ROME — Italy has eased travel restrictions for pets, allowing medium- to large-sized dogs to fly in passenger cabins instead of cargo holds. However, airlines are not required to adopt the change.
The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) and the country's civil aviation authority, Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (ENAC), announced a landmark decision earlier this month allowing medium- to large-sized dogs to accompany their owners in the cabin.
Dogs weighing 8 to 10 kilograms can now travel beside their owners instead of in the cargo hold.
In their statement, the MIT said, “The total weight of the animal and the carrier can be higher than the limits currently foreseen, but not exceed the maximum weight foreseen for an average passenger.”
Animali a bordo degli #aerei: si allarga la possibilità di trasportare gli amici a quattro zampe in cabina anziché in stiva come auspicato dal ministro @matteosalvinimi. Lo stabilirà il cda di @EnacGov https://t.co/fgAagCh6Wo pic.twitter.com/fimqmEsqfA
— Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti (@mitgov_it) May 9, 2025
However, there are still restrictions and rules to follow.
For one, pets must still be in airline-approved carriers that can be placed on the seats and secured with seat belts or other anchoring systems.
They should also not obstruct crew operations and emergency exits.
While cargo travel for pets is acceptable and deemed safe by most, it's not without risks.
Humane World for Animals reminded pet owners that “some animals are killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, and improper handling are often to blame.”
ENAC President Pierluigi Di Palma assures that this decision “responds to new social needs” but still “in full compliance with flight safety.”
Transport Minister Matteo Salvini welcomed and supported this decision, even posting on his social media, “As promised… air travel is getting more pet-friendly!”
However, fact-checking website The Local reported that this new rule may not be as revolutionary as they claim.
Dogs will still need to be in their carriers and tethered to seats that are about 40 to 50 centimeters wide, which limits space for larger breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Saint Bernards.
This decision only gives the airlines an option to change their policies, but does not require them to do so.
Now, the airlines are in court. Will they set new policies and pricing for jet-setting pets, or will they ignore this and stick to their current guidelines?
We'll have to wait and see before flying off to Italy!
What do you think of this decision? Do you believe all countries should also allow big dogs in the cabin?
Share with us your thoughts in the comments section!
