Holidays with Your Dog in Italy: Rules, Accommodation, Transport and Dog-Friendly Beaches
The rules for travelling with your dog by train, plane and car in Italy. How dog-friendly beaches work and what to ask hotels and agriturismi.
In Brief
- In a car, the Italian Highway Code (art. 169) requires that the dog does not hinder the driver: an approved harness, a carrier or a divider net is mandatory.
- On Trenitalia and Italo trains small dogs in a carrier travel free; medium and large dogs pay a reduced fare and must be on a lead with a muzzle at hand.
- In accommodation, "pets allowed" does not mean "dog-friendly": always check for surcharges and areas that are off limits (restaurant, pool).
- Dog beaches are either equipped private beach clubs (with showers, bowls and fenced areas) or public beaches opened to dogs by a mayoral order.
- Always carry your dog's up-to-date health booklet with vaccinations and its registration in the dog registry.
Travel Rules: Car, Train and Plane
Planning a holiday with your dog means knowing the rules of each mode of transport first:
- Car (art. 169 of the Highway Code): you may carry one or more pets, provided they are in a cage or carrier, or in the rear compartment separated by a suitable approved net or divider.
- Trains (Trenitalia & Italo): dogs up to 10 kg in a carrier (max 70x30x50 cm) travel free in every class. Larger dogs need their own ticket (often 50% of the base fare) and must be kept on a lead, with a muzzle available if staff ask for it.
- Plane: dogs up to 8-10 kg including a soft IATA carrier are generally allowed in the cabin. Above that they travel in the pressurised, climate-controlled hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog swim at public beaches?
It depends entirely on the bathing orders issued by each town council or by the Coast Guard. Without explicit permission, many authorities ban dogs from the water during bathing hours (e.g. 09:00 - 19:00).