Moving to Italy with a pet means choosing the right city carefully. Some Italian locations offer ideal conditions for those living with dogs or cats, thanks to targeted investments in green areas, veterinary services, accessible transport, and an urban culture that is more attentive to animals. In these cities, walking with your dog is easy and enjoyable, thanks to well-maintained parks, pedestrian zones, and equipped areas. Below, we analyze the most pet-friendly cities in Italy.
- Click here to read: Moving to Italy with your pet: everything you need to know about transport
Is Milan the most pet-friendly city in Italy?
Milan is one of Italy’s top cities in many fields, and pet hospitality is certainly noteworthy. The city has 403 official dog areas, mostly located within public parks. This means one dog area for every 3,411 residents, placing Milan among the national leaders in animal care. However, not all areas are perfectly maintained: some show damaged fencing, uneven surfaces, or poor cleanliness… but where is perfection ever found?
Another strong point is Milan’s abundance of green spaces: the city offers about 18 million square meters of public greenery. Top parks for dog owners include Parco Sempione, Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, Parco Lambro, and Bosco in Città.
Milan is also one of the easiest cities in Italy to get around with pets. All ATM public transport — metro, trams, and buses — allow animals. Small dogs travel for free if inside a carrier, while medium and large dogs can travel with a leash and muzzle, paying a reduced fare. On Airbnb, there are over 1,000 pet-friendly accommodations. Many mid- to high-level hotels also accept animals, usually charging a supplement of €5 to €20 per night.
Rome and pets
According to the most recent data, Rome has 190 dog areas distributed across its districts. Some zones, like Eur or Monteverde, have larger and better-kept facilities, while others — especially in the suburbs — are a bit more critical and less convenient.
One of the benefits of living in Rome with a pet is the presence of large, accessible historic parks perfect for daily walks. Top picks include:
- Villa Borghese: over 80 hectares of greenery with paths, fountains, and shaded zones ideal for dogs.
- Villa Doria Pamphili: the largest urban park in the city (184 hectares), beloved by dog owners.
- Parco degli Acquedotti: an open, less crowded space with ideal routes for large dogs.
Moreover, animals are allowed on public transport, provided a few simple rules are followed:
- Small dogs can travel free of charge in a carrier.
- Medium and large dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle.
- Only one dog per passenger is allowed, and access may be denied if the vehicle is too crowded.
When it comes to accommodation, Rome — like Milan — offers many pet-friendly stays, with 800 listings on Airbnb alone.
Rimini
Rimini is one of Italy’s most loved beach destinations, but few know that it’s also one of the most welcoming for those travelling or living with a dog. The city boasts over 45 dog-friendly beaches along its famous coast. Many beach clubs offer extra services such as dog loungers, anti-heat sprayers, and beach toys. Among the most popular are Bagno Tiki 26, Bagno Gibo 85B, and Bagno 28, all equipped with specific dog zones.
Bagno 81 Rimini Dog No Problem: a paradise for holidays with dogs
An outstanding example is Bagno 81 – Dog No Problem, a beach facility entirely designed for those travelling with dogs. Here you’ll find:
- 92 fenced boxes, one per umbrella
- 2 off-leash areas for dogs under and over 12 kg
- Free dog training classes
- Dog gelato, grooming cabins, water fountains, and toys
- A real community of pet lovers that meets every summer
In Rimini, dogs are allowed to swim in the sea during specific time slots, ensuring safety and harmony with other beachgoers:
- From 6:00 to 8:00 AM
- From 6:40 to 9:00 PM
Access to the water is allowed in designated sea areas, marked with buoys in front of authorized beach clubs (Bagni 28, 80, 81, 82, 85B Gibo). Outside these hours, dogs can stay on the beach in shaded areas, under the owner’s supervision.
Important: the dog must be vaccinated, microchipped, and the owner must carry muzzle and leash in case they are required.
Lake Como and surrounding areas
Lake Como is one of the most pet-friendly destinations in northern Italy, ideal for those wanting to explore breathtaking landscapes and historic sites with their pets. Several villas and historic gardens have been adapted to welcome animals:
- Villa Carlotta (Tremezzina): dogs are allowed in the gardens, as long as they’re on a leash. Access to the villa’s interior is not permitted.
- Villa del Balbianello (Lenno): pets are welcome in the gardens, always on a leash and with waste bags. Access to the interiors is limited to guide dogs and small pets carried in arms or in a carrier.
- Villa Melzi (Bellagio): dogs can enter the gardens, on a leash, allowing peaceful walks among exotic plants and neoclassical sculptures.
As for transport, dogs are allowed on lake ferries, as long as they are leashed and, for larger dogs, also muzzled. This makes it easy to explore the lake’s various towns without leaving your pet behind.
Unfortunately, the only officially dog-friendly beach on Lake Como is Spiaggia Malpensata Bau Bau Beach.
