A Guide to Living in Italy with a Dog

Posted on January 29th, 2024

Italy is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Europe, with many places that welcome dogs and offer them a great quality of life. However, there are also some rules and regulations that you need to be aware of if you want to travel or move to Italy with your dog. In this article, we will share some of our experiences and tips on living in Italy with a dog.

Pet Culture

With around 40.2% of households having at least one animal, Italy is one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world. It ranks first for being most dog-friendly, based on animal protection laws, the number of vets, pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, and the like. Italians love their pets and treat them as part of the family, often spoiling them with gifts, clothes, and accessories. You will see many dogs walking with their owners on the streets, in the parks, and even in some shops and offices. Dogs are generally allowed in restaurants, cafes, and bars, as long as they are small and well-behaved. Some of them even provide water bowls, treats, and dog menus. However, it is always polite to ask the staff before entering with your dog, and to keep your dog on a leash and under control.

Potentially Dangerous Breeds

Currently, there are no breeds that are banned from being taken to Italy. However, following the Italian law, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers are considered dangerous and are therefore not allowed to enter Venice. In Italy, several breeds are currently considered dangerous, such as Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog and Brazillian Mastiff, among others. In such cases, the owners of such ‘dangerous’ breeds have to ensure public safety by:

– Walking their dogs on a leash that doesn’t exceed 1.5 metres.
– Ensuring their dog wears a muzzle and is kept on a leash in public places such as the public transport.
– Registering their dog in the Anagrafe Canina (dog registry) with their microchip identification.
– Obtaining a certificate of suitability for the possession of the dog from a veterinarian.
– Obtaining a third-party liability insurance for the dog.

Pet Insurance

One of the first things you need to consider when living in Italy with a dog is pet insurance. Pet insurance is not mandatory in Italy, but it can be very useful in case of accidents, illnesses, or injuries that may require veterinary care. Veterinary costs in Italy can vary depending on the region, the clinic, and the treatment, but they are generally lower than in other European countries. However, some procedures or medications can still be expensive, especially if your dog has a chronic condition or needs surgery. Therefore, having pet insurance can help you cover some or all of these expenses and give you peace of mind.

There are different types of pet insurance available in Italy, depending on the coverage and the price. Some of the most common ones are:

– Third-party liability insurance: This type of insurance covers the damages that your dog may cause to other people or their property. This is especially important if you have a large or potentially dangerous breed, as you may be held responsible for any harm or injury that your dog may inflict. Third-party liability insurance is also required by law if you want to travel with your dog on public transport or enter some public places. The cost of this insurance can vary depending on the breed, the age, and the health of your dog, but it usually ranges from 30 to 100 euros per year.

– Health insurance: This type of insurance covers the veterinary expenses that your dog may incur due to illness or injury. This can include consultations, tests, medications, surgeries, hospitalizations, and even alternative therapies. The cost of this insurance can vary depending on the coverage, the deductible, the co-payment, and the limits of the policy, but it usually ranges from 100 to 300 euros per year.

– Travel insurance: This type of insurance covers the risks and inconveniences that you and your dog may face when travelling abroad. This can include medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, loss of luggage, theft, and legal assistance. The cost of this insurance can vary depending on the destination, the duration, and the coverage of the trip, but it usually ranges from 10 to 50 euros per trip.

One the most popular and reliable pet insurance companies in Italy is Allianz, which offers a comprehensive pet insurance plan that covers both third-party liability and health expenses for dogs and cats. The plan also includes a 24/7 helpline, a network of partner veterinarians, and a free pet ID tag.

Pet-Friendly Places

Another thing you need to consider when living in Italy with a dog is finding pet-friendly places where you and your dog can enjoy your time together. Italy is a very pet-friendly country, with many places that allow dogs and offer them a great service. Here are some of the most common pet-friendly places in Italy:

Restaurants and cafes: Most restaurants and cafes in Italy welcome dogs, especially if they are small and well-behaved. Some of them even provide water bowls, treats, and dog menus. However, it is always polite to ask the staff before entering with your dog, and to keep your dog on a leash and under control. Some of the best dog-friendly restaurants and cafes in Italy are:

– Pizzacoteca: Pizzacoteca is a pizzeria and bakery in Milan that offers delicious pizzas, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Dogs are welcome inside and outside, and they can enjoy a slice of pizza or a biscuit for free.

– God Save The Food: God Save The Food is a restaurant and cafe chain in Milan that offers healthy and tasty dishes, from breakfast to dinner. Dogs are welcome inside and outside, and they can enjoy a bowl of water and a treat.

– Fiuto: Fiuto is a restaurant in Rome that caters to dogs and their owners. It offers a menu for dogs that is curated by a veterinarian, as well as dishes for humans that are inspired by the Mediterranean cuisine. Fiuto also provides water bowls, treats, and special trolleys for dogs to enjoy their dining experience

Parks and gardens: Many parks and gardens in Italy allow dogs, as long as they are on a leash and you pick up after them. Some of them even have designated dog areas where your dog can run and play off-leash. Some of the best parks and gardens in Italy are:

– Villa Borghese: Villa Borghese is a large and beautiful park in Rome that features fountains, statues, museums, and a lake. Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park, except for the museums and the zoo. There is also a dog area, where your dog can socialize with other dogs.

– Parco Sempione: Parco Sempione is a large and green park in Milan that features a castle, an arch, a tower, and a pond. Dogs are allowed in most areas of the park, except for the castle and the tower. There is also a dog area, where your dog can run and play off-leash.

– Giardino Bardini: Giardino Bardini is a beautiful and romantic garden in Florence that features flowers, statues, fountains, and a panoramic view of the city. Dogs are allowed in most areas of the garden, as long as they are on a leash and you pay a small entrance fee.

Beaches and lakes: Many beaches and lakes in Italy allow dogs, especially during the low season. Some of them even have dedicated dog beaches or dog areas where your dog can swim and sunbathe. Some of the best beaches and lakes in Italy are:

– Lido di Fido: Lido di Fido is a dog-friendly beach in Grado, near Venice, that offers a sandy beach, a shallow sea, and a lot of amenities for dogs and owners. Dogs can enjoy a bowl of water, a shower, a sunbed, and a parasol. There is also a veterinary service, a dog trainer, and a dog shop.

– Bau Beach: Bau Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Maccarese, near Rome, that offers a sandy beach, a clean sea, and a lot of facilities for dogs and owners. Dogs can enjoy a bowl of water, a shower, a sunbed, and a parasol. There is also a veterinary service, a dog trainer, and a dog shop. You can find more information and the prices on their website.

– Lago di Braies: Lago di Braies is a stunning lake in the Dolomites, near Bolzano, that offers a crystal-clear water, a mountain scenery, and a lot of activities for dogs and owners. Dogs can enjoy a swim, a hike, a boat ride, and a picnic. There is also a hotel, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop. You can find more information and the prices on their website.

Supermarkets

One of the last things you need to consider when living in Italy with a dog is finding supermarkets where you can shop with your dog. Supermarkets in Italy have different policies when it comes to dogs, depending on the size, the location, and the management of the store. Some of them allow dogs, some of them forbid dogs, and some of them offer special trolleys for dogs. Here are some of the most common supermarkets in Italy and their dog policies:

Carrefour: Carrefour is a French supermarket chain that has many stores in Italy, from hypermarkets to express shops. Carrefour is one of the most dog-friendly supermarkets in Italy, as it offers special trolleys for dogs in some of its stores. These trolleys have a padded seat, a safety belt, and a cover to protect your dog from the sun or rain. You can find these trolleys near the entrance of the store, and you can use them for free. However, you have to follow some rules, such as:

– Your dog must weigh less than 10 kg and be clean and healthy.
– Your dog must wear a collar and a leash, and you must hold the leash at all times.
– Your dog must not bark, bite, or disturb other customers or staff.
– You must not leave your dog unattended in the trolley or in the car.
– You must clean the trolley after use and return it to its place.

Lidl: Lidl is a German supermarket chain that has many stores in Italy, mainly discount shops. Lidl does not allow dogs inside its stores, except for guide dogs or service dogs. However, some of its stores have dog parking areas outside, where you can leave your dog while you shop. These areas have metal poles with rings, where you can attach your dog’s leash. They also have water bowls and shade to keep your dog comfortable. However, you have to follow some rules, such as:

– Your dog must wear a collar and a leash, and you must lock the leash to the ring.
– Your dog must not bark, bite, or disturb other customers or staff.
– You must not leave your dog for more than 15 minutes in the parking area.
– You must not leave your dog in the parking area if the weather is too hot or cold.

Coop: Coop is an Italian supermarket chain that has many stores in Italy, from supermarkets to convenience stores. Coop does not have a uniform policy for dogs, as it depends on the local regulations and the discretion of the store manager. Some of its stores allow dogs, some of them forbid dogs, and some of them have special trolleys for dogs. You can check the policy of each store on their website or by asking the staff. If the store allows dogs, you have to follow some rules, such as:

– Your dog must wear a collar and a leash, and you must hold the leash at all times.
– Your dog must not bark, bite, or disturb other customers or staff.
– Your dog must not enter the areas where food is exposed or prepared, such as the bakery, the butcher, or the deli.
– You must clean up after your dog if it makes a mess.

Living in Italy with a dog can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, as Italy is a very pet-friendly country that offers many opportunities for you and your dog to have fun and relax. However, you also have to respect some rules and regulations that aim to ensure the safety and the well-being of your dog, yourself, and others. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in Italy with your dog, and create some unforgettable memories.

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