In summer, enjoy the mountains with your dog in Andorra

Andorra is undoubtedly a pet-friendly destination, ideal if you’re travelling with your dog. Summer is the season to enjoy the mountains, nature and the great outdoors. So that you can do it with the whole family, here are some tips for hiking with your pet and making the most of the experience.

Tips for hiking with your dog

Here are some recommendations to make the most of hiking in the mountains with your pet. 

– Plan the route before setting off

Before starting out, you need to know the terrain, the duration and the distance in order to plan the necessary equipment for both you and your dog. It is also best to avoid steep slopes, via ferrata areas or suspension bridges as these can be difficult for your pet to access. Areas with water are ideal for them to have fun.

– Take into account the physical endurance of the animal

Start with easy hiking routes with your dog if he is sedentary or has never been in the mountains before, so that he can get used to them little by little.

– Check the type of terrain

When choosing a hike, make sure that the type of terrain will not damage your dog’s paws and pads. Avoid paved areas – at least in central hours of the day when it gets very hot – or very rocky or icy areas.  You also have the option of protecting his pads with specialised dog equipment. 

– Plan for water

When you’re hiking with your dog, you’ll need to take your provisions with you and your dog. Don’t forget that he also needs to be hydrated. 

– Keep your dog on a leash

It is advisable to keep your dog on a leash at all times, as there may be routes where they may cross paths with other animals, or they may get lost if they don’t know the place.

Routes for hiking with a dog

Andorra offers endless options. Today we tell you about two excursions that you will love:

– Montmalús Lake

This is a hiking route that starts at the Grau Roig resort, near the flats. It is about 5 kilometres long and has a gradient of 600 metres.  You will reach an altitude of 2,700 metres and enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Pessons glacial cirque in Andorra. And when you get there… Reward! Your dog can take a dip in the lake. Before doing the route we advise you to check the weather forecast.

– The iron route

This route is easy to access and very entertaining. The path is full of sculptures and monuments dedicated to metallurgy, a very important industry for Andorra until the end of the 19th century. It is located in the other valley in the parish of Ordino and runs almost all the way along the side of a river. It is ideal to do with the whole family or with dogs not used to long walks.

Travelling to Andorra with your pet

You probably already know this information by heart, but it’s a good idea to keep it handy.

Pets (dogs, cats or ferrets) in Andorra must have:

– Identification by chip.

– Rabies vaccination.

– The pet passport.

If you come from a country outside the European Union you will also have to present a health certificate and declare it at customs. If you are travelling with any other type of wild animal, whether native or not, you will have to request a permit from the Andorran Government.

Pet-friendly flats all year round

At Els Llacs Mountain Apartments your pets are welcome so that you can travel with the whole family and leave no one at home.

The flats are spacious and comfortable with a capacity for 2 to 11 people and with differentiated spaces. Located in front of Grandvalira, they are the ideal choice if you come hiking with your dog, so you don’t have to worry about anything! The accommodation is equipped with everything you need for your holidays, whether you come to Andorra during the summer or for skiing, as we are open all year round.

With these routes and tips for hiking with a dog in Andorra, all you need to do now is book your flat.