Portuguese Way from Tui with a dog in 6 stages

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will I be able to feed my dog at the accommodation?

  Yes, but you'll need to bring your own food and your dog's own bowl. You'll also need to bring a water bowl.

• What documentation should I bring to do the Camino de Santiago with my dog?

  Carrying the veterinary card or canine passport is mandatory. Additionally, it's recommended to attach a tag with your name and phone number to your pet's collar.

  Before embarking on your journey, ensure your dog has received a minimum of two doses of the following vaccinations: trivalent parvovirus (distemper, hepatitis, and leptospirosis), as well as the rabies vaccination administered at least 20 days prior. Regarding leishmaniasis, it is a disease prevalent in Galicia, so it is strongly advised that the dog is protected either through vaccination or by using a reliable collar.

   

• Can I leave my dog alone in the room?

  Some accommodations, despite allowing pets, have an internal policy to ensure that dogs are not left unattended in rooms to prevent any disturbance to other guests, such as barking. Therefore, we recommend that you always check with your assigned accommodation designated accommodation regarding their specific policies and arrangements for pets.

• Will my dog sleep in the room with me?

  You and your dog will comfortably share the same room for sleeping without any issues.

• Can I take a suitcase with my pet's things?

  With your booking, you'll have an additional suitcase allocated specifically for transporting all your pet's essentials, including food, toys, bedding, blankets, water bowl, and more. This means you can set off on the Camino de Santiago without worrying about lugging around heavy bags. We'll take care of transferring your stuff from one place to the next every day. So, when you finish a stage, your things will be waiting for you at the next spot.

• What is included in the Camino de Santiago package for me and my dog?

  arrangements for each leg of the journey covers the following services:

  • Accommodation arrangements for each leg of the journey
  • Luggage transport for both your luggage and your pet's belongings
  • A comprehensive dossier containing information about the various stages of the journey
  • Pilgrim's credential
  • Canine credential
  • On-the-road helpline for any assistance required during the journey
  • Travel insurance coverage for added security and peace of mind

  Additionally, you have the option to tailor your trip by including the following optional services:

  • Additional nights at the start or end of each stage
  • Private transfers from Santiago de Compostela to either the beginning or end of each stage.

  You WIL NOT be able to include:

  • Breakfast or half-board options. Dining areas are shared with other pilgrims who may not be comfortable with dogs or could have allergies. However, you can inquire about this option at each accommodation and arrange it directly with them. Additionally, we'll provide you with a guide featuring advice, including places where you can have breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your pet.

  Unlike group tours, there won't be a bus service, guide, or support vehicle provided between stages. However, you'll have access to a 24-hour hotline where you can reach us in case of any issues or unexpected events.

• What is the Canine Credential and Compostela?

  The Canine Credential is a document created and issued by the Asociación Protectora de Animales del Camino de Santiago (APACA). It is a pet passport that works just like the Pilgrim's Credential.

  A lovely initiative that rewards the effort of our four-legged friends. You will need to get it stamped at the places you pass through: hostels, restaurants, churches, shops, etc. until you reach Santiago de Compostela.

  Once you have finished your Camino de Santiago, contact APACA so they can issue the Canine Compostela, the document that certifies your dog has completed the Camino.

  You will find all this information in detail in the documentation we send you when you book.

• What is the best way to travel with my dog to do the Camino de Santiago?

  Traveling with a pet on public transport can be complicated, so the most comfortable option is:

  • To drive to the start of the route or leave it directly in Santiago de Compostela.
  • From the agency, we offer dog-friendly private transfers, where your pet is welcome.
  • You can also hire the transfer of your car from the starting point to Santiago, to have it there at the end of the Camino.

   

• What is the best time to do the Camino with my dog?

  Although it's currently difficult to predict the weather, we recommend avoiding periods of extreme heat and heavy rainfall. Dogs can handle a lot, but it's true that especially in hot weather, their paws suffer more. If you don't have much flexibility in choosing dates, just make sure your dog's gear for the journey is appropriate: good boots and a good raincoat.

• Does the Portuguese Way from Tui entitle you to the Compostela?

  Yes. From Tui to Santiago it is between 115 and 119 km depending on how the stages are split (115 km in 5 stages, 118 km in 6 and 119 km in short stages), more than the 100 km minimum on foot that the Pilgrim's Office requires for the Compostela. Tui is the equivalent of Sarria on the Portuguese Way: the most popular starting point that meets the requirement.

• Which routes are most suitable for doing with dogs?

  Our experience tells us that the most suitable routes are the French Way from Sarria and the Portuguese Way from Tui. Over the years, we've found that along these sections, dogs are welcomed as another pilgrim, treated with care, and you'll also find a good network of services available for them: dog-friendly accommodations, transportation, veterinarians, etc.

• Why walk the Portuguese Way with a dog in 6 stages rather than 5?

  Because your dog will thank you for it. In 6 stages (118 km) the longest day is the last one, 24.3 km, and the first day is 18.7 km from Tui to O Porriño, much of it on the riverside paths of As Gándaras and the river Louro. In the 5-stage version, the first day is 31.6 km straight to Redondela. If your dog isn't used to walking for many hours, this is the more comfortable option for both of you.