat’s Perspective
Amsterdam is a fantastic city for dogs, with plenty of parks and dog-friendly cafés and restaurants, but there’s also a lot to think about. As a British expat living here and working as a certified dog trainer, I’ve seen first-hand what helps dogs settle in and enjoy city life, and what can trip them up. From getting to grips with the local rules to finding the best walking spots, there are a few things every dog owner should know to make life in Amsterdam smoother for both themselves and their dog pal.
Rules & Registration: When you arrive in Amsterdam with your dog, the first step is making sure you’re up to date with local requirements. All dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated and registered with the Gemeente (local municipality). Depending on your area, you may also be required to pay the annual dog tax (hondenbelasting). On walks, dogs should be on lead unless you’re in a designated losloopgebied (off-lead zone) and of course, owners must pick up after their dogs as fines can apply otherwise.
Where to walk:
One of the best things about Amsterdam is how green it is, with plenty of spaces for dogs. Popular spots include Vondelpark (great for social dogs), Westerpark and Oosterpark (smaller but lively), and the vast Amsterdamse Bos (perfect for longer walks and water-loving dogs). Look out for losloopgebied signs which mark designated off-lead areas. Getting to know these spaces will help you establish positive routines and find a balance between busy, social walks and quieter, more relaxed ones.
Adjusting your dog to city life: Amsterdam can feel overwhelming at first with all the bikes, trams and of course, lots of other dogs. For sensitive or anxious dogs, this can quickly tip them into an over-threshold state where they struggle to cope. Take it slow: start with quieter routes, keep walks short and positive, and reward calm behaviour around new sights and sounds. Building in rest days at home and using mental enrichment (like snuffle mats or lick mats) will help your dog’s nervous system reset after stimulating outings.
Joining the community & finding support: Amsterdam has a warm, dog-loving culture and dogs are often welcome in cafés, bars, restaurants and even some shops. The expat community here is also really strong, with many people eager to connect over dogs. Look for local training, behaviour specialists, or expat groups where you can share experiences and get advice. Having support around you makes a huge difference, not only for your dog’s progress, but for your own sense of belonging in a new city.
Thriving in Amsterdam
Amsterdam really can be a brilliant place to live with a dog, I've done it for 10 years now! Once you’ve got to grips with the rules, discovered the city’s green spaces, eased your dog into the hustle and bustle and tapped into the friendly local dog community, life becomes a lot more enjoyable for both of you.
Life in Amsterdam with a dog can be a lot of fun. You can spend mornings sniffing your way through the green spaces, afternoons discovering hidden cafés where your dog can curl up by your feet and evenings practising calm in new surroundings so that both of you feel more at ease. With a little patience and plenty of positive reinforcement, city life can become second nature for your lovely four-legged buddy.
