How to walk the Camino de Santiago with your dog through a specialized agency: routes, tips, and essential equipment

More and more pilgrims are deciding to walk the different routes with their four-legged companions, and to make this journey easier, there is a agency that organizes the Camino de Santiago adapted to the needs of dogs. This ensures a comfortable, safe, and well-planned experience for both you and your pet.

In this complete guide, we tell you how to do the Camino de Santiago with your dog through a specialized agency, the best routes, the best time of year, practical tips, recommended equipment, and the identification your dog should carry for a hassle-free experience.

Why do the Camino de Santiago with your dog through a specialized agency

Although many people organize the Camino on their own, doing it with your dog involves additional needs: pet-friendly accommodations, adapted stages, transport if they get injured, nearby veterinarians, etc. A specialized agency offers several key benefits:

1. 100% dog-adapted accommodations

Finding hotels, rural houses, or hostels that accept dogs is not always easy. Agencies like Camino de Santiago 20 that organize dog-friendly routes ensure that each night you have a suitable, comfortable, and safe accommodation.

2. Personalized transport and logistics

If any complication arises—such as blisters on the paw pads, extreme tiredness, or needing to rest for a stage—you will have transport specifically designed for dogs available.

3. Stages designed for their well-being

Dogs cannot walk 30 km daily for several days in a row. Specialized agencies design shorter and safer stages, usually between 12 and 20 km.

4. Veterinary assistance

An added value is having contact with veterinarians along the route in case of emergencies.

5. Peace of mind and safety

Both for you and your dog, traveling with everything organized provides great peace of mind and allows you to enjoy the experience more.

Best routes of the Camino de Santiago to do with your dog

Not all routes of the Camino are equally suitable for dogs. Some involve too much asphalt, steep climbs, long distances between towns, or complicated areas. These are the most recommended by specialized agencies.

1. French Way from Sarria

The French Way from Sarria is the most popular and best-adapted section.

· Total distance: 114 km

· Recommended stages with a dog: 6–8

· Advantages:

- Many dog-friendly accommodations

- Abundant infrastructure

- Varied terrain, not very demanding

This is ideal for beginners and for small or medium-sized dogs.

2. Portuguese Way (from Tui)

A quieter route than the French Way, but equally accessible.

· Distance: 119 km

· Characteristics:

· Gentle terrain

· Alternates nature with urban centers

· Many services

It is perfect for those seeking more nature and less crowding.

3. Northern Way (by specific stages)

It is not recommended to do the entire route with a dog due to its difficulty, but certain sections selected by agencies are suitable.

· Key advantage: Spectacular landscapes

· Disadvantage: Can have tough and exposed areas

Only recommended for well-trained dogs in good shape.

4. Primitive Way (adapted stages)

It is one of the most demanding, but some agencies offer softened and more accessible sections. Only recommended if your dog is used to long hikes in the mountains.

Best time to walk the Camino de Santiago with your dog

The time of year is key to avoiding heatstroke, excessive cold, or humidity that affects your dog's paw pads.

 - Spring (April–June)

The best time of year.

· Mild temperatures

· Lower risk of heatstroke · Nature in full bloom · Moderate rainfall

- Fall (September–October)

Another great option:

· Stable weather

· Spectacular landscapes

· Less crowded hostels

- Summer (July – August)

Highly discouraged due to:

· High temperatures

· High risk of heatstroke

· Stages with little shade

- Winter (November–March)

Not a good time due to:

Heavy rainfall

· Mud

· Extreme cold in some areas

· Closed accommodations

Tips for walking the Camino de Santiago with your dog

1. Prepare your dog physically

The Camino should not be your pet's first long walk. Recommendations:

· Progressive training 2–3 months beforehand

· Walks of 10-15 km several days a week. · Gradually increase the weight of the backpack if your dog is going to carry it.

2. Visit the vet before you start

Your pet should be:

· Dewormed

· Up to date with vaccinations

· In good physical condition

Request a veterinary certificate if you are traveling through Portugal or France.

3. Take care of their paw pads

This is the part of the body that suffers the most. Recommendations:

· Use hardening cream (two weeks before)

· Wash and check them every night

· Spare protective booties

4. Control the heat

Dogs don't sweat, so it's essential to:

· Go out early

· Stop in shaded areas

· Always carry water

· Wet their back on hot days

5. Constant hydration

On the Camino, a dog may need up to twice as much water as at home. Always carry a portable water bowl.

6. Do not let them eat anything off the ground

There are rural areas with poisonous plants, food scraps, or even poison traps.

7. Always keep them on a leash

Even if they are used to running free, on the Camino there are:

· Bicycles · Horses · Roads

· Wild animals

8. Respect their pace

Do not push their physical limits. It is better to take shorter stages and enjoy the journey together.

 

Equipment you need to walk the Camino de Santiago with your dog

Having the right equipment will prevent problems and make your trip easier.

1. Comfortable and sturdy harness

Avoid collars on long routes. Look for a padded harness that provides good support.

2. One long leash and one short leash

· Long (5–10 m): for safe paths

· Short (1–1.5 m): for towns and busy areas Avoid retractable leashes.

3. ID tag and microchip

Essential, by law and for safety.

4. Quality food

Bring your dog's usual food or a dehydrated ration. Avoid sudden changes in diet.

5. Portable water bowl

Foldable silicone bowls take up little space.

6. Dog first aid kit

Include:

· Antiseptic

· Gauze pads

· Protective boots · Ticks tweezers · Moisturizing cream for paw pads

7. Quick-dry towel

Ideal on rainy days or if your dog gets wet in a river.

8. Poop bags

Respect the environment.

9. Blanket or lightweight bed

So your dog can rest well at night.

Identification your dog must carry on the Camino de Santiago

Compliance with regulations is essential:

1. Microchip required

It must be registered and up to date.

2. Identification tag

Include:

· Dog's name

· Your phone number

· Country or city

3. Veterinary card or European passport

Essential if you are traveling through Portugal or France. It must include:

· Rabies vaccination

· Deworming

4. Civil liability insurance (optional, but recommended)

Some agencies include this or can arrange it for you.

 

Conclusion: experiencing the Camino de Santiago with your dog is possible and wonderful

Walking the Camino de Santiago with your dog through a specialized agency such as Camino de Santiago20 is the best way to guarantee comfort, safety, and an unforgettable experience. You will have adapted stages, pet-friendly accommodations, logistical support, and the peace of mind that your dog will be cared for at all times.

If you plan the route well, choose the best time of year, and bring the right equipment, you will enjoy a unique adventure together, full of nature, connection, and unforgettable moments.