Service Dogs

Italian Law on Assistance Dogs

Italy has strong legal protections for assistance dogs. The main legislation is:

• Legge 37/1974: The original law establishing the right of blind people to be accompanied by guide dogs in all public places
• Legge 60/2006: Updated and expanded the law to cover all types of assistance dogs (not just guide dogs), including dogs for people with physical disabilities, hearing impairments, and other conditions

Under these laws, assistance dogs are allowed in:

• All restaurants, bars, and cafes
• All hotels, B&Bs, and accommodation
• All shops and supermarkets
• All public transport (buses, metro, trains, taxis)
• All public buildings and offices
• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Beaches and swimming pools

Businesses cannot refuse entry to a person with an assistance dog. Doing so is a violation of Italian law and can result in fines.

Entry Requirements from EU Countries

If you are traveling to Italy from another EU country, your assistance dog needs:

• EU Pet Passport: This blue booklet is issued by your veterinarian and contains your dog's identification, vaccination records, and health information
• Microchip: Your dog must be microchipped (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
• Rabies vaccination: Must be current and recorded in the EU Pet Passport
• At least 21 days must have passed since the first rabies vaccination (if it is your dog's first vaccination)

The EU Pet Passport makes travel between EU countries straightforward. No additional health certificates or quarantine are required.

Entry Requirements from Outside the EU

If you are traveling from a non-EU country, requirements are stricter:

• Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 standard (if your dog has a different microchip, bring a compatible reader)
• Rabies vaccination: Must be current
• Rabies antibody titer test: Required from some non-EU countries. The blood test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. Check the EU's list of approved countries to see if your country is exempt from this requirement.
• Health certificate: An official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by your country's official veterinary authority (e.g., USDA-APHIS in the United States)
• EU entry form: The certificate must be in the format specified by EU regulations

What to Carry in Rome

Keep these items accessible at all times:

• EU Pet Passport (EU travelers) or veterinary health certificate (non-EU travelers)
• Proof of assistance dog status: Training certification, ID card from your assistance dog organization, or a letter from your doctor explaining the dog's role
• Dog's harness or vest: Clearly marked as an assistance dog. Italian text helps. "Cane di assistenza" (assistance dog) or "Cane guida" (guide dog) on the vest reduces questions.
• Rabies vaccination certificate: Even if it is in the passport, carry a separate copy
• Your disability documentation: Your disability card or medical letter

Restaurants and Hotels

Restaurants

Italian restaurants cannot legally refuse entry to your assistance dog. In practice:

• Most restaurants are welcoming, especially in tourist areas
• Outdoor seating gives your dog more space and is often more comfortable in warm weather
• Bring a portable water bowl for your dog
• If a restaurant tries to refuse entry, calmly explain that Italian law (Legge 60/2006) requires them to admit assistance dogs. If they persist, you can report them to the local Vigili Urbani (municipal police).

Hotels

Hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals cannot charge extra fees for assistance dogs or refuse your booking because of your dog. When booking:

• Inform the hotel that you travel with an assistance dog
• Ask about nearby green spaces or relief areas for your dog
• Confirm that the room is suitable (ground floor or elevator access, enough space)
• Request information about the nearest veterinary clinic in case of emergency

Public Transport

Assistance dogs ride free on all Roman public transport:

• Metro (ATAC): Dogs travel free with their handler. Keep your dog on a leash and close to you during busy periods.
• Buses and trams: Assistance dogs are allowed on all ATAC buses and trams. Board through the designated accessible door.
• Regional trains (Trenitalia): Assistance dogs travel free in all classes. No muzzle required for assistance dogs (regular pet dogs must wear muzzles on Italian trains).
• Taxis: Taxi drivers cannot refuse to carry your assistance dog. If a driver refuses, note the taxi number and report them.

Relief Areas

Finding suitable relief areas for your dog in central Rome requires some planning:

• Villa Borghese: Large park near the Spanish Steps with grassy areas and walking paths. One of the best spots in central Rome.
• Tiber riverside paths: Some sections along the Tiber have grassy areas suitable for dogs.
• Piazza-adjacent parks: Small green spaces exist near some piazzas, though they can be hard to find.
• EUR district: More green space and parks than the historic center.

Rome is not the greenest city for dogs. Carry waste bags and be prepared to walk a few blocks to find a suitable relief area, especially in the dense historic center.

Hot Weather Precautions

Rome gets very hot in summer (June through September), with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. Protect your assistance dog:

• Walk on shaded routes when possible
• Carry water and a portable bowl
• Check pavement temperature with your hand before letting your dog walk on it. Hot stone and asphalt can burn paw pads.
• Rest in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest part of the day (1:00pm to 4:00pm)
• Watch for signs of heat stress: excessive panting, drooling, lethargy