In Italy, museums will keep your dog during your visit
Italy is taking another step towards dog-friendliness. It is innovating by offering services adapted to dog owners. Since January 2025, several major Italian museums have been offering a free dog-sitting service at the entrance. I tell you all about this great initiative here. When will it be available in France?
In Italy, 78% of residents share their life with a dog compared to only 55% of French people, according to a study conducted by Odoxa in 2024. The country is known for its love of dogs. Many Wouafer's have already gone on vacation to Italy with their dog, and all came back enchanted. Some have also shared the story of their adventures with us in the Mag'. I have added them to the bottom of this article; enough to give you a little inspiration for your next vacation in Italy with your dog.
Today, I wanted to introduce you to a small Italian revolution in the field of museums and dogs. Let me tell you that when we read the news at EmmeneTonChien.com, we almost jumped for joy. Because it is a really great initiative that meets a real need. Why can't we, when we have a dog, visit a museum like everyone else? That's exactly what these Italian museums said to themselves and they found a great solution for all Italian dog lovers or those traveling to Italy with their dog. I explain everything in detail here.
Summary
New initiative in Italy: museums welcome dogs
According to figures from the Italian Institute of Statistics (Istat), only a third of the country's residents visited museums or exhibitions in 2023: Italian museums have therefore taken the matter very seriously and have decided to offer an offer adapted to dog owners to increase the number of visitors to exhibitions and museums.
This initiative is part of the Dog & Museum Road Show project, according to the Courrier International article on the subject.
What exactly is it? The pet-sitting company Bauadvisor, the Italian version of Animaute, Rover or Holidog that we all know in France, provides hundreds of dog sitters throughout the country to look after visitors' dogs at the entrance to museums. All you have to do is book on the app and the dog sitter will take care of your pooch at the museum gates. They will look after them in VIP mode or with several friends while you enjoy the museum. No question of them being bored alone at home or in your hotel. They can enjoy the moment too. A way to boost their admissions in a simple and smart way.
A great innovation in the world of culture that we salute LOUDLY at EmmeneTonChien.com. We would have liked even more if dogs were welcome at the museum with their owners, but this plan B is already great. And then, imagine, a dog who knocks over a statue of Michelangelo in a museum and it wobbles… Or that he licks a very famous painting hanging on the wall because he thinks it smells good and that it might be worth tasting… It’s not easy to explain to our little ones that it is a sacred work and that they are not allowed to go near it…
When will the same thing happen in France?
In concrete terms, this service has existed for some time in Italy and concerns nearly 300 museums throughout the country, but since January 2025, what is new is that the service is FREE one Sunday a month for 15 of these museums. Pioneers who go even further for dog lovers.
Museums in Rome are affected, including the Ara Pacis Museum, the MAXXI Museum of Contemporary Art, the Castel Sant'Angelo and the National Etruscan Museum, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, and many other museums in Venice. Check carefully before going to the museum with your dog because this initiative will expand throughout 2025 and will involve more museums as the year goes on.
According to the website Brut , museums have already seen a 30% increase in visits during holidays and weekends. They hope to generate an additional €300,000 this year thanks to this initiative.
👋 Musher's great deal
Dog food, supplies, grooming, vacations… the cost of a dog can quickly add up. So, with Musher, we created the Advantage Card : the very first card that brings together useful discounts to save you money all year round, on everyday expenses or vacations. 💸 See the 34 available discounts
QUALIDOG accommodation in Italy
You don't know where to sleep in Italy with your dog? Here are some accommodations that have received the QUALIDOG label: you are sure to spend an exceptional holiday there with your dog. Tell them that you are a Wouafer's: they will reserve a special welcome for you; well especially for your pooch!
Italy, a real dog-friendly country 🐕
Italy offers a multitude of activities to share with your dog. From walks in the Tuscan vineyards to hiking in the Dolomites, to discovering the Italian lakes, the possibilities are endless. And many Wouafer's have tried the dolce vita with their dogs. And they all tell us that Italy is a great country for a vacation with your dog. I experienced it myself with Musher last May. We had a great time in the Great Lakes region.
To best prepare for your trip, don't hesitate to consult our dedicated articles on Emmenetonchien.com, where we share itineraries, practical advice and testimonials from travelers who have explored Italy with their dog.
Road trip in Italy with your dog : The experience of Anna and Nala who travelled more than 2,300 km across Italy!
The Dolomites with a dog : the adventure of Cynthia, Romain, their baby and their dog who left Brittany in a van for the Dolomites in Italy.
Traveling with your dog in the Italian Lakes region : Discover the magnificent landscapes of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, perfect for a getaway with your dog.
Dog-friendly beaches in Italy: A guide to the most beautiful beaches in Italy where your dog can run and swim freely.
As we've observed for the past few years at EmmeneTonChien.com, Italy is once again reinforcing its status as a dog-friendly destination by offering innovative initiatives to integrate dogs into cultural activities. Whether visiting a museum, strolling through the city, or venturing into nature, Italy and its people warmly welcome furry friends for their holidays. Ready to eat pizza and pasta? I hope this article has inspired you to travel with your dog. Share your next travel photos with us using #emmenetonchien
2 Reviews
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Very good article because it is often difficult to leave with your dog
Thanks for your articles, it's never easy to go out when you have animals.