Pet friendly

Bringing your dog to Italy

For many people a holiday is not complete without the dog, and kennels can be stressful for everyone. Italy is a relaxed place to travel with a well-behaved dog: you will often see dogs at outdoor café tables, and the countryside is full of quiet lanes and woodland paths.

This collection brings together villas and apartments whose owners are happy to consider pets, usually by prior arrangement. It suits dog owners driving down from the UK, walkers and families who want the whole household together.

Planning and practicalities

Dogs travelling from Great Britain to Italy need, among other things, a microchip, a rabies vaccination and an animal health certificate from a vet, and they need tapeworm treatment before coming home. The rules change from time to time, so check the current pet travel guidance on GOV.UK well before you book your crossing.

When you enquire, tell us how many dogs you are bringing and their size, as owners may set limits or charge for extra cleaning. Ask whether the garden is fenced, whether dogs can use the pool area, whether they are allowed upstairs or on furniture, and whether other animals live on the property.

Many lidos do not allow dogs in summer, but plenty of coastal areas have dedicated dog beaches, so ask locally. July and August can be too hot for long walks, and in late winter and spring pine woods can hold processionary caterpillars, which are dangerous for dogs.

Good regions for dogs

Tuscany and Umbria are criss-crossed by strade bianche, the white gravel roads that make easy walks between vineyards, olive groves and hill villages, and the Casentino forests offer cooler shade in summer.

Around Lake Garda, lakeside paths and the slopes of Monte Baldo give plenty of variety, and the northern end of the lake is often a little fresher than the plains. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for dogs anywhere in Italy.

Browse the villas listed below, then get in touch to confirm the details for your dog.