Italy is known to be one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world. Pet dogs and cats are very common in the country, and pets are welcomed in most public places. Rome is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. One of the most ancient cities in the world, Rome has had humans living in the city for more than three millennia. People worldwide visit Rome to take in the architecture, the fantastic food and the beautiful art.

Ancient Romans are known to have had dogs and cats as pets, and it is no surprise that modern Rome is one of the most pet-friendly cities in Italy. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere in Rome – the tourist sites, shops, restaurants, cafés and public transport. Rome is a fantastic city to live in with your pet pup; there are plenty of activities for you and your dog, and pet-friendly housing is easy to come by.

If you are planning to move to Rome with your pet or travel to the city for a holiday, here’s what you need to know about living in the Italian capital with a dog.

Pet parent responsibilities in Rome 

As a responsible pet parent in Rome, you must follow specific rules and regulations with your pet dog. Your dog’s mental and physical well-being is your responsibility, and you have to make sure your pet receives healthy food, adequate exercise, and medical attention whenever required. As a pet parent in Rome, here are some of the regulations you need to follow:

• Register your pet at the local dog bureau (anagrafe canina) as soon as you arrive in the country. You will need proof of identity, your tax code, proof of vaccination and microchip details to register your pet.
• Ensure your pet is vaccinated, and record all vaccination details in your dog’s pet passport.
• Pet dogs must be on a lead in all public places. If your dog is a strong or aggressive breed, you will have to muzzle your dog in public.
• Make sure you pick up after your dog.

Pets on public transport in Rome

Pet dogs are allowed on Rome’s public transit as long as they are on a lead and muzzled. Small dogs in carriers travel for free, whereas you have to buy a ticket for larger breeds. Service and assistance dogs are allowed to travel for free. If you are travelling with your pet dog on the bus, rules say that not more than two dogs are allowed on a bus at a time.

In the Metro, dogs are allowed to ride in the first and last cars only. Pets are also allowed on all long-distance and regional trains. On Trenitalia, pets are allowed on all carriages, including the sleeper car. Small dogs must travel in pet crates, and large breeds must be on a lead and muzzled in the train.  

Dog-friendly tourist sites in Rome

Rome is the third most visited city in Europe. Rome’s archaeological and art treasures attract tourists from all over the world. The Italian capital is peppered with beautiful ancient buildings and other tourist sites. Most tourist places in Rome are pet-friendly as long as your pet is on a lead. The only places you cannot go with your pet are the Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine Hill. Since Rome is a famous tourist city, it is best to visit busy tourist spots early in the morning before the crowd gets in for the best experience. So, grab a city guide and head off on your Roman adventure with your favourite pup.

Dog-friendly activities in Rome

There’s so much for pet parents to do with their puppies in Rome. The pet-friendly city is bustling with activities that you can enjoy with your pet dog. Here are some fun things to try with your dog:

• Visit Rome’s dog-friendly Bau Beach just outside Rome. Bau Beach, Italy’s first dog beach, is well-known for being one of the best doggy destinations in the country. Doggy treats and fresh water are available all over the beach. You can also find doggy life jackets for dogs that are not comfortable in the water at Bau Beach.
• Let your dog chase pigeons on the historic piazzas in Rome. The best ones are Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di San Pietro and Piazza Navona.
• Take your dog shopping at Via Dei Coronari, one of Rome’s best shopping streets where most shops welcome doggy visitors.
• Take a guided Vespa Sidecar tour around the city with your pet.

International pet transport to Rome? Call the pet travel experts

International pet transport to Italy is possible only if your pet fulfils all pet import criteria successfully. If you are planning to travel to Rome with your pet dog or cat, reach out to Petraveller for more information on international pet travel and a free pet travel quote.