Koira mukana mökkilomalla, kuva Harri Tarvainen

Travelling with pets

Travelling with your dog in Ruka-Kuusamo is fun and easy

Our service offering has paid special attention to our guests with pets. Going for a walk with your furry friend is always a joy in the beautiful scenery of Kuusamo, no matter what the season is.

Pets are welcome in Shopping Centre Kumpare in Ruka village and Oulanka Visitor Centre in Oulanka National Park.

Local transportation with dogs

You can travel on local public transport with a pet on the SkiBus, Karhunkierros Trail bus and the Village-2-Valley Scenic Gondola.

Getting around

Dog park next to Ruka village

Ruka dog park is located along the pedestrian route winding from Talvijärvi to Ruka village. Walking distance to the park is about 150 metres from the parking lots in Ruka village and in Talvijärventie road area. The dog park is appr. 15000m2 large and it consists of one part (no separate sections for small and large dogs).

There's also a dog park in Kuusamo centre (address: Kitkantie 57). This park has only one part, too.

Take a look at our pet friendly services:

Magical Pond on koiraystävällinen hotelli

Pet friendly accommodation

Koirat ovat tervetulleita ravintola Camp Kitcheniin, Ruka-Kuusamo

Pet friendly restaurants

Potkukelkkailua koiran kanssa Ruka-Kuusamossa

Hiking and skiing with your dog

Veterinarian

In case your pet has an accident or gets ill, help is available in Kuusamo centre. Veterinary Clinic Onni serves you from Monday to Friday by appointment (services available in English). Kuusamo municipality’s veterinarian serves customers from Monday to Friday by appointment, and is on call at other times (equipment includes an X-ray, among other things). Kuusamon Eläinklinikka animal clinic also serves from Monday to Friday by appointment, and you can also see the vet without an appointment in the morning or evening on some days.

In addition, Veterinarian Elina Illukka (Villielli) serves those vacationing or residing in Ruka from Christmas to the end of April in cases of acute illness or accidents involving pets, primarily providing first aid. Elina can be reached at the number +358 50 328 4394, first contact always via WhatsApp. Prices: Veterinarian fee 100 €, from 10 PM to 8 AM and on weekends/public holidays veterinarian fee 200 € (no additional charges). Remote consultation at all times 50 €. Home visit 10 €/km + veterinarian fee. In other cases (e.g., vaccinations, non-urgent cases, ongoing/additional treatment), a price estimate will be provided separately on a case-by-case basis. The starting point for Villielli's services and cottage visits is Tahkolanrannantie 41.

Lost a pet?

Report any lost pets to the police (112). TassunTahti pet care is responsible for accepting and taking care of stray dogs, cats and other small pets.

Fireworks in the Ruka-Kuusamo region

Some dogs are scared of noise, which is why we have compiled a list of fireworks events organised in the Ruka-Kuusamo region. If you are already aware of your pet's fear of fireworks, remember to bring any necessary medications with you (in emergencies related to the Ruka area, see the contact information above for veterinarian Elina Illukka).

FIS Ruka Nordic at the end of November: fireworks usually on Saturday at 19:00
Joululintu musical play: date varies according to year
New Year’s Eve: 31 December Kuusamo centre at 19:00, Ruka village at midnight
Finnish winter holiday weeks 8-10 and weeks 7 and 11: Wednesdays at 19:00