Start by calling your regular vet. Many clinics in Zielonka and nearby towns like Marki or Ząbki list their emergency partner and after hours instructions on their door or social pages. If your pet has trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning from xylitol, chocolate or antifreeze, a seizure, or a rapid decline after a tick bite, go to a 24 hour clinic in Warsaw districts such as Targówek, Praga or Białołęka. Take the vaccination booklet, any medicines and keep your pet warm and secure for transport. For a found stray or injured animal, contact the Zielonka City Office to learn which shelter or service is on duty that day. For public health issues, the County Veterinary Officer in Wołomin is the official point of contact. Do not use 112 for veterinary advice.

Polish law requires rabies vaccination for dogs over three months of age and then according to the vaccine schedule. Keep the booklet up to date, local vets in Zielonka can remind you of deadlines. Microchipping is not a nationwide legal requirement, yet it is strongly recommended and often supported by city campaigns. Ask your vet to implant a chip and register it in a database, for example via Safe Animal or Animal ID, so the number is searchable if your pet gets lost. Some municipalities collect a dog ownership fee. To check if Zielonka currently charges it, see the Public Information Bulletin of the City Office or call the local taxes department. Exemptions are common for adopted, sterilized or senior owners, but confirm the exact rules before you pay.

In Poland dog rabies vaccination is required by law. Puppies must be vaccinated by 3 months of age and then kept up to date, usually every year. In Zielonka the city may also require registering your dog and paying a dog ownership fee. Rules and exemptions can change, for example discounts for seniors or adopted dogs. Check the Urząd Miasta Zielonka website or the Public Information Bulletin for the current ordinance and forms. Microchipping is not mandatory nationwide yet it is strongly recommended and often needed for local records. Registration usually needs your ID, proof of rabies vaccination and the chip number. Cats are not legally required to be vaccinated, but outdoor cats should get rabies and core vaccines. Keep your dog on a leash and carry bags to avoid fines.

Zielonka is surrounded by woods and wetlands, so ticks are common from March to November and sometimes during mild winters. Ask your vet for a monthly prevention plan that fits your pet and household. Check your dog every evening after walks. If you see fever, weakness or dark urine, treat it as urgent since canine babesiosis occurs in the Masovian region. Dogs that wade in ditches or ponds should also be vaccinated against leptospirosis. In winter protect paws from salt with balm or booties and rinse after walks. Do not let pets lick melted snow near roads. In summer avoid midday heat, carry water and never leave an animal in a parked car. Around New Year use desensitization or calming support for fireworks stress and update microchip data.

You will find pleasant routes in neighborhood parks and on forest paths around Zielonka and nearby towns. Keep your dog under control and usually on a leash in public spaces, as required by the municipal regulations on cleanliness and order. Always pick up waste. Muzzles are commonly required for large dogs on public transport. If you travel to Warsaw by train, check the current rules of Koleje Mazowieckie or SKM, as dogs often need a leash, a muzzle and sometimes a ticket. For safe off leash time, ask your vet or local groups about fenced dog runs in Ząbki or Marki and read the posted rules when you arrive. In nature areas respect nesting seasons and keep dogs out of water with waterfowl.

The town has many green areas and forest paths. Most public spaces require you to keep your dog under control, which usually means a leash in parks, playgrounds and near schools. Forest walks are fine when your dog stays close and does not chase wildlife. During bird nesting season some paths have extra restrictions, so read posted signs. Some swimming spots limit dogs. Always carry bags and a light for evening walks. If you use public transport toward Warsaw, many carriers ask for a muzzle for larger dogs and a ticket. For official rules and any dog park updates, check announcements from Urząd Miasta Zielonka and local notice boards.

Many residents adopt through Warsaw shelters and local rescue groups. Start by visiting a shelter to meet animals and talk about your lifestyle. Most organizations use a questionnaire, a home check and an adoption contract. Fees and waiting times differ, so ask what is included such as microchip, rabies vaccine, deworming and spay or neuter. To avoid scams choose groups that are registered in Poland and issue written agreements. Urząd Miasta Zielonka sometimes shares partner shelters and adoption events on its website and social channels. After adoption book a vet visit in Zielonka to review health and update the chip to your name. If you find a stray, notify the City Office and nearby clinics that can scan for a chip.