Pet Sitting in Brussels: The Complete Guide for Dog Owners

Brussels is a surprisingly excellent city for dog owners. Behind the facade of EU headquarters, institutional buildings and congested roundabouts, there is a remarkably green city with a genuine canine culture. Nearly a quarter of Brussels households own a dog, and the city has developed infrastructure — parks, off-leash zones, dog-tolerant terraces — that makes living with a pet not just possible, but genuinely enjoyable.

I spent years in Belgium as CTO of Pawshake, the pet sitting platform headquartered in Leuven. I walked Brussels end to end, explored every significant park, got to know the neighbourhoods, and had access to data from thousands of pet sitting bookings across the capital. This guide is the product of that experience — not a tourist overview, but a practical resource for people who actually live here with a dog.

Parks and Green Spaces

Brussels has more green space than most people expect. The southern and eastern communes in particular offer access to parks and forests that rival anything in Europe for urban dog walking.

Bois de la Cambre

Bois de la Cambre is the green lung of southern Brussels, and without question the most popular park among the city's dog owners. Situated at the end of Avenue Louise, straddling the border between Ixelles and Uccle, it covers roughly 124 hectares of forest, lawns and tree-lined paths.

The park has several designated off-leash dog zones (hondenloopzones in Dutch — because yes, in Brussels everything is bilingual). These areas are clearly signposted and allow dogs to roam freely. The largest is in the south-western section of the park, near the lake. It is spacious enough that even on weekends, dogs have room to run without being on top of each other.

Practical tips: Bois de la Cambre connects directly to the Sonian Forest, meaning you can easily extend your walk to two hours or more by linking the two. On Saturday mornings between 9am and 11am, the main off-leash area is packed — it is the social gathering point for dogs (and their humans) across southern Brussels. If your dog is nervous or reactive, stick to quieter weekday hours.

The terrain is hilly in places, with dirt paths that become muddy between October and March. After rain, some sections are genuinely impassable without boots. The central lake is accessible, but swimming is not officially permitted for dogs — which does not stop half the Labradors in Brussels from launching themselves into it on a regular basis.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Parc du Cinquantenaire (Jubelpark in Dutch), with its 30 hectares in the heart of the European Quarter, is one of Brussels' most accessible parks. The monumental arcade and surrounding museums make it one of the most photogenic as well.

Dogs are welcome in the park on-leash only. There is no designated off-leash zone within the Cinquantenaire itself, which makes it a spot for controlled walks rather than free exercise. The wide central lawns are tempting, but park wardens enforce the leash rule, particularly on weekends and public holidays.

That said, the Cinquantenaire remains an excellent choice for daily walks. The paths are broad, the park is well maintained, and the constant presence of joggers, families and other dogs makes it a good socialisation environment for puppies and young dogs learning to navigate the world.

Access: Metro stations Merode and Schuman. Street parking is available nearby but difficult during office hours on weekdays.

Sonian Forest (Foret de Soignes)

The Sonian Forest (Foret de Soignes in French, Zonienwoud in Dutch) is Brussels' natural crown jewel. Stretching over 4,400 hectares to the south-east of the city — roughly 1,650 of which fall within the Brussels-Capital Region — it is one of the largest urban forests in Europe.

For dog owners, it is a paradise. The forest trails offer kilometres of walking through ancient beech groves, and the atmosphere is a world away from urban noise. Dogs must be kept on-leash throughout most of the forest, due to the presence of wildlife including deer, foxes and birds of prey. This rule is taken seriously: the forest shelters a fragile ecosystem, and forest wardens patrol regularly.

There are, however, a few designated off-leash zones where dogs can be let loose. These areas change periodically — check the Brussels Environment (Bruxelles Environnement) website for current information.

Insider tip: The most convenient entry point from Brussels is via the Carrefour des Trois Couleurs in Watermael-Boitsfort, or near the Hippodrome de Boitsfort. On weekends, these access points are busy from 9am onwards. On weekdays, the forest is nearly deserted and offers an incomparable walking experience. If you have access to a car, this is the best dog walk in Belgium.

Parc de Woluwe

Parc de Woluwe, in the commune of Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, is another major green space in eastern Brussels. Less well-known than Bois de la Cambre, it nevertheless offers 70 hectares of rolling landscape, ponds and meadows.

A designated off-leash zone for dogs is maintained within the park. It is a medium-sized area but well-frequented by local residents. The park is quieter overall than Bois de la Cambre, which makes it a good choice for dogs that prefer a less stimulating environment — or for owners who prefer a more relaxed walk without the Saturday-morning social scrum.

The terrain is varied and attractive. Paths loop around the ponds and through wooded areas, with enough variety to keep regular visits interesting. If you live in the eastern communes, this will likely become your daily park.

Belgian Dog Regulations

Belgium takes animal regulation seriously. Brussels, as its own region (separate from Flanders and Wallonia), has specific rules in addition to federal legislation. Understanding these will save you fines and hassle.

Identification and Registration

All dogs in Belgium must be microchipped and registered in the central DogID database. This is a legal requirement, not a recommendation, and non-compliance carries fines. Puppies must be microchipped before 8 weeks of age, and registration must be completed within 8 days of microchipping.

If you are moving to Brussels from another Belgian region, you must update your details in DogID. If you are arriving from abroad, your dog must have a valid EU pet passport with up-to-date rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel).

The DogID system is well-organised and the process is straightforward — your vet will handle most of it. But do not assume it has been done: check, and keep your registration details current.

Leash and Muzzle Rules

In Brussels, dogs must be kept on-leash in all public spaces except designated off-leash zones. The leash must not exceed 2 metres in length in busy areas. This is consistently enforced in parks and commercial districts.

Dogs of certain breeds classified as potentially dangerous must wear a muzzle in public spaces in Brussels. The list includes American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers and several molosser-type breeds. Critically, regulations can vary between communes within the Brussels-Capital Region, so check the specific rules for your commune. What applies in Uccle may differ slightly from what applies in Saint-Gilles.

The enforcement approach in Brussels is generally reasonable — you are unlikely to be fined for a well-behaved off-leash dog on a quiet residential street at 7am — but in parks, commercial areas and near schools, the rules are applied and fines start at EUR 50.

Clean-Up Laws

The obligation to pick up after your dog is strictly enforced in Brussels. Fines range from EUR 50 to EUR 350, and commune wardens issue them regularly. The southern communes — Ixelles, Saint-Gilles and Uccle — are particularly vigilant, partly because of strong resident pressure to keep streets clean.

Bag dispensers are installed at the entrances to most parks, but supply is unreliable. Always carry your own bags. This is not the kind of city where people look the other way.

Best Neighbourhoods for Dog Owners

Brussels is a patchwork of 19 communes, each with its own character. Some are significantly better for dog owners than others.

Ixelles

Ixelles is probably the most popular commune in Brussels among younger dog owners. It is large and diverse — from the Flagey neighbourhood to the busy Chaussee d'Ixelles to the quieter streets around the ULB university — but it shares one trait throughout: a remarkable density of dogs.

The proximity to Bois de la Cambre is the standout advantage. Residents of upper Ixelles (around Place Flagey and the ponds) are a 10-minute walk from the park entrance. Lower Ixelles, more urban and lively, compensates with smaller green spaces like Parc Tenbosch and the Jardin du Roi.

The terraces around Place Flagey and the Chatelain neighbourhood are generally welcoming to dogs. The Chatelain market, held every Wednesday afternoon, is a local institution where you will see as many dogs as gourmets. The atmosphere is relaxed and tolerant — the kind of place where your dog can sit under your table while you eat a waffle from a market stall.

Pet sitting: Ixelles has the highest density of pet sitters in Brussels, reflecting its young, cosmopolitan population. Overnight boarding rates here sit between EUR 30 and 45 per night, slightly above the Brussels average.

Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles is the bohemian quarter of Brussels — Art Nouveau architecture, authentic brasseries, and a community of residents who take neighbourhood life seriously. It is also increasingly popular with dog owners.

Parc de Forest (technically in Forest, but on the Saint-Gilles border) is the reference green space for local residents. It has a designated off-leash zone, and its shaded paths make it pleasant even in summer. For longer walks, the Bois de la Cambre is reachable on foot, though it takes some commitment.

The area around the Place du Chatelain and the Parvis de Saint-Gilles offers numerous terraces where dogs are tolerated. The atmosphere is laid-back, and shopkeepers are accustomed to dogs tied up outside storefronts — it is simply part of the culture here.

The challenge with Saint-Gilles is housing. Most accommodation is apartments without gardens. If you have an active dog, plan on at least two substantial outings per day. Parc de Forest and Bois de la Cambre are the two main options, and between them they cover everything from a quick off-leash run to a two-hour forest walk.

Uccle

Uccle is the quintessential green commune of Brussels. Situated in the south of the city, it offers a more residential setting with houses, gardens and direct access to both Bois de la Cambre and the Sonian Forest.

For dog owners who want space, Uccle is hard to beat. The streets are quiet, traffic is moderate, and green spaces are abundant. The Parc de Wolvendael, in the heart of Uccle, is a small gem with an off-leash zone and a surprisingly rural atmosphere for a Brussels address.

The Globe neighbourhood and the Chaussee de Waterloo provide shops, restaurants and veterinary services in abundance. Uccle is also home to several of Brussels' most reputable veterinary clinics, which is a practical consideration that matters more than you think until you need a vet at short notice.

Who lives here: Uccle attracts families and established professionals. It is less lively than Ixelles or Saint-Gilles, but from a dog's perspective, it is ideal — space, greenery, quiet streets and easy access to the best parks in the region.

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and Woluwe-Saint-Lambert

The two Woluwes, in eastern Brussels, offer a residential setting with exceptional access to green space. Parc de Woluwe and the proximity of the Sonian Forest make these communes highly sought after by dog owners.

The atmosphere is family-oriented and calm. Streets are wide, pavements are walkable, and population density is lower than in the centre. For dogs that need space and quiet — older dogs, anxious dogs, dogs recovering from health issues — it is an excellent choice. The trade-off is that the Woluwes lack the buzzy cafe culture of Ixelles or the neighbourhood character of Saint-Gilles. But if your priority is your dog's quality of life over your Saturday night options, the Woluwes deliver.

Average Pet Sitting Rates in Brussels

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

Brussels rates are higher than those in Antwerp or Ghent, reflecting the higher cost of living in the capital. Demand is particularly strong during school holidays — Toussaint (All Saints), Christmas, Easter and the summer break — and the most sought-after sitters are often fully booked several weeks in advance.

If you are looking for regular care (weekly walking, recurring day care), many sitters offer discounted rates for ongoing arrangements. It is worth asking. Building a long-term relationship with a sitter also means your dog gets consistent care from someone they know and trust.

Pet Insurance in Belgium

Belgium has one of the highest pet insurance subscription rates in Europe, at approximately 30%. This is partly cultural — Belgians are pragmatic about financial planning — and partly a response to the significant cost of veterinary care.

In Brussels, a standard veterinary consultation costs between EUR 40 and 60. Emergency surgery can easily exceed EUR 1,500. A comprehensive pet insurance policy costs between EUR 20 and 45 per month, depending on breed, age and coverage level.

A typical policy covers:

• Veterinary consultations and treatments
• Surgery and hospitalisation
• Prescribed medication
• Sometimes third-party liability (damage caused by your dog)

The main providers in the Belgian market include SanteVet, Figo and AXA. Compare policies carefully: exclusions (pre-existing conditions, certain breeds), waiting periods and annual caps vary considerably between providers. Read the fine print. The cheapest policy is not always the best value if it excludes the conditions most likely to affect your breed.

Given the cost of veterinary care in Brussels, insurance is worth serious consideration, particularly for breeds with known health predispositions. A single ACL surgery or emergency gastric episode can cost more than years of premiums.

The European Pet Passport

Living in Belgium, at the crossroads of Europe, you will almost certainly travel regularly with your dog — whether it is a weekend in the Netherlands, a holiday in France, or a family visit to Germany. The border-hopping lifestyle is one of the great advantages of life in Belgium, and it extends to your pets.

The European pet passport is issued by your veterinarian and contains your dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination history and any additional required treatments. It costs between EUR 15 and 25 and is valid for the life of your dog, provided vaccinations are kept current.

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

Practical note: If you travel by train with your dog, rules vary by operator. The SNCB (Belgian railways) allows dogs on-leash and muzzled on domestic services. For international routes — Thalys, Eurostar, ICE — check the specific conditions in advance. Eurostar in particular has restrictive pet policies that catch many people off guard. Plan ahead, and if rail does not work, the motorway network makes most European destinations reachable within a few hours by car.

Finding a Pet Sitter in Brussels

Brussels has an active community of pet sitters, with professionals available across all 19 communes. The bilingual — often trilingual — nature of the city means you will find sitters who speak French, Dutch and English, which is particularly helpful for the large expat community.

When choosing a pet sitter, consider:

• Proximity: A sitter in your neighbourhood will know the local parks, the commune-specific rules and the best walking routes. This matters more than people think.
• Home environment: Ask for photos or a description of where your dog will stay — apartment or house, garden access, presence of other animals. A good sitter is transparent about their setup.
• Verified experience: A sitter with dozens of completed bookings and positive reviews is a safer choice than a profile with no track record. Look for specific, detailed reviews rather than generic praise.
• Communication: A good sitter asks questions about your dog before accepting a booking — dietary needs, behavioural quirks, medical requirements, emergency contacts. If they accept without asking anything, that is a red flag.

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

Whether you need regular walking while you work, overnight care while you travel, or a trusted house sitter who will keep your dog comfortable at home, having someone who knows Brussels — its parks, its regulations, its neighbourhoods — makes all the difference for your dog's wellbeing. Brussels is a better city for dogs than its reputation suggests. With the right support, it can be a great one.