I have always believed that a vacation is not a real vacation if the whole family is not there. For me, that includes my four-legged best friend. Italy is a dream for many travelers, but it is also a paradise for dogs. I want to share my journey through the land of pasta and history to help you find the Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Italy. It is a country where pets are treated with genuine respect and dignity. Actually, a global study found that 56% of people now own a pet. This change means that travel is becoming more inclusive. We are entering the era of the Pawprint Economy, where pets are treated as real beings instead of just accessories.
Preparing for the Italian Adventure
I learned very quickly that a smooth trip starts with a lot of paperwork. First of all, you must ensure your pet has a working microchip. My vet told me that the 15-digit microchip must be ISO-compliant. You should get this done before the rabies shot. If you do it the other way around, the vaccination does not count for European travel. Later, my dog received an up-to-date rabies vaccination. You must wait at least 21 days after this shot before you can travel.
Additionally, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if you are coming from the United Kingdom. It is your pet’s passport to Europe. Official Veterinarians must issue this document within 10 days of your departure. On top of that, your dog needs a tapeworm treatment 24 to 120 hours before you return home. If you are coming from the United States, you need a USDA-endorsed health certificate. Though it sounds like a lot of work, it is manageable once you have a checklist.
Getting There: New Freedoms in the Sky
I was so happy to hear that Italy started allowing large dogs to travel in the cabin in May 2025. Before that time, medium and large dogs had to stay in the aircraft hold. Now, the Italian aviation authority, ENAC, has made things much more flexible. I flew with ITA Airways, and they were wonderful. For domestic flights, they allow dogs up to 10 kilograms plus a 2-kilogram carrier. It cost me about 73 Euros for a domestic trip.
However, you should book early because space for pets in the cabin is limited. Similarly, airlines like Neos Air and Air Dolomiti have their own rules. Neos Air accepts pets up to 10 kilograms including the carrier. I found that the carrier must be soft and fit under the seat. If your dog is calm, you can enjoy the flight together. Therefore, you do not have to worry about your baby being alone in the cargo hold.
Rome: Luxury and History for Two
My first stop was Rome. It is a city that loves dogs. I stayed at the Portrait Roma, which is definitely one of the dog friendly hotels italy has to offer. It is a five-star hotel right near the Spanish Steps. The staff treated my dog like a king. They gave him a personalized medal when we arrived. He also got a welcome kit with toys and a luxurious kennel with a soft cashmere blanket.
Additionally, they have a tailor-made menu for pets. I did not have to leave him behind to see the sights. Most monuments like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain are reachable on foot with your pet. I also found italian dog friendly restaurants everywhere in the capital. A favorite was Da Remo and another was Gelateria del Teatro. People in Rome rarely turn you away if you have a dog. Plus, you can even take your dog into many bars and pharmacies.
Later, I visited the Dog Relais hotel at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. It is an amazing innovation. It is a luxury hotel just for dogs at the airport. They have standard rooms for 40 Euros that include temperature-controlled floors and private gardens. For 60 or 70 Euros, you can get a premium room with video call capabilities. They even play ambient music at 432 hertz to help the dogs relax. It is perfect if you need a place for your pet to stay while you navigate the busy airport.
Tuscany: A Paradise of Agriturismos
Gradually, I moved north to Tuscany. This region is famous for its agriturismos, which are working farms that rent rooms or apartments. I found that two out of three farms in this region welcome dogs. It is an ideal place because there is so much space to run around.
First of all, I visited Agriturismo Metina in Siena. It is a beautiful farm stay surrounded by vineyards. It is one of the Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Italy if you are on a budget. Rooms start around 110 Dollars. They do not charge an extra fee for dogs. They provided a gift basket, blankets, and towels for my pup. They even offer dog sitting and training lessons for 20 Euros. My dog loved the large fenced area where he could run safely.
However, if you want pure luxury, you should look at Castiglion del Bosco. It is a Rosewood Hotel that costs over 1,000 Dollars a night. Pets stay for free here on request. Another mid-range gem is Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort in Florence. It costs about 124 Dollars. My dog was allowed to join me on the terrace for meals. The backyard is huge and perfect for exploring.
Similarly, I stopped at Montebelli Agriturismo & Country Hotel. It is an eco-friendly resort in Grosseto. It is very affordable at 102 Dollars. They allow up to two dogs per room for free. The location is spectacular and perfect for carefree walks in nature. I also checked out Agriturismo Il Sole Verde in Arezzo. It has multiple villas and plenty of space for pets to roam. They even have sitters and special food available.
Finally, I must mention Hotel Borgo di Cortefreda in Florence. They have dog beds, bowls, and treats ready in the room when you arrive. They even provide dog sunbeds and welcome gifts. The staff is so kind and even prepares tailored meals for dogs. Therefore, it is a completely stress-free experience for any pet parent.
Moving South: The Amalfi Coast and Beyond
On top of that, the Amalfi Coast has become much more welcoming to pets. I stayed at Hotel Margherita in Praiano. They have a resident mascot named Frida who helps choose the best options for furry guests. They reserve Pet-Friendly Rooms that have a small outdoor garden for exclusive use. You can buy a Margherita Pet Box which includes a ball, bowl, and a dental bone.
Additionally, dogs are welcome in the large garden areas and on the rooftop restaurant terrace. I took my dog for a walk in the Vallone delle Ferriere, which is a 3-kilometer route through woods and streams. It was breathtaking. Later, we visited the village of Atrani, which is very authentic and quiet. You can even take your dog to Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone in Ravello if you use a leash and have waste bags.
I also looked into the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel. They allow dogs up to 25 kilograms. They charge 50 Euros per pet per night. They include a pet mat and food bowls in the rate. However, pets are not allowed to be alone in the room or in the common food areas like the pool or private beach. There is a veterinarian just 10 minutes away in Minori if you have an emergency.
Dining Out with Your Dog
I never felt left out when it was time to eat. Dogs are welcome almost anywhere in Italy, especially inside restaurants. I can not remember ever being turned away. My favorite italian dog friendly restaurants include Osteria Piazzetta delle Erbe in Assisi and Bam Bar in Taormina. Plus, you must try the pizza at Da Michele in Naples or Pizzeria Assaje in Bergamo.
On the contrary, the only places where you usually will not see dogs are churches and supermarkets. Some grocery stores are changing their rules, though. Some neighborhoods now have special carts so you can take small dogs inside. I even saw people in Sicily getting free meat scraps from local butchers for their pups. Therefore, you should always keep your dog on a leash and be respectful of other diners.
Splashing at the Dog Beaches
Italy has some of the best dog beaches in the world. These are specially landscaped areas where dogs can run free. I visited Bau Bau Beach in Liguria. It is fully equipped with space for playing and relaxing. Another famous spot is La Spiaggia di Pluto in Veneto. They have sun loungers for both owners and dogs, plus a doggy playground.
Additionally, Doggy Beach in Lignano Sabbiadoro has a swimming pool for dogs. I also found Baubeach near Rome, which has an ecological philosophy. Most of these beaches require your dog to be vaccinated and have a flea collar. Therefore, I recommend bringing a blanket and avoiding the hottest hours of the day to prevent overheating. Finally, always rinse your dog with fresh water after they swim in the sea to remove salt from their coat
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the most dog friendly place in France?
France is part of the European Union, so it follows the same pet travel rules as Italy.
Which hotel chain is the most dog friendly?
AKA Hotels is a great choice for pet parents. This chain launched a Canine Club in April 2025. They give pets welcome notes, toys, and special beds. Plus, they offer a guide to the best local parks. Similarly, the Lungarno Collection has many luxury pet-friendly spots in Rome and Florence.
What is the most dog-friendly city in Italy?
Venice is possibly the most dog-friendly place in the whole country. You will see dogs of every size on the water buses. These rides are free for your pet. You can even find a gondolier who will take your dog on a gondola ride.
Is Italy very dog-friendly?
Italy is very welcoming. Dogs go almost anywhere with their owners. They are welcome on public transit and in many hotels. People in the south often give pets food samples in shops.
Can dogs go in restaurants in Italy?
Yes. Dogs are welcome inside Italian dog friendly restaurants. A traveler named Gigi spent six months there and was never turned away. However, some very fancy places might have different rules.
Can dogs fly in cabin in Italy?
Italy now allows medium and large dogs to fly in the passenger cabin. This rule started in May 2025. ITA Airways and Neos Air are some of the first to offer these flexible pet policies.
Is it okay to leave a dog at a pet hotel?
It is a great option. Dog Relais at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport is a luxury hotel for pets. They have standard rooms with private gardens for around €40. On top of that, they play music at 432 hertz to keep dogs calm.
How to travel with a 70 lb dog?
You can use a specialized kennel if the dog must go in the aircraft hold. A golden retriever named Leon traveled this way. The kennel had double locks and aluminum sides for safety. Later, the staff at Milan Linate checked the kennel with a metal detector before the flight.
Is Milan dog friendly?
Milan is very dog-friendly. Most places allow pets to enter. However, some supermarkets and gyms in the city might still prohibit dogs.
Can I bring my dog to Italy on vacation?
You can certainly bring your pet. First of all, you need a microchip and a rabies vaccine. You also must get an Animal Health Certificate or a pet passport.
Concluding words
Italy is a dream for pet owners who want to travel with their furry friends. You can find Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Italy for any price range. Luxury spots like Portrait Roma treat dogs like royalty with cashmere blankets and personalized medals. At that time, budget-friendly farms like Montebelli allow pets to stay for free while you enjoy nature.
You can eat at many Italian dog friendly restaurants without any trouble. Additionally, new flight rules mean your dog might even sit next to you on the plane. Just remember to handle the paperwork early so your trip is stress-free. It is time to pack the leash and head to Italy.
