Summer, Italian Train Operators Allow Passengers To Bring Pets On Train, Free

Illustration of a dog in a car. (Unsplash/@thegordeev)

JAKARTA - Trenitalia, the main operator in Italy, recently announced that small pets including cats and dogs will not have to pay for the next few months.

Dogs, cats and other pets can travel indoors if they fit in a carrier measuring up to 70x30x50 centimeters. Animals must be placed in the carrier during the journey. Passengers can only bring one pet per person.

This offer is valid for travel on the Freccia e Intercity Trenitalia train. It is available to passengers traveling in first and second class, as well as on Executive, Business, Premium and Standard tickets, reports Euronews 24 June.

Railroad companies allow pets to travel for free until September 15, 2022.

Meanwhile, Italo, another rail company, also allows dogs weighing up to 5 kilograms to travel for free in the carriages.

Larger Dogs are permitted to travel on Trenitalia buggies. However, they have to pay a pet ticket price which varies depending on the passenger ticket. They should also be tied up and put on a muzzle.

To purchase a pet ticket, passengers must select the “travel with your dog” option on the Trenitalia website, app or at the ticket machine at the station before purchasing.

The ticket fee is half the price of a regular ticket for second class or standard tickets. Larger dogs are not permitted in Executive or Premium service levels, in Work Areas, Quiet Zones, or Private seating areas. They are also not allowed to take regional trains from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.

On the Italo train, larger dogs also require a ticket, with prices depending on the journey. Operators allow large dogs to travel in a "special room" next to passengers.

Pet owners are required to carry their dog registration certificate and dog health book with them when traveling. As for foreign nationals, a pet passport can be provided instead. European pet passports can be obtained from authorized veterinarians.

Where can I live with a dog in Italy? There are many pet-friendly accommodation options throughout Italy. On the island of Sicily, there are several villas where guests can bring pets. The rental site 'Villatravellers' has a selection of properties in various locations around the island including by the sea.

The 'Dog Welcome' accommodation site also lists holiday homes and apartments, B&Bs, camping sites and country houses that welcome guests with pets throughout Italy.

To note, Rome ranks as one of the best cities to travel with pets with nearly 600 hotels that welcome dogs.

How can I keep my dog safe in the Italian heatwave? With Italy in the grip of a heatwave, some precautions should be taken when taking pets on vacation.

Dogs are at risk of heatstroke if not properly cared for. Symptoms of heatstroke are heavy panting, lethargy, drooling and vomiting.

Travelers should make sure they give their dogs plenty of extra water. They should also keep their dog as cool as possible by taking walks in the morning or evening. Pets should not be left in the car.

Owners should also watch out for hot pavement surfaces and sand, which can burn a dog's paws.