Verona is becoming increasingly pet-friendly. Dogs are allowed to enter some supermarkets, and they can now accompany their owners to the office, not to mention that the city is a true open-air museum, ideal for a vacation with your four-legged friends. Starting from Piazza Bra, which overlooks the magnificent amphitheater of the Arena, and continuing down the famed Via Mazzini to Piazza Erbe or perhaps Juliet’s house. But what are the most important things to know before moving to or visiting Verona with your pets?

Rules and regulations for dogs

Dogs should always be kept on a leash in urban areas, in public spaces the leash must be more than mt. 1,50, and the owners must always have the muzzle to apply in case of potential danger.

Those who conduct animals on public soil must take every precaution to prevent them from soiling; therefore, they must have the appropriate equipment (dustpan and bags) for collecting manure and provide for the immediate removal of the same. The casing must be thrown into waste bins or bins.

Dogs with a leash can freely access all the green areas for public use, with the exception of fenced green areas equipped for children to play.

The muzzle is linked to the danger that the dog may represent for other people or animals; dog owners must carry a muzzle to apply to the dog in case of risk to the safety of people. However, it is always mandatory when transporting on public transport.

In other cases, in a public place, the dog’s handler is obliged to keep the animal on a leash or – if free – with a muzzle.

It is also strictly forbidden by law to leave the dog in the sun or keep it tied to a chain of two meters with the kennel without a canopy for shelter from the sun.

Rules for cats

In order to avoid and contain the increase of the feline population, in the case of cats that are left free to leave the dwelling and to roam freely on the territory, the owners are obliged to provide for their sterilization.

Pets can not stay in balconies and terraces without access inside the house. Also banned collars with bells to avoid neurological disorders to animals.

Where can pets enter in Verona?

  • In the courtyard and bridge of Castelvecchio 
  • In the courtyard of the House of Juliet 
  • In public green areas 
  • In the garden Giusti (only in the case of very large dogs is prohibited the access inside the building, while you can always visit the garden) 
  • On the funicular (with the muzzle) and belvedere of Castel San Pietro 
  • On the train 
  • On the citysigthseeing, the tourist bus to make the panoramic tour of the city (small and medium-sized dogs, with leash and muzzle) 
  • In all public establishments and offices open to the public, unless there is a ban on entry outside the premises. If they are left out, they must be muzzled and must be securely tied 

The transport

And in ATV buses (Verona transport company)?

Small pets (including small dogs) can travel free of charge and must be kept in the arms or in their carrier while other dogs (medium and large) can travel paying a passenger fee and must have leash and muzzle, only exception guide dogs which can be transported free of charge. Small animals kept in special cages or baskets may also be transported on seasonal routes at a charge for passengers.

Transport of dogs by car

According to the Highway Code, the transport of the dog by car must be done in a condition that does not constitute an impediment or danger for driving. In the case of two or more animals they must be placed in a special container or in the back compartment specially divided by net or similar means; provided for the penalty of € 74.00 and the subtraction of a point from the licence.

It is also strictly forbidden to leave the dog closed in a car exposed to the sun.

Dog areas in Verona

The dog can be left free to run only in the specially designed spaces: in the city there are many dog areas, in which there is still the obligation to collect manure. Here the map of the 55 dog areas of Verona (Link)

Animal health

In Verona, as in the twenty-eight European countries, there are some rules on animal health that are summarized in the European Passport (PE) for dogs, cats and ferrets. The EP shall include the details of the owner and the animal (optional photograph) and the vaccination against rabies, which must be carried out after the implantation of the microchip in the animal, and the subsequent calls every eleven or thirty-five months, to be registered by the treating veterinary doctor. The calls, if made regularly, normally once every eleven or thirty-five months, maintain the validity of the PE that lasts for the whole life of the animal.

In case of emergency

In case of emergency, in Verona there is the Santa Lucia Veterinary Hospital, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week that makes night emergency service from 20 to 8 with the presence of at least one qualified veterinarian guaranteed. Alternatively, for those in the Lake Garda area, you can go to the Verona Lago Veterinary Clinic in Lazise.

While reports of stray or injured dogs and cats must be made to the Operations Center of the Municipal Police that responds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to the following telephone numbers: 045 8078411 – 045 8078828.