Emotional Support Dogs: Allowed On Italian Trains?

Italy is known for being a dog-friendly country, and this extends to its trains. Small dogs, cats, and other pets are allowed to travel for free on trains, as long as they are inside a pet carrier that does not exceed the specified dimensions. Larger dogs are also permitted on trains but must be kept on a leash and fitted with a muzzle. Additionally, a ticket must be purchased for them at half the price of the regular fare. Guide dogs for the blind are allowed to travel for free on all trains without the need for a ticket. Overall, Italy's train policies make it convenient for dog owners to travel with their furry friends.

Rules for different train companies

Rules for Trenitalia

Small dogs, cats and other pets are allowed to travel for free in First and Second class on all train categories and in Executive, Business, Premium and Standard service levels. They must be inside a pet carrier that does not exceed 70 x 30 x 50 cm in size. Only one pet carrier is permitted per passenger.

Larger dogs are also permitted to travel on Trenitalia trains. Each passenger may travel with a dog of any size – provided it is kept on a leash and fitted with a muzzle – by purchasing a ticket at half the price of the regular fare for a Second class/Standard ticket for the desired route. This applies to InterCity (IC) and InterCity Notte (ICN) trains in both First and Second class; Frecciiabianca, Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains in First and Second class and in Business and Standard service levels (but not in Executive or Premium service levels, in the Working Area, the Quiet Zone or Private seating area); and on Regional trains with the exception of journeys from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays from Monday to Friday. In Sleeping carriages, Couchettes and Excelsior carriages, the entire compartment in question must be purchased.

Guide dogs for the blind and partially sighted travel free of charge on all Trenitalia trains without the need for any ticket.

Rules for Italo

Small dogs (up to 5kg) can travel for free on Italo trains if they are transported in a carrier or "travel container". One dog is permitted per passenger, and they must be kept either in the luggage spaces or next to your seat.

Larger dogs are also allowed on board Italo trains, but they must be leashed and muzzled when getting on and off the train or if requested by Italo staff. The same rules apply for documentation as with Trenitalia. Italo offers a service for large dogs, but it costs 50€.

Required documentation

When travelling with an emotional support dog on Italy trains, you must carry specific documentation. The required documents include a dog registration certificate and a health card, or a pet passport for non-Italian travellers. These documents must be shown when purchasing the ticket for your dog and may also be requested during the train journey. Failure to produce these documents could result in a fine and you may be asked to disembark at the next stop.

The registration certificate is obtained from a vet and allows your dog to be taken into the EU for up to four months and to re-enter the UK within four months. The health card or passport should include vaccination records and proof of good health.

If your dog is a guide dog for the blind or visually impaired, you are not required to provide any documentation and your dog can travel for free on all trains.

Rules for different dog sizes

Italy's rail operators have specific rules for dog sizes when it comes to train travel. Here are the rules for different dog sizes:

Small Dogs and Pets

Small dogs, cats, and other small pets are allowed to travel for free in first and second class on all train categories, including Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, Frecciargento, InterCity, InterCity Notte, EuroCity, and Thello trains. To travel for free, these small pets must be inside a pet carrier that does not exceed the dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50 cm (or 25.5 x 12 x 15.5 inches). Only one pet carrier is permitted per passenger, and the pet must remain inside the carrier throughout the journey.

Larger Dogs

Larger dogs that do not fit within the carrier dimensions are subject to different rules. Each passenger may travel with one larger dog, provided it is kept on a leash and fitted with a muzzle. A ticket must be purchased for the dog at half the price of the regular fare for a second-class/standard ticket for the desired route. This applies to InterCity (IC) and InterCity Notte (ICN) trains in both first and second class, as well as Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca, and Frecciargento trains in first and second class and Business and Standard service levels.

Larger dogs are not permitted in Executive or Premium service levels, the Working Area, the Quiet Zone, or Private seating areas. They are also not allowed on regional trains during the morning rush hour, from 7 am to 9 am on weekdays, Monday to Friday. During this time, a ticket must be purchased for the dog at half the standard fare.

Guide Dogs

Guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired are an exception to the above rules. These dogs can travel on all trains free of charge and are allowed in the Restaurant/Bar Wagons, unlike other pets.

Rules for different train types

Small dogs, cats, and other pets are allowed to travel for free on all train types, as long as they are inside a carrier with a maximum size of 70 x 30 x 50 cm. Only one pet per passenger is allowed.

Larger dogs are also permitted on all train types but must be kept on a leash and muzzled. Their owners are required to purchase a special ticket for them, which is a second-class ticket charged at half the regular price. This ticket can be bought at any ticket office or through the Trenitalia app and website, except for online ticket sellers.

On Regional trains, dogs are not allowed from 7 am to 9 am on weekdays, Monday to Friday. On Frecce trains, dogs are not allowed in Executive and Premium levels of service.

Guide dogs for the blind can travel for free on all trains and are the only animals allowed in restaurant, cafe, or bar cars.

Rules for different times of day

The rules for travelling with emotional support dogs on Italy trains vary depending on the time of day. Here are the guidelines for different times of the day:

Morning Rush Hour (Weekdays, 7-9 am)

During the morning rush hour on weekdays, from 7 am to 9 am, there are some restrictions on travelling with emotional support dogs. Here are the rules for this time period:

• On regional trains, dogs are not allowed during this time.
• For other train types, such as Espressi (Express), IC, and ICN trains, a ticket must be purchased for the dog. The cost is half the standard fare for a second-class ticket.

Outside Morning Rush Hour

Outside of the morning rush hour, the rules are more flexible:

• On regional trains, dogs must sit in the aisles or go in the last carriage.
• On Espressi (Express) trains, IC trains, and ICN trains, dogs of any size are allowed in both first and second class, as long as they are on a leash and wearing a muzzle.
• On Frecce trains, dogs that cannot fit in the approved carrier size must be on a leash and muzzled. They are allowed in first and second class, as well as Business and Standard levels, but not in Executive or Premium levels, the Working Area, the Quiet Zone, or Private seating areas.
• On Trenitalia's Freccia e Intercity trains, small pets that fit within the carrier dimensions (70x30x50 cm) can travel for free until 15 September 2022.

Please note that these rules apply to emotional support dogs and may differ for other types of service animals. Additionally, always ensure you have the necessary documentation, such as a dog registration certificate and health card, or a pet passport for non-Italian travellers.

Frequently asked questions