Updated for 2026 with the latest entry requirements, airline policies, and pet-friendly accommodation options across Italy.

Dog-Friendly Italy: Complete Travel Guide (2026)

Italy might just be the most dog-friendly country in Europe. When my partner and I brought our Golden Retriever, Luna, on a three-week trip through Rome, Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and Venice, we were stunned by how warmly she was welcomed everywhere. Restaurant owners brought water bowls before we even asked. Shop keepers waved us inside. Strangers stopped on the street to shower her with affection and the occasional piece of prosciutto.

If you have been dreaming about exploring cobblestone streets, vineyard-lined hills, and ancient ruins with your four-legged companion, Italy delivers in ways few countries can match. This guide covers everything you need to know to make it happen in 2026.

Entry Requirements for Dogs Traveling to Italy

Italy follows standard European Union pet entry regulations. Getting your dog into the country is straightforward, but you need to start preparing well in advance.

What Your Dog Needs

Requirement	Details	Timeline
Microchip	ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit)	Must be in place before rabies vaccination
Rabies Vaccination	Must be administered at least 21 days before entry	Get it at least 30 days before travel to be safe
EU Pet Passport or USDA Health Certificate	For EU residents, a pet passport; for US travelers, an endorsed USDA APHIS health certificate	Certificate must be endorsed within 10 days of travel
Tapeworm Treatment	Required if entering from certain countries	Administered 1-5 days before entry
Rabies Titer Test	Only required if traveling from a non-listed third country	Must be done at least 3 months before travel

For travelers coming from the United States, the process works like this: visit your vet for a health examination and get the USDA Form 7001 completed, then submit it to your local APHIS Veterinary Services office for endorsement. The endorsement is valid for 10 days from the date of the examination, so timing matters.

Breed Restrictions

Italy does not maintain a banned breed list at the national level, which is a significant advantage over countries like the UK or Germany. However, Italian law requires that dogs considered potentially dangerous (based on individual behavior, not breed) must be muzzled and leashed in public spaces. In practice, I recommend carrying a muzzle for your dog regardless of breed, as some transit operators and indoor venues may require one.

Getting to Italy With Your Dog

Flying to Italy

Major airlines that fly to Italy with pet-friendly policies include:

• Lufthansa: Allows dogs up to 8 kg in-cabin on flights to Rome and Milan. Larger dogs travel in climate-controlled cargo. One of the most reliable options for transatlantic pet travel.
• Air France: In-cabin pets allowed up to 8 kg including carrier. Connects through Paris CDG with good pet handling facilities.
• KLM: Allows in-cabin pets up to 8 kg through Amsterdam. Their pet transit lounge at Schiphol is excellent.
• ITA Airways (Italy’s national carrier): Allows dogs up to 10 kg in-cabin, which is more generous than most carriers. Larger dogs accepted in cargo on select routes.
• Turkish Airlines: Budget-friendly option through Istanbul with in-cabin allowance up to 8 kg.

For large dogs, I strongly recommend booking with airlines that have pressurized, climate-controlled cargo holds and solid safety records. Lufthansa and KLM are consistently rated among the safest for pet cargo transport.

Direct flights from the US to Italy are available from New York (JFK), Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, and several other hubs. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) are the primary entry points.

Arriving at the Airport

Upon arrival in Italy, you will proceed through customs with your dog. Have your health certificate and vaccination records readily accessible. In my experience at Rome Fiumicino, the process took about 15 minutes. The customs officer examined Luna’s microchip with a scanner, reviewed our USDA certificate, and waved us through. It was far less stressful than I had anticipated.

Getting Around Italy With Your Dog

Train Travel

Trenitalia, Italy’s national railway, is remarkably pet-friendly. Small dogs travel free in a carrier. Larger dogs require a muzzle and leash and ride at a reduced fare (typically around 50% of a second-class ticket). On high-speed Frecciarossa trains, dogs are allowed in all classes including Business and Executive.

Italo, the private high-speed rail operator, also allows dogs. Small dogs in carriers ride free, and larger dogs can travel muzzled and leashed for a nominal fee. The trains are modern, clean, and comfortable.

I took Luna on six different train rides during our trip, including the high-speed route from Rome to Florence (1.5 hours) and the regional train along the Amalfi Coast. She slept through most of them.

Driving and Car Rentals

If you prefer to drive, Italy is a fantastic road trip destination. Rental car companies generally allow pets, though you may need to declare this when booking. Hertz and Europcar both have pet-friendly policies in Italy. You will want to bring a seat cover and a safety harness or travel crate.

Italian law requires dogs in cars to be restrained in a way that does not interfere with the driver. A crash-tested harness or a secured crate in the back satisfies this requirement.

Ferries and Water Taxis

Ferries to Italian islands (Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Elba) generally accept dogs. On larger ferries like those operated by Tirrenia and Grimaldi, dogs can stay with you on the outer decks or in designated pet cabins. In Venice, the vaporetto (water bus) system allows dogs with a muzzle and leash. Water taxis are generally fine with dogs too, though you should confirm when booking.

Best Dog-Friendly Cities in Italy

Rome

Rome is a paradise for dogs. The city has over 50 designated dog parks, countless outdoor cafes where dogs are welcome, and ancient ruins with expansive grounds perfect for walking.

Must-visit spots with your dog:

• Villa Borghese Gardens: Rome’s most beautiful park. Dogs are welcome on leash, and there is a dedicated off-leash area near the Pincio terrace. The views over the city are spectacular.
• Trastevere neighborhood: Cobblestone streets, outdoor trattorias, and a genuinely dog-obsessed local culture. Nearly every restaurant has outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
• Appian Way (Via Appia Antica): Walk along this 2,300-year-old Roman road with your dog. The surrounding regional park is massive and largely car-free.
• Colle Oppio Park: Right next to the Colosseum with views of the ancient amphitheater. A popular spot for local dog walkers.

Note that dogs are not allowed inside the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, or most indoor historical sites. Plan for one person to stay outside with the dog while the other visits, or hire a local pet sitter through services like Pawshake or Rover Italy.

Florence

Florence combines Renaissance art and architecture with a surprisingly laid-back attitude toward dogs. The Arno riverbank provides beautiful walking paths, and the Boboli Gardens (though dogs are technically restricted from certain areas) has nearby green spaces that are dog-friendly.

Highlights:

• Parco delle Cascine: Florence’s largest park stretches along the Arno. It has off-leash areas, shaded paths, and is popular with local dog owners.
• San Lorenzo Market area: The outdoor market stalls are dog-friendly, and the surrounding streets have dozens of pet-welcoming cafes.
• Fiesole hills: A short bus ride from central Florence, these hills offer stunning panoramic walks with your dog.

Venice

Yes, you can bring your dog to Venice. And yes, it is wonderful. The narrow streets (called calli) are car-free, making them perfect for leashed walks. Dogs are allowed on the vaporetto system with a muzzle, and many restaurants along the canals welcome them at outdoor tables.

The Lido di Venezia, accessible by vaporetto, has dog-friendly beach sections during summer months. It is one of the most unique beach experiences you can have with your dog anywhere in the world.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is challenging but rewarding with a dog. The terrain is steep, some paths have hundreds of stairs, and summer crowds can be intense. However, the beauty is unmatched, and dogs are welcome at most outdoor restaurants and on the SITA bus system that connects coastal towns.

Tips for the Amalfi Coast with a dog:

• Visit in shoulder season (April-May or September-October) to avoid extreme heat and crowds
• Positano’s Spiaggia Grande beach does not allow dogs in summer, but nearby Fornillo Beach is more relaxed
• The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is dog-friendly and offers the most dramatic coastal views in Italy
• Ravello’s Villa Rufolo gardens are dog-friendly on leash

Tuscany: The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Region

Tuscany deserves its own section because it is, in my opinion, the single best region in Europe for traveling with a dog. The rolling hills, the cypress-lined roads, the agriturismo farms, the vineyards where your dog can roam, it is all just perfect.

Agriturismos (Farm Stays)

Many Tuscan agriturismos are pet-friendly by default. These working farms offer accommodation, home-cooked meals, and vast grounds where dogs can explore. Some standout options:

• Properties in the Chianti region between Florence and Siena often have private gardens, swimming pools (some dog-friendly), and vineyard walks
• Val d’Orcia agriturismos near Pienza and Montalcino offer iconic Tuscan scenery with rolling hills and medieval hilltop towns
• Many places charge no extra fee for dogs or charge only a small cleaning fee (10-20 euros per stay)

Wine Tasting With Your Dog

Italian wineries are generally far more welcoming to dogs than their counterparts in Napa Valley or Bordeaux. Many Tuscan wine estates allow dogs in outdoor tasting areas, and some welcome them inside too. Always call ahead to confirm, but expect a warm reception more often than not.

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Italy

Italy has numerous dog-friendly beaches, though the landscape is different from what you might find in the US. Many Italian beaches are operated as private establishments (stabilimenti balneari) that charge an entrance fee and provide umbrellas and sun beds. Some of these specifically cater to dogs.

Top Dog Beaches

• Bau Beach (Maccarese, near Rome): One of Italy’s first and most famous dog beaches. It has dog showers, water bowls, shaded areas, and even a small agility course. Entrance fee is around 5-8 euros per person plus dog.
• Bau Bau Village (Albisola, Liguria): A well-equipped dog beach with dedicated dog swimming areas and fresh water stations.
• Spiaggia di Marinella (Sardinia): A stunning natural beach where dogs are welcome. Less structured than the commercial dog beaches but far more beautiful.
• Dog Beach Jesolo (Veneto): Near Venice, this beach allows dogs of all sizes and has dedicated dog shower facilities.

Beach Rules

Italian beach regulations vary by municipality. Generally, dogs are not allowed on public beaches from June through September in most coastal towns unless the beach is specifically designated as dog-friendly. Always check local ordinances before heading to any beach.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Italy

Hotels

Italian hotels range from enthusiastically pet-friendly to dogs-allowed-but-not-loved. Here is what to expect by category:

Luxury hotels: Many five-star Italian hotels welcome dogs with amenities like pet beds, food bowls, treats, and even dog-sitting services. The Belmond Hotel Caruso on the Amalfi Coast, the Hotel de Russie in Rome, and the Four Seasons Florence are all known for exceptional pet hospitality.

Mid-range hotels: Most three and four-star hotels in tourist areas accept dogs, typically for a surcharge of 15-30 euros per night. Always confirm before booking.

Budget options: Hostels and budget hotels are hit-or-miss. Booking.com and Airbnb both allow you to filter for pet-friendly properties.

Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

Airbnb is widely used in Italy, and many hosts welcome pets. Vacation rentals are often the best option for dogs because they provide more space, a private entrance, and sometimes a garden. In rural Tuscany and Umbria, you can find stunning properties with fenced gardens for under 100 euros per night.

Italian Food Culture and Dogs

One of the great joys of traveling in Italy with a dog is the restaurant culture. Italians eat outdoors whenever weather permits, and outdoor dining areas almost universally welcome dogs. In three weeks of traveling through Italy, we were turned away from exactly zero outdoor restaurant areas.

Restaurant Etiquette

• Dogs should remain under the table and on a leash
• Bring a travel water bowl (many restaurants will also bring one)
• It is not customary to feed dogs from the table, though some servers will offer treats
• Indoor dining with dogs is less common but not unheard of, especially in casual trattorias

Dog-Friendly Food Markets

Open-air food markets are a highlight of Italian travel, and dogs are generally welcome. The Mercato di San Lorenzo in Florence, Campo de’ Fiori in Rome, and the Rialto Market in Venice all allow leashed dogs. These are great places to pick up provisions for a picnic in the park with your pup.

Health and Safety Tips

Veterinary Care

Italy has excellent veterinary care. In cities, you will find clinics (ambulatorio veterinario) within walking distance of most neighborhoods. Emergency vet services (pronto soccorso veterinario) operate 24/7 in major cities. Consultations typically cost 30-60 euros.

Common Hazards

• Heat: Italian summers can be brutally hot, especially in the south. Avoid midday walks from June through August. Carry water at all times.
• Processionary caterpillars: These are found in pine forests throughout Italy from February to April. Their hairs are extremely toxic to dogs and can cause severe mouth and tongue damage. Keep your dog away from pine trees during this season.
• Leishmania: Sand fly-transmitted disease present in southern Italy. Use preventive treatments (Scalibor collars or spot-on treatments containing permethrin) and avoid outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk. The AVMA has additional guidance on protecting pets during international travel.
• Ticks: Common in rural areas. Use tick prevention and check your dog daily.

Pet Supply Stores

Major pet supply chains in Italy include Arcaplanet (over 500 locations), Maxi Zoo, and Zooplus. You will have no trouble finding food, treats, leashes, and other supplies.

Sample 10-Day Italy Itinerary With Your Dog

Day	Location	Activities
1-3	Rome	Villa Borghese, Trastevere dining, Appian Way walk, Colle Oppio park
4-5	Tuscany	Agriturismo stay, vineyard walks, Siena day trip
6-7	Florence	Parco delle Cascine, Arno riverbank walks, San Lorenzo market
8	Cinque Terre	Coastal path walks (dogs on leash), seafood dining
9-10	Venice	Canal walks, vaporetto rides, Lido beach visit

Budget Planning

Category	Estimated Daily Cost
Pet-friendly accommodation	80-200 euros
Dog food and treats	5-10 euros
Transportation (trains, ferries)	10-30 euros for dog tickets
Vet visit (if needed)	30-60 euros per visit
Dog beach entry	5-8 euros
Pet sitting (when visiting indoor sites)	15-25 euros per hour

Final Thoughts

Italy genuinely loves dogs. It is not performative or corporate, it is cultural. Dogs are seen as family members, and Italian society is structured to include them in daily life in a way that feels natural and welcoming. After our three weeks there, Luna was eating better than she does at home, had more social interactions than she gets in a month, and seemed genuinely disappointed when we boarded the plane back to the States.

If you have been putting off an international trip because of your dog, let Italy be the destination that changes your mind. You will not regret it.

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