I recently took a trip through Italy with my furry best friend. It was an amazing experience. Italy is one of the most dog-friendly places in the world. You can find dogs in shops, on buses, and even inside fancy restaurants. I want to share my journey through Florence and Venice with you. This guide will help you plan your own adventure.
Getting Ready for the Trip
First of all, you must handle the legal paperwork. Your dog needs a microchip that follows ISO standards. He also needs a valid rabies vaccine. You must wait at least 21 days after the first vaccine before you can enter the country. Additionally, an authorized vet must sign an International Health Certificate. Do not forget that this form is only valid for a short time. Therefore, you must plan your vet visit close to your flight date.
The rules in Italy for public spaces are very clear. You must always use a leash that is not longer than 150 centimetres in urban areas. You should also carry a muzzle at all times. Though I rarely had to use one, local authorities can ask you to put it on your dog for safety. Plus, you are responsible for any damage your dog might cause. Always carry poop bags. It is the law. If your dog has an accident on a building, you should wash it away with a bottle of water. Simple manners. Great results.
The Joy of Dining Out
Italian Cuisine with Your Dog is easy because most places allow pets inside. I was never turned away from a restaurant during my six-month stay. However, it is always polite to ask the waiter before you sit down. If the weather is nice, many owners prefer that you sit outside. I often found that my dog was treated like a king. Some cafes even gave him a fresh bowl of water from a glass bottle.
I have tried many places, but Florence and Venice have some of the best spots. Before I tell you about them, I should mention how to talk to locals. If you want to know how do you say my dog in italian, you say “il mio cane”. If you see someone else with a pet, you might ask do you have a dog in italian by saying “Hai un cane?”. It is a great way to make new friends.
Florence: A Feast for Six Legs
Florence is a beautiful city with narrow streets and old buildings. I stayed in a lovely dog-friendly hotel there. Did you know that about 43% of hotels in Florence allow dogs? That is a high number. First of all, I went on the “Six Legs Walking Tour of Florence”. This tour is perfect for pet owners. We saw the Brunelleschi Dome and the Giotto Bell Tower. Later, we visited the Straw Market. My dog loved the sights and smells of the city.
We also took a horse-drawn carriage ride. Small dogs can sit right in the carriage with you. It is a very romantic way to see the city. If you want to get out of the busy centre, I suggest visiting a farm. We went to a place called Truffle in Tuscany. It is near Florence in a town called San Miniato. My dog learned about the Lagotto Romagnolo, which is a famous Italian truffle-hunting breed. We walked through the forest and looked for white truffles.
For a place to stay, I highly recommend an agriturismo. I spent some time at Agriturismo Ai Massi. It is 100% pet friendly. They even have a solarium for dogs by the pool! They gave my dog a bag of biscuits with his name on it. They also provide stainless steel bowls and mats in the rooms. It felt like a true home. On top of that, there are ten hectares of woods to explore.
Venice: Canals and Canine Comfort
Venice is a unique city because there are no cars. This makes it a very quiet place for a dog who is afraid of loud engines. We used the water taxis and the Vaporetto water buses to get around. Dogs ride for free on the Vaporetto. However, these boats can get very crowded in the afternoon. I found it was better to walk through the backstreets to avoid the tourists.
We took a romantic gondola ride down the Grand Canal. Most gondola owners are happy to have a dog on board. My dog sat quietly and watched the water. We also visited Caffè Florian in St. Mark’s Square. It opened in 1720 and is the oldest cafe in Europe. They served me a great coffee and gave my dog his own water bowl. It was a very posh experience.
If your dog needs to run, head to the Giardini della Biennale. It is a large park with plenty of shade. Similarly, you can visit the pet section of Lido Beach. My dog loved dipping his paws in the Adriatic Sea. For a place to stay, Palazzo Barocci is a historic hotel right on the Grand Canal. It has a walled garden where your dog can take a nap under an umbrella.
Specialized Dining for Dogs
If you want a truly special meal, you must visit a restaurant just for dogs. In Rome, there is a place called Fiuto. It is Italy’s first restaurant for canine companions. They have a menu designed by a vet nutritionist. Your dog can choose from a chicken, fish, beef, or veggie bowl. For dessert, they have doggy cakes and cheese biscuits.
The staff at Fiuto are very attentive. They serve the food in designer bowls. They even have screens between the tables. This is because most dogs do not like to share their dinner. My dog had the chicken nuggets with mashed potatoes. He licked the plate clean. Prices usually range from 8 to 20 Euros depending on the size of the dog. It is a great place for a birthday party.
What are Italian Dogs?
You might wonder, what are italian dogs exactly? Italy has many native breeds. The Lagotto Romagnolo is great at finding truffles. The Italian Greyhound is very elegant and looks great in a designer coat. In the mountains, you will find the St. Bernard. Even the Maltese and Maremma Sheepdog have deep roots here. Dogs have been a part of Italian culture for a long time.
In the Renaissance era, famous artists like Paolo Veronese included dogs in their paintings. You can see two greyhounds in his painting The Wedding Feast at Cana. He painted them with a lot of personality. Wealthy families in the past used dogs to show their high social status. Today, dogs are still a big part of the Italian family.
Safety and Nutrition
While you enjoy Italian Cuisine with Your Dog, you must be careful about what he eats. Some human foods are very dangerous. For example, tomato sauce is often unsafe. It usually contains onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs. These ingredients can cause a condition called hemolytic anemia. High salt content is also a risk for kidney health.
Many people ask if dogs can eat Parmesan cheese. It is known as the “king of cheeses”. While it is not toxic, it is very high in salt and fat. A tiny piece is okay, but too much can lead to obesity or heart problems. Plus, some dogs are lactose intolerant. If your dog steals a large block of cheese, he might get salt toxicity. Symptoms include weakness and tremors.
Pasta is another popular food. It is not toxic, but it is high in carbohydrates. A regular diet of pasta can make a dog overweight. If you want to give your dog a treat, it is better to use oat or rice flour. I found a great recipe for Cheesy Italian Pup Cakes. You use oat flour, eggs, cream cheese, and fresh basil. It is a much healthier choice for a holiday treat.
A Global Love for Italian Food
My love for Italian food started long before this trip. Back home, I used to search for the best italian restaurant in dhaka. I often visited an italian restaurant uttara to get my fix of pasta. I even bought a fancy italiano dinner set to use at home. However, nothing compares to the real thing in Italy. The quality of the ingredients is amazing.
The Italian food dhaka serves is good, but the experience in Florence is different. I wish there were more places with italian food in bangladesh that allowed dogs inside. It brings a sense of community to the meal. People talk to each other more when there is a dog around. It really helps with the “dolce vita” lifestyle.
Public Transport and Trains
Gradually, you will need to move between cities. Dogs are welcome on most public transport in Italy. On Trenitalia trains, small dogs in a carrier can travel for free. Larger dogs need a leash and a muzzle. You also have to buy a special dog ticket for them. These tickets are usually quite cheap, around 5 Euros.
However, some private train companies like Italo can be more difficult. I heard that you can not always buy a dog ticket with a discounted fare. It is better to use the main national train line. On the metro in Rome, you should sit in the first or last carriage with your dog. Always check the local rules as they can change between cities.
Tips for a Happy Dog
To make your trip perfect, you should follow some simple rules. First of all, do not let your dog approach children without asking the parents. Similarly, do not let your dog jump on other diners. A well-behaved dog is always a popular dog. If your dog gets stressed in crowded places, it is better to leave him at the hotel for a few hours.
Many hotels offer dog-walking services if you need to go to a museum. I also found that some shops in Italy allow dogs to sit in the shopping trolleys! This was a very funny sight. If you are looking for healthy commercial food while you are there, look for ItalianWay. It is made with Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes, and rosemary. It is a great way to keep your dog healthy on the road.
FAQ
Can dogs go to restaurants in Italy?
Yes, dogs are welcome in almost all Italian restaurants and cafes, including indoor dining areas. While some smaller venues like bakeries may have “no dogs” signs, it is standard practice to check with the waiter before being seated.
What is the 90/10 rule for dogs?
According to the ASPCA, complete dog food should make up 90% of a dog’s daily nutritional allowance, while treats should account for the remaining 10%.
Is Italy very dog friendly?
Italy is considered one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, with relaxed rules compared to many other destinations. Dogs are frequently permitted on public transport, in hotels, and inside various shops.
Is Milan dog friendly?
Milan is very accommodating for pets, featuring dog-friendly shopping centres like Il Centro and public parks with fenced runs. Dogs are also allowed on Milan’s trams, buses, and metro lines.
Are dogs allowed in supermarkets in Italy?
Generally, dogs are not permitted in supermarkets, but there are exceptions. Some stores, such as Eataly in Genoa, allow dogs at the owner’s side, and some Italian supermarkets even provide trolleys with specific dog compartments.
What is the pet culture in Italy?
Italy has a deep-rooted affection for dogs, often treating them as essential members of the family. This culture is reflected in the high level of access pets have to public spaces, including historical landmarks and high-end boutiques.
Concluding words
Venice and Florence offer exceptional culinary experiences for travellers and their dogs. In Venice, you can enjoy a coffee at the historic Caffè Florian while your pet is served fresh water, or take a dog-friendly gondola ride through the canals. Florence provides unique opportunities like the Six Legs Walking Tour and visits to the Mercato Centrale, where dogs are welcomed into the vibrant food court atmosphere. These cities demonstrate Italy’s inclusive pet culture, making it easy to share gourmet moments and local delicacies with your canine companion.
