Pet Sitting in Antwerp: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

Antwerp is a quietly excellent city for dog owners. It does not market itself that way — you will not find "dog-friendly Antwerp" campaigns from the tourism board — but the reality on the ground is a city with generous green space, a pragmatic approach to dogs in public life, and a pet care culture that takes animal welfare seriously.

I lived in Belgium for years while working at Pawshake, whose headquarters were in Leuven, and I spent a significant amount of time in Antwerp. I know the parks, the neighbourhoods, the regulations, and the pet sitting market here. This is the guide I would give a friend who just moved to Antwerp with a dog.

Parks and Green Spaces

Rivierenhof

Rivierenhof is Antwerp's premier dog destination, and it is not close. Located in Deurne, on the eastern edge of the city, this 130-hectare park is one of the largest urban parks in Belgium. The designated off-leash dog area (hondenloopzone) is spacious enough that even on busy weekends, dogs are not on top of each other.

The off-leash zone is in the northern section of the park, clearly signposted. It is a mix of grass and packed earth paths, with some tree cover. In wet months (October through March, in practice), parts of the area become muddy. Antwerp does not have Melbourne's drainage problems, but a good towel in the car is still essential.

Beyond the off-leash zone, the entire park is available for on-leash walking. The paved paths around the lake and through the formal gardens are excellent for older dogs or dogs recovering from injury who need controlled exercise. The park also has a small café near the main entrance that tolerates well-behaved dogs at outdoor tables.

Getting there: Rivierenhof is accessible by tram (lines 9 and 24 stop nearby) or by car (limited parking along Turnhoutsebaan). On summer weekends, arrive before 10am for parking.

Stadspark

Stadspark is Antwerp's central park, located between the station district and the old city centre. It is smaller than Rivierenhof — about 6 hectares — but its central location makes it the daily walk destination for thousands of dog owners living in the inner city.

Dogs are permitted on-leash throughout the park. There is a small designated off-leash area, though it is modest in size and can feel cramped when multiple dogs are present. For a quick midday walk or post-work decompression, Stadspark is perfectly functional. For serious off-leash exercise, you will want Rivierenhof or one of the peripheral parks.

The park underwent renovation in recent years, and the paths, lighting, and general maintenance are good. The duck ponds are a temptation for water-loving dogs — leash up near the water if your dog is the type to jump in.

Nachtegalenpark

Nachtegalenpark (Nightingale Park) is a hidden gem in the south of Antwerp, bordering the suburb of Wilrijk. The park is heavily wooded, which gives it a different atmosphere to the open lawns of Rivierenhof or Stadspark. For dogs that prefer forest walks to open fields, this is the best option in the Antwerp area.

The park has an off-leash zone in the central section. The terrain is uneven in places — tree roots, leaf cover, unpaved trails — which makes it more engaging for dogs who enjoy sniffing and exploring. It is less popular than Rivierenhof, which means quieter visits and fewer dog-to-dog encounters.

Note: Nachtegalenpark connects to several other green spaces, including Den Brandt and Middelheim (home to the sculpture museum). You can string together a 5-6km walk through connected parkland, most of it on-leash but all of it pleasant.

Te Boelaerpark

Located in Borgerhout, Te Boelaerpark is the local option for residents of Antwerp's eastern inner suburbs. It has a small but functional off-leash area and is well-used by the local community. The park is not a destination for visitors, but if you live in Borgerhout or Berchem, it saves you the trip to Rivierenhof for daily exercise.

Belgian Dog Regulations

Belgium takes pet regulations seriously, and Antwerp enforces them. Understanding the rules will save you fines and hassle.

Registration and Microchipping

All dogs in Belgium must be microchipped and registered in the central DogID database. This is not optional — it is a legal requirement, and failure to comply carries fines. Puppies must be microchipped before 8 weeks of age, and registration must happen within 8 days of microchipping.

When you move to Antwerp from another Belgian city, you must update your registration details in DogID. If you are moving from abroad, your dog needs a valid EU pet passport with up-to-date rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel).

Leash Laws

In Antwerp's public spaces, dogs must be on-leash unless in a designated hondenloopzone (off-leash zone). The leash must not exceed 2 metres in length in busy areas. The city is reasonable about enforcement — you will not be fined for walking through a quiet residential street with a well-behaved off-leash dog at 7am — but in parks, on sidewalks, and near schools, the rules are enforced and fines start at EUR 50.

Clean-Up Laws

You must clean up after your dog in all public spaces. Antwerp provides bag dispensers at the entrances to most parks, though supply is inconsistent. Carry your own. Fines for not cleaning up are EUR 50-250, and Antwerp's stadswachten (city wardens) issue them regularly.

Breed-Specific Legislation

Belgium does not have a national breed-specific ban list, unlike some EU countries. However, certain breeds classified as potentially dangerous (including American Staffordshire Terriers, Pit Bull Terriers, and several mastiff breeds) must be leashed and muzzled in public in certain municipalities. Antwerp's specific regulations should be checked with the Stad Antwerpen website, as they are updated periodically.

Neighbourhoods for Dog Owners

Zurenborg

Zurenborg, centred around the stunning Art Nouveau streets near Cogels-Osylei, is one of Antwerp's most desirable residential areas — and one of its most dog-dense. The architecture is beautiful, the streets are relatively quiet, and the proximity to both Stadspark and the green corridor toward Berchem makes it practical for dog walking.

The demographic here skews toward young professionals and couples, many of whom have dogs. You will see dogs tied up outside the coffee shops on Draakplaats (the neighbourhood's social hub) on any weekend morning. The area has a strong community feel, and dog owners tend to know each other.

Pet sitting: Zurenborg is well-served by pet sitters due to its density and demographic. Based on Pawshake data from my time there, the average overnight boarding rate in central Antwerp was EUR 25-40 per night, with most sitters in Zurenborg and surrounding areas charging toward the upper end of that range.

Berchem

Berchem sits just south-east of the city centre and is one of Antwerp's most popular family suburbs. Larger apartments, some houses with gardens, and good access to Rivierenhof make it practical for dog owners who need space.

The neighbourhood is quieter than Zurenborg but less hip. Dog walking routes typically head east toward Rivierenhof or south toward Nachtegalenpark. The commercial strip along Driekoningenstraat has a few dog-friendly terrace cafes.

Borgerhout

Borgerhout has undergone significant change in recent years, with gentrification bringing in younger residents alongside the established multicultural community. Te Boelaerpark is the local green space, and the neighbourhood's relatively affordable rents mean it attracts pet sitters who can offer competitive rates.

Dog ownership in Borgerhout is lower than in Zurenborg or Berchem, but the area is welcoming to dogs. The market around Turnhoutsebaan is lively and dog-tolerant, if not explicitly dog-friendly.

't Zuid

Antwerp's southern quarter, 't Zuid, is the city's art and gastronomy hub. The area around the Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA) and the trendy streets of Leopold de Waelplaats and Graaf van Egmontstraat are full of restaurants with outdoor terraces.

Dogs are generally welcome on terraces — Belgium has a pragmatic attitude to dogs in dining areas, and 't Zuid is no exception. On a summer evening, you will see dogs under tables at half the restaurants on the square. The Royal Museum gardens offer pleasant on-leash walking, and the Schelde riverfront is a short walk away for longer routes.

Average Pet Sitting Rates in Antwerp

Based on data from my years at Pawshake, here are realistic 2025 rates for pet sitting services in the Antwerp area:

Rates in Antwerp are generally lower than Brussels, which reflects the lower cost of living. The most experienced sitters — those with 50+ reviews and specialised skills (medication administration, puppy care, reactive dog experience) — command rates at the top of these ranges and are often booked weeks in advance.

Pet Insurance in Belgium

Belgium has one of the highest pet insurance uptake rates in Europe, at approximately 30%. This is partly cultural — Belgians are pragmatic about financial planning — and partly driven by the relatively high cost of veterinary care.

A standard pet insurance policy in Belgium covers:

• Veterinary consultations and treatments
• Surgery
• Medication
• Sometimes liability coverage (damage caused by your dog)

Premiums vary based on breed, age, and coverage level, but budget EUR 20-40 per month for a comprehensive policy. Given that a single emergency vet visit in Antwerp can easily run EUR 500-1,500, insurance is worth considering, particularly for breeds prone to health issues.

The Belgian Dog Passport

If you travel within the EU with your dog — and living in Belgium, you almost certainly will — you need an EU pet passport. This document is issued by a veterinarian and records your dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination history, and any other required treatments.

For travel to most EU countries, an up-to-date rabies vaccination is the only requirement. For travel to the UK (post-Brexit), Ireland, Finland, Malta, and Norway, additional tapeworm treatment is required within 1-5 days before travel. Your vet in Antwerp will know the specific requirements for each destination.

The passport costs approximately EUR 15-25 to issue and is valid for the life of the dog, provided vaccinations are kept current.

Finding a Pet Sitter in Antwerp

Antwerp has an active pet sitting community, with sitters available across all neighbourhoods. When choosing a sitter, consider:

• Proximity: A sitter in your neighbourhood will know your local parks and walking routes
• Home environment: Ask for photos of where your dog will stay — apartment or house, garden access, other pets
• Experience with your breed: A sitter experienced with active breeds like Belgian Malinois will manage differently than one used to French Bulldogs
• Reviews: Verified reviews from actual bookings are the most reliable indicator of quality

You can browse pet sitters in Antwerp or search sitters in Brussels on The Pet Sitter. We are building the most comprehensive network of verified pet sitters across Belgium, starting in the cities we know best.

Whether you need regular dog walking while you work, overnight care while you travel, or a trusted house sitter who will keep your dog comfortable at home, having a local sitter who knows Antwerp makes all the difference.