🐾 Ensure that your pet canine has an EU pet passport, with microchip identification, and a rabies vaccination (for at least 21 days). Bringing young pets up to 12 weeks old into Italy is not permitted; puppies over 15 weeks old with valid rabies vaccination are allowed into the country. When coming on vacation, a maximum of five dogs may be brought to Italy. In Italy, liability insurance is mandatory for dogs.
🐾 When travelling, dogs must be secured (i.e. in a transport crate, dog seat belt, or behind a barrier). During the journey the dog may not be untethered, as it could distract the driver and risk injury in case of sudden stops and cause accidents. Please note: when undertaking long journeys plan your stops in advance to allow your dog to properly water, eat, and relieve itself. Never leave a dog alone in the car – stifling heat can build up within minutes and become life-threatening!
🐾 In public places, dogs must always be tethered (a leash up to 1.5 m max) except for specific types of working dogs (hunting, herding, avalanche, and civil protection). Muzzling is also required especially in public transportation, lift systems, and in crowded environments. In Merano dog muzzles are available at the Rösch store (Untere Lauben arcades).
🐾 On public transport dogs must be leashed and muzzled and are not allowed on seats. Service animals and lap dogs (fitting into a dog carrier box 70 x 30 x 50 cm max) may travel free of charge. Medium and larger breeds must have a ticket costing 15 cents-per-kilometre or a Mobilcard Junior Pass (valid for 1, 3, and 7 days). When transiting on lift systems additional charges may apply. Further information is available from the Merano Tourist Office.
🐾 Make use of dog toilets. Several locations have dog toilets equipped with free bags for dog waste. Such bags are mandatory and after use must be immediately disposed into trash bins, also in the mountains. Please note: dog toilets do not double as general waste containers!
🐾 Livestock is often threatened by dogs. Keep your dog on a leash and maintain a safe distance from cows, goats, sheep, etc. In case of an attack, unleash your dog to enable it to escape more easily.
🐾 In restaurants, hotels, mountain huts and shelters there is no general rule for dogs. In some cases, they are welcome, at times tolerated, and in some places they must wait outside. It’s better to check in advance! In Italy, dogs are considered part of the family, but every establishment (administrative offices, restaurants, hotels, museums, etc.) has its own rules.
🐾 Do not leave your dog unattended at your place of stay or in the car.
🐾 In Merano there are designated areas where your dog is free to run around. If you have a dog with you, avoid children's playgrounds.
🐾 Local Veterinary Services: Merano Team Vet MTV (Romstr. street 278/A, info@meranteamvet.it, +39 0473 200 211), Dr. Spampinato & Dr. Frühauf (Romstr. street 58/60, vet.meranocentro@gmail.com, +39 0473 238348), Small Animal Practice Dr. Moser and Dr. Holzknecht MoHoVet (Vinschgaustraße street 9, +39 0473 200901).