Rick Steves, the well-known travel expert and host of Rick Steves' Europe, is primarily recognized for his expertise in travel, particularly in Europe. While his main focus is on helping travelers explore the cultural and historical richness of European destinations, Steves often integrates his love of animals, particularly dogs, into his travel philosophy and his show. He believes that animals are an important part of the local culture and can provide unique insights into the places he visits. Rick Steves promotes travel with a sense of cultural respect and mindfulness, and that extends to how we treat animals. He advocates for travelers to be conscious of the ethical treatment of animals while traveling, whether that’s supporting animal welfare practices, avoiding exploitative wildlife tourism, or considering how animals are incorporated into local economies and traditions.
Steves’ shows and travel guides touch on destinations or experiences that involve animals. For instance, in some of his European travel series, he has visited places that are home to animals, like the Swiss Alps where working dogs are part of farming life, or cities like Florence where dogs are a common sight in cafes and restaurants and in cities and islands across Greece, and other Mediterranean countries where cats are a visible part of the landscape and a cherished feature of the culture , adding to the charming atmosphere of the region.
He’s also focused on animal-related cultural events, such as festivals celebrating animals, traditional farming practices involving animals, or visiting places that promote animal conservation or welfare. This reflects his broader view that travel is about understanding the human-animal connection and the role animals play in different societies
He emphasizes the importance of respecting animals, whether that means learning about the ways dogs are integrated into European society or providing advice for travelers who want to bring their pets along. His love of animals helps deepen his view that travel is about connecting with people, cultures, and the world around us—animals included.
From the herding dogs in the Swiss Alps to the stray cats of the Mediterranean, Steves highlights the ways animals—particularly dogs and cats—are integrated into the daily life and cultural heritage of the places he visits. His approach emphasizes the human-animal connection, showing how pets, working animals, and strays are an important part of the cultural fabric in many of the regions he covers.
