How we chose these destinations

TL;DR:

Top picks: Portugal, Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Georgia.
All have clear pet entry rules and strong vet networks.
Choose visas that match your income and stay length.
Book a vet check before flying and save documents offline.
Pick walkable areas near parks, not only “expat” zones.

You asked for a dog-friendly culture, simple visas, and good veterinary care. We weighed four things: clear pet import rules, visa paths that many expats can use, nationwide vet networks or registers, and everyday dog life. Facts and dates are current as of 23 September 2025. Always confirm rules before you apply or fly.

Portugal

Why it works: Welcoming culture, many rentals accept pets, easy access to vets in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and islands. The national veterinary order (OMV) lists licensed professionals and regional offices.

Pet entry basics: Pets arriving to the EU need a microchip, rabies shot, and an EU animal health certificate. Portugal also asks you to notify authorities ahead of arrival and enter via an approved point.

Visa options: The D8 remote-work visa is common for non-EU expats. Recent guides place the income bar near €3,480 per month, with a path to residency on arrival. Check AIMA or your consulate for your exact list.

Best bases with a dog: Cascais and Oeiras for seaside paths, Porto’s Foz, and the Algarve for mild winters.

Spain (including the islands)

Why it works: Dog culture is strong in many cities. There is a national veterinary council and local colleges with clinic directories.

Pet entry basics: Microchip, rabies vaccine, and EU health certificate are required to bring a dog into Spain.

Visa options: The Digital Nomad visa ties income to Spain’s minimum wage. In 2025 consular pages list 200 percent of SMI for a solo applicant, about €2,368 per month. Check your consulate for the final figure used in your case.

Best bases with a dog: Valencia for parks and flats, Málaga for warm weather, and the Balearics or Canary Islands for year-round sun.

Extra note: Spain’s 2023 animal welfare law boosted protections for pets, which aligns with a pet-friendly culture.

Mexico

Why it works: Large pet community in Mexico City, Querétaro, Guadalajara, Mérida, and the Bajío. National veterinary bodies and hospital directories help you find care.

Pet entry basics: Dogs and cats from the U.S. can arrive without a health certificate, but SENASICA will inspect them on entry. Other nationals should confirm their paperwork with the nearest consulate.

Visa options: Many start with a Temporary Resident visa through a Mexican consulate. Proof of income or savings is required, and details vary by post.

Best bases with a dog: Condesa–Roma in CDMX for green space, Querétaro for calm streets and parks, Mérida for low cost and good clinics.

Costa Rica

Why it works: Outdoor life, walkable beach towns, many English-speaking vets. The national veterinary college maintains a professional directory.

Pet entry basics: A licensed vet issues the required health certificate. Unaccompanied pets need an import permit. APHIS endorsement is typically needed for U.S. origin animals.

Visa options: The Digital Nomad “Estancia” lets you live for one year, renewable once, with tax perks if you work for an overseas employer or clients.

Best bases with a dog: Heredia and Escazú for city services, Nosara and Santa Teresa for beach walks away from heavy traffic.

Uruguay

Why it works: Calm cities, strong safety, and an easy day-to-day life with pets. Government portals explain pet entry and residency options.

Pet entry basics: Bring an International Health Certificate from your home authority, issued within the stated window before travel.

Visa and residency: Uruguay allows temporary and permanent residency, with clear routes published by the Interior Ministry and consulates. Many applicants can start online.

Best bases with a dog: Montevideo’s Parque Rodó and Punta Carretas for green space, Punta del Este outside peak season.

Georgia (the country)

Why it works: One of the easiest entries in the world, with visa-free stays up to 365 days for many nationalities. Pet entry is straightforward.

Pet entry basics: No import permit for U.S. origin pets in most cases, but bring the required health certificate and rabies vaccine proof. Veterinary control occurs at the border.

Stay options: The 365-day visa-free rule suits slow travel. The older digital-nomad program has been paused, so plan on visa-free entry or another status.

Best bases with a dog: Tbilisi’s Vera and Vake near parks, Batumi for seaside paths.

Quick comparison

Country	Pet import at a glance	Common expat stay option	Vet care signals
Portugal	EU rules, advance arrival notice, TPE checks	D8 remote-work visa	National vet order (OMV) and regulated clinics
Spain	EU rules, microchip + rabies	Digital Nomad visa from ~€2,368/month	National vet council and local registers
Mexico	SENASICA inspection, often no certificate for U.S. pets	Temporary Resident via consulate	National hospital association and vet registers
Costa Rica	Health certificate, permit if unaccompanied	Digital Nomad Estancia, 1 year + renew	National vet college directory
Uruguay	Intl. Health Certificate required	Temporary or Permanent residency	Govt portals in English/Spanish, simple process
Georgia	No import permit for many, standard docs	365-day visa-free for many citizens	Border veterinary control, simple rules

How to decide

Pick your visa first. Check income requirements and how long you want to stay.
Confirm pet entry. Align vaccine timing with your flight date.
Map your vet plan. Save two 24-hour clinics near your new home.
Choose the right area. You want parks, sidewalks, and shade.
Lock housing early. Filter listings for “pet-friendly” or ask for a pet addendum.

Pre-flight checklist

Rabies vaccine date fits the destination window.
ISO microchip scanned and number matches documents.
Health certificate issued within the valid time frame.
Copies saved offline and printed.
The airline crate meets IATA size and water rules.
First two weeks of food and meds in your carry-on.

Everyday tips abroad

Use hands-free leashes on narrow streets.
Carry waste bags and water at all times.
Learn local rules for buses and trains with pets.
Register your dog’s microchip where required.
Book annual checkups and dental cleanings.

Why it matters

A move is stressful for pets. Clear rules, easy visas, and ready vet care protect your dog and your budget. These six spots balance paperwork and quality of life, so you can focus on daily walks and a happy, healthy routine.