Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Travel with pets

Outings with a pet

Parks, easy trails, historic centers and some beaches — each place with its own rule.

Walking is the part of the trip the dog enjoys most, and also where the rules vary the most. One park accepts leashed animals, the next-door neighbor forbids them; one beach permits a stretch, the next fines.

The principle is simple: check the rules of the place before going, respect other visitors and take care with the heat. With that, there’s plenty to do outdoors in the company of your pet.

Beaches: the rule is set by the municipality

In Brazil, the city government decides whether a dog can be on the sand. In most of the coastline, animals are prohibited on the sand, and enforcement can issue fines.

Some cities have allowed specific sections and times of day. In Santos, on the coast of São Paulo, a municipal law permits dogs in a demarcated stretch of Praia do José Menino in the early morning and late afternoon. The owner must carry the vaccination card, keep the dog on a leash and pick up feces; on the rest of the shore, dogs on the sand remain prohibited.

Before adding a beach to your itinerary, check the city hall’s website for the destination. Where animals are not allowed on the sand, walking with them on the boardwalk is often permitted. After a sea bath, freshwater on the coat and paws removes salt and sand.

Parks and trails

Urban parks are the simplest outing. Many accept dogs on a leash, and some have designated areas where they can run off-leash, such as Parque Ibirapuera in São Paulo. In Gramado, in the Serra Gaúcha, parks and tree-lined streets are part of the program for visitors arriving with a pet.

In national parks, domestic animals are generally not allowed, to protect wildlife and the pet itself; guide dogs are an exception provided by law. Many state parks follow the same rule. Private attractions, such as adventure parks, viewpoints and farms, set their own conditions: in Socorro, inland São Paulo, adventure parks welcome dogs.

For trails, choose short, shaded routes with water. The dog should be on a leash so it does not chase wildlife or get lost, and check the coat afterward: ticks and seeds stick easily. Flea and tick prevention should be discussed with the veterinarian before the trip.

Historic centers and urban outings

Cobblestone streets, squares, outdoor markets and viewpoints are usually allowed with a leash. Churches, museums and historic buildings generally do not accept animals; when a visit is long, one adult waits outside or family members take turns.

Rules that vary from place to place include leash use, the requirement of a muzzle for some breeds and permitted time periods. Picking up feces is mandatory everywhere. Signs at entrances usually inform visitors.

Paid attractions, such as boats, tourist trains, cable cars and private parks, have their own rules, and many require a carrier or limit pet size. Ask before buying a ticket so you don’t have to give up at the door.

Crowded markets, concerts and fireworks frighten pets. On festival days, outings with the animal are best scheduled for quieter times.

Heat, hot ground and hydration

Dogs do not sweat like people: they lose heat mainly through breathing. On hot days, walk in the early morning and late afternoon, offer water frequently and look for shade.

Asphalt, rock and sunlit sand burn paw pads. A simple test is to press the back of your hand to the ground for a few seconds: if it’s uncomfortable, it’s too hot for the dog.

Short-nosed breeds, such as pug, French bulldog, English bulldog, shih tzu and boxer, and cats like the Persian, have more difficulty breathing and feel heat more acutely. Older animals, puppies, obese pets and those with very dense coats also need shorter outings.

Very heavy panting, a very red tongue, excessive drooling, weakness or vomiting are warning signs. Move the animal to shade, offer fresh water and seek a veterinarian promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take a dog to the beach?

It depends on the municipality. In most of the Brazilian coast, dogs cannot be on the sand. Some cities allow specific stretches and times: check the city hall of the destination before you go.

Which beach accepts dogs?

In Santos, on the coast of São Paulo, a municipal law allows dogs in a stretch of Praia do José Menino in the early morning and late afternoon, with a leash and vaccination card. In other cities, confirm the rule with the city hall.

Can you bring a dog into a national park?

Generally, no. National parks do not allow domestic animals, with the exception of guide dogs. Confirm the park’s rule before traveling.

How do you know if the ground is too hot for the dog?

Press the back of your hand to the ground for a few seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for the paws.

Which breeds suffer more from heat?

Short-nosed breeds, such as pug, bulldog and shih tzu, as well as older animals, puppies, obese pets and those with very dense coats. For them, keep walks short and during cooler times.