8 Tips for Traveling with dogs in Italy

By: Travel With Wally

Travelling With Your Dog In Italy

Moving to Italy or any other new country is a huge undertaking.  It causes a lot of excitement, stress, and pressure to plan everything perfectly.  If you are a dog owner, and if you are like me, your stress levels are a little bit higher.  Fortunately, traveling with dogs in Italy is not something to put on your list of worries.  

If you are bringing your dog with you to Italy and plan to travel by public transportation, don’t worry!  Traveling with dogs in Italy is low-pressure.  

Tuscany is a very dog-friendly province located in the northwest of Italy.  Many people have sweet four-legged friends and you will see them traveling with their owners often.

Something to be aware of is that it is custom here to not neuter your dogs.  You may notice that some dogs may act a bit more aggressive than you are used to.  My advice is to use care when letting your dog meet another.  

On that note, you will also have people ask if your dog is a male (maschio), and if so, may not want your dog to interact with theirs.  I have learned to not take this personally even though Wally is neutered and is not a threat in any way.  I believe that it is always better to be safe than sorry.  

When moving to Italy with your dog, there are some things to keep in mind when you travel with them.  Some may seem obvious, but I think it is important to be thorough and to make sure that you think of everything for your travels. 

It’s no fun being on a trip and realizing you forgot your toothbrush or worse-your medication. The same goes for when you are traveling with dogs in Italy or anywhere else in the world. 

In this post, you will find eight helpful tips for traveling with your dog in Italy.  I hope you have a wonderful journey with your four-legged companion.

8 Tips For Travelling with Your Dog in Italy

1. Have all of the required paperwork (i.e. EU Pet Passport)

If you came to Italy from outside of the European Union, then it was probably required that you have your dog vaccinated for rabies and microchipped.  Make sure you keep those records safe so you can use them to register your dog in your province/comune as well as obtain an EU Pet Passport.

• What is an EU Pet Passport?

The EU Pet Passport is a document that follows a standard EU model that is essential for travel between all countries in the European Union.  

It contains information and details pertaining to your pet, including vaccinations and microchip/ID tattoo, and contact information of owner and veterinarian. This is a must-have for traveling with dogs in Italy.

Your dog’s passport is valid for LIFE! 

• How do you get the EU Pet passport?

 Find an authorized vet who is allowed to distribute the passports.  We went through our region’s public health web page (USL).  You can also contact a local vet and inquire whether they provide the passport or know how to obtain it.  

Going through your local USL will also allow you to register your dog in your region, which is also required for all dogs in Italy.

At your appointment bring your dog’s rabies vaccine records and make sure they are microchipped or have a readable ear ID tattoo. 

Here is the website for our region in Tuscany so that you have a reference of what to look for.

When traveling with dogs in and out of Italy, make sure to have their EU Pet Passport in case you are asked for it.  

2. When Traveling by train, purchase your dog a ticket

If you have a small dog and they can comfortably fit in a carrier 70 x 30 x 50 cm, then they can travel FREE!

Purchasing your dog a train ticket is a responsible and required part of riding on the train with your dog in Italy. It is also quite easy to do. The price is half that of the regular fare.

You have two options when it comes to buying your dog a train ticket. You can go to the ticket window and buy it directly from the attendant (who may ask for their passport, so be ready.)

Another option is the ticket kiosks located in the station.  This is convenient and they are always open (unless out of order.)  The steps at the kiosk include:

-tap ‘add service’

– dog

-enter your ticket ID and choose your trip from the list

-pay and collect the ticket

-stamp ticket on your way to the train

You can check Trainitalia’s website for updated requirements and options

3. Public Transportation requires muzzles & leashes for dogs out of a carrier

You have the sweetest, kindest, and best-behaved dog in Italy.  I know. I do too.  But you are still required to have them on a leash and muzzled while on the train or bus.  

*If your dog is travelling in a carrier then these rules do not apply

In my personal experience, the train personnel don’t seem to mind if your dog is small and on your lap and you are sitting on your own or with your companions.  But I am still always prepared to pull out his soft muzzle if they request.  Otherwise they can fine you and require you to exit the train at the next stop.  

I have learned that it is always better to be over-prepared than under, because you just never know what could happen. Why risk it? 

4. Remember to bring a water dish and water 

This one seems pretty obvious, but embarrassingly I have forgotten to do this and have had to get creative when giving Wally water.  Usually, our destinations have places to purchase water, and cafes or delis will have small cups or containers to use for dishes, but it’s just better to bring your own.  Plus it’s cheaper. 

Hiking is a time when you probably won’t come across any water for sale or fountains to use.  So it is important to plan to bring enough water for you and your dog.  On warmer days, take frequent water stops for that sweet little dog.  

If you are in a village or city, there are often public fountains or spigots that you can randomly come across.  They are typically in piazzas where people would have come to collect water for their homes.  The fountains are safe to drink from and a great place to stop for a water break for your dog and to refill your water bottles.  

5. Remember their food for overnights, or even just a day trip (Just in case)

This may be another list item that seems obvious, but when you are packing it is something that could get missed.  If you are going to Rome and you plan on eating out, then you aren’t thinking about packing food.  But unfortunately, your Italian travel dog probably can’t share your carbonara.  

We like to bring his food in a plastic bag so that it is easy to pack.  I will pre-measure it plus a little extra, just in case we get delayed coming home for some reason.  I also bring a bowl for him. Collapsible travel bowls are great options.  

Would you like to learn about some Italian day trips from Florence? Look here for Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre.

6. Medications, even if you’re gone for only a day

Maybe I am really paranoid, but I am always thinking that for some reason we won’t be able to make it home when we had planned.  

Maybe someone got hurt, the train/plane was cancelled or delayed.  I just don’t know what will happen.  

So I recommend that you bring your dog’s medication just in case you get waylaid for some reason.  It’s another case of ‘better safe than sorry.’

7. Double check with your accommodations that dogs are allowed and if they charge extra fees.

Wouldn’t it be terrible if you booked a hotel or an AirBnB and when you arrived they turned you away because they actually don’t allow pets?  Hello stress bomb!

The first thing to do when looking for accommodations is to select the ‘pets allowed’ option that most booking websites will have.  I have used Airbnb, Kayak, and booking.com.  All three have the option to only view pet-friendly accommodations.  

After finding that perfect luxury suite in Rome or a seaside resort in Amalfi, double-check that your very friendly and well-behaved dog is welcome to come along.  This gives extra peace of mind, and if you do it via message or email, they can’t argue the point, as you have written evidence that they said it was okay. 

Some hotels also charge an extra fee for animals, and the website may not be clear on the price.  Traveling with your dog in Italy should be easy and pleasant, not be an extra stress when it comes to being blindsided with extra costs. If it isn’t clear, send a message or give them a call.  

8. Double check.  Triple check. Be prepared

Hopefully you now know a little bit more about travelling with your dog in Italy.  The biggest piece of advice is to just be prepared and triple check that you have all you need and that your dog will be welcomed at your destination. 

Keep in mind that some airlines do not allow dogs (RyanAir).  This is majorly inconvenient as they are the cheapest and most common airline in Italy and probably Europe.  So double-check, triple check, get that peace of mind for a great and fun-filled trip through Italy with your sweet dog.  

In the end

To summarize the 8 tips for travelling with a dog in Italy: It is very doable!  You don’t have to find a stranger to care for your furry friend, there is no need to worry about not being with them.  Your dog can easily come with you on your adventures as long as you do a little bit of work in the beginning.

The most important step is acquiring an EU Pet Passport along with registering them with your region.  Once you have your dog’s passport, they are set for life :).  I like to keep Wally’s in a plastic Ziploc along with his muzzle.  They can then be easily added to our packs when we are getting ready to go.  

Buy your train ticket for that well-traveled four-legged pal at the train station (don’t forget to stamp it!)  

And most importantly, have a great trip!  You deserve it.