A new tourism initiative in Southern Denmark welcomes dogs and their owners at campgrounds, restaurants, and attractions to make traveling with pets easier and more inclusive.
Dog Friends Program for Danish Pet-Friendly Travel
Traveling dog owners in Denmark are being offered a more inclusive vacation experience thanks to a new initiative called “Dog Friends,” launched by Destination Sønderjylland. The program designates accommodations, eateries, and attractions as dog-friendly using a brown sticker featuring a white paw print, signaling that dogs are not just allowed but warmly welcomed.
This new effort aims to make it easier for families to travel with their four-legged companions, especially in the South and Southern Jutland regions, where domestic tourism peaks during the warmer months. With more than 810,000 registered dogs in Denmark and over 44% of Danish households owning pets, dog-friendly tourism options are in high demand.
Making Dogs Part of the Vacation
The “Dog Friends” initiative responds directly to challenges faced by dog owners who have to navigate unclear pet policies or face outright denial at hotels, restaurants, and campsites. By visibly marking participating businesses with the signature paw print sticker, the program removes the guesswork and strengthens the connection between dog lovers and local tourism operators.
One of the first locations to join the initiative is Vikær Strand Camping near the town of Haderslev. This family-run campground has taken extra steps to accommodate canine guests, including setting up a dedicated dog play area where pets can exercise off-leash, and even installing a special bathing station designed for dogs.
The owners of the campground believe dogs are just as integral to the camping experience as their human family members. They also plan to offer dog beds and additional amenities in the future to enhance comfort for both pets and their owners.
Campers Embrace the Dog-Friendly Approach
Tourists are already responding positively. Families like the Jensens from Høng on the island of Zealand bring their two dachshunds along on every holiday. For them and many others, dogs are not simply pets—they are family. Having access to a site like Vikær Strand Camping, where dogs are actively accommodated and considered in planning, adds significant value and peace of mind to the vacation experience.
Although the Jensen family did not initially choose Vikær Strand Camping specifically because of the “Dog Friends” label, they appreciated the ease it brought to their travel planning and the thoughtfulness behind the on-site dog facilities. They voiced hope that more destinations across Denmark will adopt similar models.
A Regional Strategy to Boost Tourism
As of now, 17 locations across South and Southern Jutland have joined the “Dog Friends” program, including cafes, accommodation providers, mini-golf courses, and campsites. The regional tourism office sees this initiative as a way to attract more visitors who might otherwise hesitate to travel with pets due to logistical concerns.
With domestic vacations making up a large part of Denmark’s tourism economy, initiatives that remove travel barriers—such as confusion over pet policies—are seen as beneficial to the entire regional ecosystem. The pet-friendly model is also expected to attract more international tourists, especially from neighboring countries like Germany, where traveling with dogs is becoming increasingly popular.
Looking Ahead
While the initiative is still in its early stages, the success of its first few months could signal bigger developments on the horizon. Regional officials are monitoring feedback from both tourists and participating businesses with hopes of expanding the program across other parts of Denmark in the future.
Ultimately, “Dog Friends” is not just about convenience—it reflects a broader cultural shift toward incorporating pets into daily life and leisure activities. In a country where many dog owners consider their animals equal members of the family, tourism initiatives like these offer a promising way to align economic development with evolving social values.
