Published on
September 29, 2025
Italy has become the first country in Europe to lift restrictions on the commercial cabin travel of medium and large dogs, a revolutionary step for both pet owners and travellers. Effective from September 23, 2025, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has issued a new regulation whereby dogs weighing over 10 kg will not have to be checked in, unlike the previous policy, which considered larger pets only for cargo. This policy change, which is in response to continuing calls for more pet-friendly travel, helps further accessible air travel to pet owners.
Italy Leads the Way in Pet-Friendly Air Travel
This change was announced by Transport Minister Matteo Salvini at the Italian Pet Summit 2025 and celebrated with an inaugural ITA Airways flight from Milan to Rome. The policy allows medium and large dogs to travel in certified carriers that are securely fastened to a purchased seat, ensuring both pet comfort and safety for other passengers. To maintain safety standards, the total weight of the dog and carrier must not exceed approximately 84 kg, including luggage.
The new regulation ends the era of large dogs being confined to cargo holds, where they often faced risks such as undue stress, injury, and even fatalities. This shift has been hailed as a victory for animal welfare, with the potential to set a global precedent for airlines worldwide, encouraging other nations to adopt similar policies.
The Growing Trend for Pet-Friendly Travel
Italy’s new pet policy comes at a time when global pet ownership is on the rise, and more people are treating their pets as family members. Many pet owners now want to take their dogs on vacation with them, making air travel more accessible for both owners and pets. As pet-friendly travel continues to gain popularity, Italy’s decision is expected to influence airlines worldwide, prompting other countries to reconsider their own policies on in-cabin pet travel.
Currently, most countries, such as the United States, Canada, and much of the European Union—allow only small dogs (under 8–10 kg) to travel in the cabin. For larger dogs, travel options have been limited to cargo holds, often subjecting pets to stressful and uncomfortable conditions. The new policy in Italy breaks this trend, providing a smoother experience for travellers with larger dogs.
Concerns and Challenges
While the policy change has been celebrated by many pet owners, it has also raised concerns among some passengers. Critics worry about potential disruptions, such as loud barking or whining, which could disturb passengers, especially on long flights. A large dog that experiences panic or becomes uncontrollable could pose safety risks during emergencies, particularly if aisles are obstructed or if there are allergic reactions from other passengers.
Another concern is space constraints. For larger breeds, such as Great Danes or Saint Bernards, the size of their carriers could encroach on neighbouring seats, raising questions about the fairness of ticket pricing and seating arrangements. Airlines may need to introduce special policies for very large dogs, which could affect ticket prices and the overall passenger experience.
Impact on Airlines and Future Prospects
While Italy’s new regulations are groundbreaking, the impact on airlines remains to be seen. Airlines like ITA Airways have already embraced the policy, offering special services to ensure both the safety of pets and comfort for all passengers. However, the logistics of accommodating larger dogs in cabins may require adjustments in seating arrangements, potentially reducing the number of available seats for human passengers.
If Italy’s new pet policy proves successful, it could serve as a blueprint for other countries and airlines. With pet ownership on the rise globally, many travellers will likely push for more pet-friendly travel options, encouraging airlines to accommodate the growing demand for in-cabin pets. This shift could also inspire other countries with strict regulations—such as the United Kingdom and Australia—to reconsider their policies on pets in the cabin, especially as the demand for pet travel continues to increase.
Italy Sets a New Standard for Pet-Friendly Travel
Italy’s decision to bring aboard big dogs was long overdue and shows remarkable progress in offering greater convenience in Italy’s pet air travel policy. Such reforms not only serve the interests of the pet owners, but also provide a model to be emulated by other nations, as the world wide frenzy of pet travelers booms. With the rest of the world poised to benefit, air travel standards are about to get a major upgrade. Such reforms are poised to make travel a much more pleasant experience for the furry followers as well as their human companions, and make the journey much more secure for the entire traveling population.
