Travel to Tuscany with your dog

Traveling to Tuscany with your dog is straightforward, provided the paperwork is in order: Within the EU, your dog needs a microchip , the blue EU pet passport , and a valid rabies vaccination . In Italy itself, leash and muzzle rules apply, and during the season, dogs are usually only allowed on designated dog beaches. Here you will find everything you need to know about your arrival, stay, and excursions.

Traveling to Italy with a dog

Microchip, pet passport and rabies vaccination

For travel within the EU, uniform rules apply: Your dog must be microchipped (older, clearly legible tattoos from before July 3, 2011, are also accepted) and have an EU pet passport showing a valid rabies vaccination. The first rabies vaccination can be given no earlier than 12 weeks of age; at least 21 days must pass before the vaccination is considered valid and you are allowed to travel. Booster shots given within the validity period are valid immediately. Up to five pets are allowed to travel per person. You can obtain the microchip, passport, and vaccination from your veterinarian – please allow sufficient waiting time for puppies.

Transit through Austria and Switzerland

Austria is an EU member, so the same entry rules apply. Switzerland also accepts the EU pet passport. However, while traveling, the rules of the respective country apply – in Austria, for example, leash or muzzle requirements in public places vary depending on the federal state. Therefore, take a leash and muzzle readily available and keep your dog on a leash at rest stops. Information on vignettes and tolls along the route can be found under Tolls to Italy 2026.

On the way in the car

The drive to Tuscany can get very hot. Make sure you have plenty of fresh water, plan regular breaks, and never leave your dog in a parked car. A dog blanket is handy for restaurant visits, so your pet can lie down on it.

Rules for dogs in Italy

Leash, muzzle and poop bags

In Italy, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 1,5 meters in towns and other public places . You must always carry a muzzle with you to put on your dog if necessary or upon request from the authorities. It is also mandatory to pick up after your dog – so always carry bags with you. Municipalities may impose stricter rules, for example, for parks or historic city centers.

Dogs on buses and trains

In öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln gelten eigene Regeln. Bei Trenitalia reisen kleine Hunde in einer Transportbox (max. 70 × 30 × 50 cm, eine Box pro Person) in der 1. und 2. Klasse kostenlos mit. Größere Hunde brauchen ein eigenes Ticket – in Frecce und Intercity 5 € (samstags 1 €), im Regionalverkehr 50 % des Fahrpreises der 2. Klasse – und müssen an der Leine und mit Maulkorb mitfahren (laut Trenitalia, Stand November 2026). Ausnahmen für einzelne Züge nennt Trenitalia auf seiner Website und im offiziellen Fahrplan; prüfen Sie die aktuellen Bedingungen vor der Fahrt beim jeweiligen Verkehrsunternehmen.

Accommodation and camping with dogs

Dogs aren't welcome everywhere – ask before booking whether dogs are allowed and what the extra charge might be. You can find dog-friendly accommodations on our page " Holiday homes with dogs in Tuscany" . Those traveling with a campervan or tent will find tips under " Camping with dogs in Tuscany".

Dog beaches in Tuscany

During the bathing season (roughly May to September, depending on the municipality), dogs are prohibited on most beaches. They are permitted on designated dog beaches, which are often part of a public beach area or established by the municipality. The exact rules are posted on signs at the beach. Outside of the season, the rules are often more relaxed – but even then, be sure to check local regulations. You can find an overview of the coast on our page about the beaches of Tuscany.

Our tip: Fuorirotta Beach near Marina di Grosseto

A particularly recommended beach is located in the Maremma region in Marina di Grosseto, in the La Canova district (municipality of Grosseto), on the coastal road towards Castiglione della Pescaia : At Fuorirotta Beach, more than half of the beach area is reserved for dogs and their owners, and leashed dogs are also welcome at the beach bar. During our visit, the dog area was bustling with all sorts of dog breeds; locals also like to come here for early morning or late evening walks. The shaded parking area is about a 15-minute walk away, the path leading through a pine forest. There is a separate freshwater shower and water bowls for dogs. Right next to it, the municipality of Grosseto has also established a public dog beach (Dog Beach Nord).

Best time to travel and excursions with a dog

When is the best time to take a dog to Tuscany?

The best time to travel with a dog is from March to June and in September/October: It's not too hot then and the beaches are less crowded. During the summer holidays, the beaches are often packed, and the midday heat can be stressful for many dogs. An inflatable paddling pool at your accommodation will provide a refreshing break.

Lucca: ideal for dog owners

Lucca, in northern Tuscany, is a perfect city for dog lovers thanks to its many green spaces . You can enjoy wonderful walks or bike rides along the approximately 4,2 km long, tree-lined city walls, gazing into the narrow streets of the old town. At the foot of the walls are wide lawns ideal for running and playing fetch. You'll find dispensers for dog waste bags at regular intervals along the walls, and Lucca also boasts plenty of drinking fountains.

bars and restaurants

Dogs are a common sight in Lucca, as in many places in Tuscany. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in most bars and restaurants, especially on terraces, and a bowl of water is often brought without being asked. If in doubt, just ask before going in.

Frequently asked questions about traveling with a dog to Tuscany