The main rail operator in Italy, Trenitalia, has recently announced that small pets are allowed to travel for free until 15 September. This summer, passengers can just bring small animals that fit in the specified size carrier along this summer, without paying for a special pet ticket.
Small dogs, cats and other pets must be kept in their carrier, that must not exceed 70 x 30 x 50 cm, for the entire journey. Only one carrier is allowed per passenger, but the companions can travel free of charge in First and Second class, on all train categories, and in Executive, Business, Premium and Standard service levels.
Larger dogs are also allowed, however, with the exception of guide dogs, they require a pet ticket, which is the equivalent of half the ticket of their owner. They must also be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle for the entire journey. Each passenger may travel with one dog of any size by purchasing a ticket at half the price of the regular fare for a Second class/Standard ticket for the desired route:
- on InterCity (IC) and InterCity Notte (ICN) trains, this applies to both First and Second class fares;
- on Frecciabianca, Frecciarossa and Frecciargento trains, this applies to First and Second class and to both Business and Standard service levels. Please note, this service is not available in Executive or Premium service levels, in the Working Area, the Quiet Zone or Private seating area (salottini);
- on Regional trains with the exception of journeys from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on weekdays from Monday to Friday;
- in Sleeping carriages, Couchettes and Excelsior carriages, provided the entire compartment in question is purchased.
The ticket can be purchased from ticket offices at the station, self-service machines, authorised travel agencies, by calling the Call Centre and, for travel on national trains, also from the company’s website or using the Trenitalia app.
Pet owners must not forget their dog’s canine registry certificate and health booklet or, for dog owners who are foreign nationals, the dog’s “pet passport” in lieu of both documents, which passengers will be required to present to on-board personnel. Passengers without these documents will be fined and forced to get off the train at the next stop.
