I am a traveler who spends a lot of time with my furry best friend and I can tell you that Rome is a city that loves its four-legged residents. However, things get a bit more complicated when you step into the smallest country in the world. I am talking about the magnificent Vatican City. If you are planning a trip to this holy and historic place with your pup, you need to know the real question of whether it is a good idea. Many of you ask the big question: Is Vatican City dog friendly?
The short answer is both yes and no. You can walk your dog in the huge open area of St. Peter’s Square without any trouble. On the contrary, you cannot take them into the actual buildings or museums. This includes the famous Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Those places are strictly off-limits for our furry pals.
First of all: The Entry Requirements
You might wonder about the border. Do you need a special pass for your dog to enter a different country? Vatican City is an independent city-state entirely surrounded by Rome. It covers about 109 to 121 acres and has a tiny population of roughly 450 to 825 people. Even though it is its own country, it does not feel like one when you walk in.
Can you enter Vatican City without passport? Yes, you certainly can. I walked right over from the streets of Rome into the square and nobody stopped me to check my papers. There are no border gates or visa checks for the public areas. Vatican city entry requirements passport rules do not apply to the square. You do not need a ticket to stand in the square either. Therefore, you and your dog can enjoy the view of the massive dome without a single piece of paper.
Later: The Reality of Being Dog Friendly
I enjoy taking my dog to see the sights. St. Peter’s Square is a great place for a walk because it is so big. It measures 320 meters by 240 meters. That is a lot of space for a pup to explore! I saw many other dogs there during my visit. The square is open 24 hours a day, but it is free for everyone to visit. Additionally, it can hold a crowd of up to 300,000 to 3 million people during special events.
Though the square is open, the interior is a different story. Dogs are not allowed inside the Vatican Museums or the Apostolic Palace. The only exception is for guide dogs. If you have a guide dog, it must be on a leash and wear a muzzle. You also need to send an email to the museum at least one day before you arrive. For most of us with regular pets, the doors stay shut.
On top of that: The Famous Vatican Dress Code
When you plan your visit, you must think about your clothes. The Vatican dress code is very strict. You are entering a place of high religious importance. Guards will turn you away if you are not dressed right.
First, you must cover your shoulders. Sleeveless tops or low-cut shirts are a big no. Second, your pants or skirts must be long. They must go below the knee. Miniskirts and short shorts will get you rejected at the door. Similarly, you should not wear hats inside the buildings.
You might ask what to wear to the vatican in the summer. It gets very hot in Rome. I suggest light fabrics like linen that cover your body. You can carry a light scarf to wrap around your shoulders if you are wearing a tank top. Gradually, you will see that almost everyone follows these rules to avoid losing their chance to see the art. Plus, even your tattoos or jewelry should not be offensive to the religion.
First of all: Bag Rules and the Cloakroom
I always carry a bag when I travel with my dog. You need water, treats, and bags for cleanup. However, the vatican backpack rules are very specific. You cannot just walk in with a giant hiking pack.
The vatican museum bag policy pdf and official guides say that any bag larger than 40 x 35 x 15 centimeters must be left behind. This includes suitcases and large rucksacks. You must use the vatican cloakroom for these items. The good news is that the cloakroom service is free of charge.
You should know that you must collect your items on the same day. If you do not pick them up, the staff will treat them as lost property. Finally, they might even destroy the items after 48 hours. Do not leave food or drinks in your bag if you check it, because the staff will throw them away. Also, do not try to leave umbrellas or camera stands in the museum halls. Those must go to the vatican cloakroom too.
Additionally: Seeing the Sights in the Square
I spent a few hours just walking around the square with my pup. The architecture is truly Top Dog status. The St. Peter’s Square was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 1600s. It has a massive colonnade with 284 columns. If you look up, you will see 140 statues of saints watching over you.
The Vatican Obelisk stands right in the center. It is made of red granite and is over 25 meters tall. If you count the base, it reaches 40 meters. Interestingly, the Romans brought this from Egypt way back in 40 AD. It has never fallen down in all those years.
There are also two beautiful fountains. One was made by Maderno and the other by Bernini. These fountains are not just for looks. You can find places to refill your water bottle nearby. My dog loved the cool mist on a hot day. However, remember that the square is a heat trap. If it is a summer day, avoid the square until the evening.
On the contrary: Places You Cannot Visit
I felt a little sad that I could not take my dog inside the Sistine Chapel. It is one of the most famous places on Earth. The ceiling was painted by Michelangelo and it is a masterpiece. Inside, you must be perfectly silent. You are also not allowed to take any photos or videos there.
The Vatican Gardens are also a no-go zone for pets. These gardens cover 57 acres and are full of monuments. They have a limited entry policy even for humans. Dogs are strictly banned. Similarly, the Apostolic Palace, where the Pope lives, is off-limits. It has over 1,000 rooms, but not one is for your dog.
If you really want to see these things, you have to leave your dog at your hotel. I recommend finding a good pet sitter or dog walker in Rome. There are services like PetBacker that can help you find someone to watch your pup while you explore the museums. Visiting the museums can take all day, so your dog will be much happier in a cool room than waiting outside.
At that time: A History of Pets in the Vatican
You might think the Pope never has pets, but history shows something else. Long ago, there were no strict rules against animals. Pope Leo X actually had a favorite white Indian elephant named Hanno. This elephant was a gift from the King of Portugal in 1514. Hanno was very famous and would spray water on the cardinals for fun.
Gradually, more exotic animals arrived. There was once a rhinoceros named Genda sent to the Pope. Sadly, the ship carrying Genda sank in a storm. In the late 19th century, Pope Leo XIII kept ostriches, deer, and gazelles. One gazelle even licked the Pope, which shocked the Swiss Guard.
In more recent times, Pope Pius XII had a favorite goldfinch named Gretel. It would perch on his hand while he talked. Pope Benedict XVI was well known for loving cats. He had a cat named Chico back in Germany. However, when he became Pope, he had to follow the rule that no pets live inside the Vatican walls. Today, the rule is very firm: no animals allowed inside.
Additionally: Getting to the Vatican with Your Dog
I found that getting to the Vatican is quite easy if you use the train. Trenitalia allows dogs on their trains. If your dog is small and fits in a carrier that is no bigger than 70 x 30 x 50 centimeters, it can travel for free. On the contrary, larger dogs need a ticket. Usually, it costs about 50% of a regular fare.
Your big dog must be on a leash and wear a muzzle. You also must carry your dog’s health booklet or pet passport. I noticed that the guards on the train sometimes check these papers. Therefore, do not forget them at home! You should also avoid traveling during rush hour, which is 7 am to 9 am on weekdays. Small dogs in carriers can usually ride the buses in Rome for free, but it depends on the driver.
Plus: Tips for a Better Visit
I want your trip to be perfect. Here are some extra things I learned. First, go early! I arrived at the square at 8:30 am and it was much quieter. The museums open at that time, and the crowds start to grow fast. If you go late in the evening, the lights make the buildings look magical.
Second, look for the Swiss Guard. They wear very colorful uniforms and protect the Pope. There are about 135 guards in total. They look very serious, so do not let your dog bark at them!
Third, keep your dog hydrated. Rome has many public water fountains called nasoni. The water is free, cold, and safe to drink. I always carry a collapsible bowl so my dog can have a drink whenever he wants.
Summary of the Big Rules
To make it easy, here is a quick list of the important data points:
- Vatican Square Access: Free for dogs.
- Vatican Buildings/Museums: No pets allowed.
- Guide Dogs: Allowed with muzzle, lead, and 24-hour notice.
- Max Bag Size: 40 x 35 x 15 cm.
- Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Passport: Not needed for the square.
I think Vatican City is a place every traveler should see at least once. Even if your dog cannot see the Sistine Chapel, the walk through the square is a memory you will keep forever. The history is deep, and the art is everywhere. Just plan ahead, dress right, and know where your pup can and cannot go.
You will have a wonderful time exploring the Eternal City and its holy neighbor. Rome is full of parks like Villa Borghese and Villa Doria Pamphilj where your dog can run free after your visit to the Vatican. So, pack your bags, grab the leash, and get ready for an adventure!
Analogy: Visiting the Vatican with a dog is like going to a fancy gala where you can hang out in the beautiful garden and enjoy the music from the lawn, but the grand ballroom remains a place only for the invited guests.
FAQ
Can dogs go into Vatican City?
Yes, your furry friend can join you in the open public spaces of the city. I found that St. Peter’s Square is a fantastic place for a dog walk. You can enter this area for free without any tickets or papers. However, you cannot take your dog inside the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, or St. Peter’s Basilica. Guide dogs are the only exception to this rule.
How pet friendly is Rome?
Rome is a paradise for people who travel with their pets. I saw dogs sitting with their owners in many trattorias and cafes. Most restaurants with outdoor seating are very welcoming to four-legged guests. Additionally, you can even take your dog into some grocery stores by using special dog-designated carts. It is a city that truly loves its animals.
Can you have pets in the Vatican?
No, the official rule states that pets cannot live within the walls of Vatican City. This rule applies to the residents and the Pope himself. Though some Popes in the past kept exotic animals like elephants or birds, today the interior is a pet-free zone. Similarly, you will not find any personal pets in the Apostolic Palace.
Can I bring my dog to Rome?
You certainly can bring your dog on your Roman holiday. You must make sure your dog has a microchip and a pet passport or health booklet. Therefore, you should check all your medical papers before you start your trip. Small dogs can even travel for free on trains if they are in a carrier.
Can Muslims enter Vatican City?
Yes, visitors of all faiths are welcome to visit this historic site. The Vatican Museums are described as a place for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the St. Peter’s Square is normally open to the public and all pilgrims. A religious requirement for entry does not exist for the square or the museums.
What is the 3-3-3 rule with dogs?
You may want to verify this on your own. The 3-3-3 rule is a general guide for the adjustment of a rescue dog. It describes the three days, three weeks, and three months a dog needs to feel safe in a new environment.
Can dogs go in the Colosseum?
No, dogs are not allowed inside the Colosseum. You can, however, walk your dog around the outside of this massive amphitheatre. I suggest taking a photo of your pup with the ancient walls in the background for a great memory.
Are jeans ok in the Vatican?
Yes, you can wear jeans when you visit the museums or the church. The main requirement is that you must wear long pants. Your clothes must cover your knees and your shoulders. On the contrary, you will be turned away if you wear short shorts or miniskirts.
Concluding words
I think Vatican City is a place of wonder that you must see at least once in your life. You and your dog can enjoy the beauty of St. Peter’s Square together without any cost. However, the famous museums and the Sistine Chapel remain strictly for humans and guide dogs.
You must follow the strict dress code and bag rules to ensure you get inside the buildings. Finally, if you plan ahead and find a good sitter for your pup, you can see all the masterpieces with a peaceful mind.
