Traveling Italy with Your Dog: Everything You Need to Know for a Fun and Easy Italy Trip

So if you are thinking about traveling Italy with your dog, don’t hesitate about coming! I love living in Italy with my two dogs. I didn’t know how pet friendly Italy until I got to live here day to day and started traveling Italy with a dog.

Italy’s charm isn’t just for humans — it’s a country full of pet lovers, scenic walks, and experiences that your furry friend can enjoy too. Whether you’re strolling through Rome’s historic piazzas, hiking in the Dolomites, or relaxing on a Tuscan vineyard, you’ll find plenty of ways to make your trip dog-friendly. 

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before traveling to Italy with your dog — from entry requirements and transport rules to the best cultural etiquette for pets.

1. Entry Requirements for Dogs in Italy

Before you pack your pup’s suitcase, make sure you’ve checked my guide on traveling to Europe for all the details. Here is a short checklist on entry requirements:

• Pet Passport or EU Health Certificate – If you’re coming from the EU, you’ll need a valid pet passport. Travelers from outside the EU must carry an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by a licensed vet.
  
• Microchip – Required for all dogs entering Italy. It must meet ISO standards and be registered before travel.
  
• Rabies Vaccination – Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before arrival.
  

📌 Tip: Always carry your dog’s health documents in both physical and digital form while traveling Italy with your dog in case authorities ask to see them.

2. Getting Around Italy with Your Dog

Italy’s pet laws require dogs to be leashed at all times. Italy’s transportation system is generally welcoming to dogs, with a few rules to keep in mind.

🚆 Rules for dogs on Trains

Trenitalia – Small dogs travel for free in carriers without the need for reservation. Larger dogs require a ticket and must be leashed and muzzled. Dogs are not permitted on certain regional trains which are explicitly indicated or in the café carriage. 

Italo Trains – Small dogs up to 5kg (11 lbs) travel for free in carriers without the need for reservation.* Larger dogs need a paid reservation, to be leashed and muzzled, and the cost varies. 

*While these are the official policies, we have traveled with Mishka and Lilo who are heavier than 5kg without a pet reservation. We don’t keep them in their carrier, but we do bring the carriers with us just in case. I even brought a medium sized dog on board by buying a duffel bag at the train station and putting him in it.

🚌 Rules for dogs on local Buses & Metros

Dogs are allowed on metros and buses in most cities if leashed and muzzled. Taking a dog on public transportation in Italy is simple if your dog is not disruptive and kept on a leash at all times. You’ll be okay even if not following all the rules like these ones:

In Rome, small and medium dogs are allowed. A maximum of two per bus and in the back or first and last car. 

In Milan, small and medium dogs are allowed with a ticket. They are not allowed during rush hour from 7:30-9:30 and 17:30-20:30. Only one dog is allowed per car. 

*Again, while these are official policies, we have traveled with two dogs in the prohibited times in Milan without an issue. They are small dogs so that helps a lot.


📌 Tip: In busy metros like Rome and Milan, avoid rush hour for a calmer experience, or carry your dog to avoid any accidents. 

⛴ Rules for dogs on Ferries & Boats

Most ferries welcome dogs with a small fee. Don’t forget to pay for your dog’s ticket when you book your own ticket. 

Bring the EU pet passport or Animal Health Certificate. 

Dogs are not allowed in inside passenger areas, cabin— unless those designated for dogs— and cafe/restaurant area. 

Leash and muzzle rules apply. Clean up after your dog. 


📌 Tip:  Don’t forget your dog’s life vest when on a boat!

✈ Rules for dogs on Flights in Italy

To travel inside of Italy with your dog on a plane, domestic airlines like ITA Airways allow small dogs in cabin up to 12kg with carrier for €73. Larger dogs may need to travel in the hold. Always book in advance.

While Italy did pass new rules that seemed to open the door for air travel for any pet over 22lbs, they won’t make a difference. The rules left it up to each individual airline to decide their own policies on pet travel restrictions. Hopefully we can see changes in the future, but for now, if you have a bigger dog, opt for other modes of transportation.


📌 Tip: Check my guide to help you travel on a plane with your dog.

🚗 Car

Driving around is easiest to be able to get to hiking trails like in the Dolomites, or move around Lake Garda. It also allows for easy day trips from Rome like to Pompeii. We love having a car in Italy and being able to be spontaneous like the other day on our way back from our hike, we saw a castle in the distance and changed course to go visit it!

If you’re only staying in major city centers, trains are the better option for you. But if you want to explore more of Italy don’t hesitate to rent a car.


📌 Tip: For safe car travel, we always buckle up our dogs with the Kurgo crash tested harness and the Sleepypod Air dog travel bag doubles as a car seat!

3. Accommodation: Where to Stay with Your Dog

Italy has a growing selection of pet-friendly hotels, agriturismo (farm stays), and vacation rentals.

Agriturismo – Many rural farm stays welcome dogs, often with large outdoor spaces. These are often the most affordable pet friendly hotels in Italy.

Hotels – Pet-welcoming luxury and budget hotels are available everywhere in Italy. There are even unique hotels like the Relais Balcone di Giuletta in Verona which gave you a special key to Juliette’s courtyard and set up dog beds for our dogs!

Vrbo – Great options if you want more space for your pup.


📌 Tip: Sometimes smaller hotels don’t have their pet policy listed on their website or even on booking websites, like Booking.com or Vrbo. If you really like a hotel or property, email the properties to make sure if dogs are allowed. Last December my dad had booked all the hotels on our roadtrip around Italy forgetting about Mishka and Lilo. I called the ones who didn’t explicitly say they were pet friendly and we only had to rebook one.

4. Dining Out with Dogs

One of the joys of Italy is its food! There are so many amazing Italian restaurants, regional foods, and even international food options, so of course you might be wondering if dogs are allowed in restaurants in Italy. Good news is they are! Here are the basics for going to restaurants with your dog:

Outdoor seating is always fine, which is especially nice during the spring! There are many terraces with great views you can enjoy with your dog!

Indoor seating depends on the owner but we have only be turned down once and had a table set up outside so we could still dine! 

They are also allowed in cafes and bars, just be prudent about the time and crowds to keep your dog safe at all times. 

Many Italian cafes will bring a water bowl for your dog without asking. If you do need water, just tell them “Vorrei un puo di acqua per il cane, per favore.”


📌 Tip: Make sure your dog is calm and not disruptive to others and you won’t have a problem dining indoors, especially when wanting to escape the heat in the summer. 

5. Dog Etiquette & Culture in Italy

Italian cities are full of dog lovers, but there are a few unspoken rules:

• Keep your dog leashed in public spaces unless in a designated dog park.
  
• Always clean up after your dog (porta i sacchetti! — bring poop bags). Don’t be like a lot of Romans who don’t clean up after their dogs!
  
• In some crowded tourist spots, be ready to carry your dog or keep them close to avoid accidents.
  
• Most super markets that accept dogs have special carts for them. They are free to use, just ask for “carrelo per i cani.”
  
• Dogs are not allowed on public beaches unless specifically allowed. Beaches with private concessions are up to the management. In Rome’s municipality, dogs are allowed on all public beaches for the 2025 season.
  

📌 Tip: Unless there is a sign that dogs are not allowed, you can assume they are. 

6. Best Times to Visit Italy with Your Dog

Spring – spring is my favorite season in Italy. The weather is mild, it is sunny but not too hot and flowers are in bloom. We have lots of cherry blossoms and wisterias that adorn the city in beautiful pink and violets. 

Autumn – fall is also one of my favorite seasons in Italy. There are pleasant temperatures during this time and fewer crowds, even for popular hikes like Cadini di Misurina in the Dolomites.

Summer – summer is great for going to the beach and islands! It can be really hot, especially in cities. If visiting, plan early-morning and evening walks. Be prepared for the heat and bring a water bottle you can refill at the water fountains in every city. 

Winter – winter is great for snow adventures in the Alps or Dolomites. It also brings chilly weather for romantic strolls in the Christmas markets. 


📌 Tip: If you’re can travel outside of summer, come to Italy in either spring or autumn! You’ll get less crowds and will not be dying in the heat. 

7. Dog-Friendly Highlights in Italy

8. Emergency & Vet Care in Italy

I hope you never need but just in case your dog needs care while in Italy:

If you just need a normal vet, search “veterinario” on your map and they should appear. You can also ask your hotel for recommendations.

In case of an emergency, they are called guardia veterinaria and will be available in most cities. In Rome, I normally go to Centro Veterinario Gregorio VII for emergencies. If your dog is not in immediate danger you might have a long wait. Last time we went it was €100 for a specialized neurology visit that included Mishka’s medicine.

Final Thoughts

Traveling Italy with your dog can be an incredible experience — from mountain hikes to coastal walks, outdoor cafes to charming villages. You can find so many amazing things to do and have a great time with a bit of preparation. You’ll also find how pet friendly Italy is and that Italians’ warm hospitality extends to your four-legged companion.

For more amazing countries to visit in Europe, check out my Croatia guides: general guide on Croatia, pet friendly beaches, dog friendly activities, roadtrip around Croatia, best cities in Croatia including Split and Pula, and visiting Plitvice Lakes!