Portuguese Way from Vigo with a dog (5 stages)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do I do if my dog can no longer walk?

  If during the Camino de Santiago you have any incident with your pet and it makes it impossible to continue walking, we have a transfer service from any point of the Camino. In addition to the documentation provided upon reservation, you'll have access to a helpline while on the road for assistance. Don't hesitate to reach out to us!

• 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.

• How many dogs can I travel with?

  As a general rule, each booking includes one dog. If you want to travel with more, let us know when you book: accommodations only accept one dog per room, whatever its size, so you will need one person per room and dog.

• 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.

   

• I need to cancel my reservation.

  You can cancel your trip free of charge up to 15 days before the start date, with no need to give any explanation.

  • 15 days or more in advance → refund of 100 % of the amount paid, with no penalty. The refund is processed within a maximum of 7 days.
  • Less than 15 days → Between 15 and 8 days before: 50 % of the total amount. 7 days or less → 100 % of the total amount.
  • No-show → no right to a refund.

  If you have taken out the Cancellation Insurance, you must inform us regardless of how many days' notice you give, but you have to handle the refund process with the insurer yourself.

  Transfer of the booking: if you cannot travel, you can transfer it to another person at no cost; we only need you to let us know far enough in advance for us to arrange it. In that case, payments are settled directly between clients.

  The client is responsible for any additional cost arising from the cancellation.

  ⚠️ IMPORTANT: every cancellation must be notified by email: info@viajescaminodesantiago.com (cancellations are not processed by phone).

  👉 More info: Booking conditions.

• Which Camino route can I do with a dog?

  We offer special packages to do the Camino with your dog on three routes:

  • French Way from Sarria (5 or 6 stages)
  • Portuguese Way from Tui (5 or 6 stages)
  • Portuguese Way by the Coast from Vigo (5 stages)

  👉 Here you can see all the options: See options

• Will my pet also have luggage transport service?

  Yes, of course. On trips with your dog, the transport of one bag of up to 15 kg for your pet is included throughout the Camino.

  Our pilgrims usually bring the pet carrier and pack the food, bed and toys inside it.

• Does the Camino from Vigo with dog (5 stages) qualify you for the Compostela?

  No. The Camino from Vigo covers 99 km to Santiago, just below the minimum of 100 km on foot that the Pilgrim's Office requires to obtain the Compostela. If you want it, our trip with your dog from Tui does exceed that minimum.

• On which sections of the Camino from Vigo do I need to keep my dog on a lead?

  Mainly at three points: the urban exit from Vigo along Rúa Urzaiz; through towns and villages such as Redondela, Pontevedra or Padrón; and on the stage from Pontevedra to Caldas de Reis, which crosses roads and railway level crossings several times. On woodland and village stretches, such as the Roman road towards Pontevedra, your dog can go off the lead under your watch, as this is allowed on rural paths in Galicia.

• Can my dog get its own Compostela too?

  Your dog has its own credential, and it's included in this trip. The Canine Credential is issued by the Camino de Santiago Animal Protection Association (APACA) and works just like yours: you get it stamped at accommodations, bars, churches and shops along the Camino to Santiago. When you finish, you contact APACA, which issues the Canine Compostela; check the requirements with them.