Taking your pet on public transport has become increasingly common. Trains, subways, buses, airplanes — pets travel with us, and doing it well requires some preparation.

Not just to follow the rules — but also to make the experience pleasant for everyone: for your pet, for you, and for those sitting next to you.

🚆 Train — Trenitalia and Italo

The basic rules

Small pets (up to 10 kg with carrier):

• Travel free on all Trenitalia and Italo trains
• Must be in a closed carrier, with maximum dimensions of approximately 70x30x50 cm
• The carrier can be held on your lap or on the luggage rack

Medium and large dogs:

• Allowed on Frecce, Intercity and regional trains with a reduced ticket (approximately 50% of the base price)
• Mandatory short leash and muzzle for the entire duration of the journey
• Cannot occupy a seat

Cats:

• Always in a closed carrier, same rules as small dogs

⚠️ Please note: Rules may vary and are updated periodically. Always check the official Trenitalia or Italo website before departing.

✈️ Airplane — rules vary for each airline

Air travel has the most variable rules — each airline has its own policies, and ignoring them can mean not being able to board your pet.

In the cabin (small animals only):

• Maximum weight generally between 8 and 10 kg (animal + carrier)
• Soft carrier that fits under the seat in front
• Additional cost: between €30 and €100 per way depending on the airline
• Mandatory booking — pet spaces in the cabin are limited

In the hold:

• For medium and large animals
• The carrier must be rigid and IATA approved
• Temperature and pressurization guaranteed, but it is still a stressful experience for the animal

Documents required for international flights:

• European pet passport (with microchip and rabies vaccination)
• Health certificate issued by the veterinarian within 10 days of departure
• For non-EU destinations: check the specific requirements of the destination country

🚇 Metro and urban buses

Rules vary from city to city, but in general:

• Small pets in carriers: allowed almost everywhere, often free of charge
• Medium/large dogs: allowed in many cities with leash and muzzle, sometimes with a reduced ticket
• Times: some cities restrict pet transport during peak hours

The most permissive cities in Italy are generally Milan, Rome, and Turin — but before getting on a vehicle, check the local transport company's rules.

🚗 Private car — often forgotten, but regulated

Even in a car, there are precise rules. The Italian Highway Code states that animals must be transported in a way that does not pose a danger to driving.

In practice:

• Carrier secured to the seat or boot
• Specific seat belt for dogs
• Divider grill between the passenger compartment and the boot
• The dog cannot be loose in the passenger compartment while driving — this is punishable by a fine

🤝 Respect for other passengers: the unspoken part

Knowing the rules is necessary. But there's an equally important dimension that official websites never cover: how to behave with other passengers.

Traveling with an animal on public transport means sharing a space with people who might not like animals, have allergies, or simply not be used to their presence. Respecting them is not just courtesy — it's part of a culture of responsible pet ownership.

Hair — the invisible problem

Dog or cat hair gets everywhere: on seats, on the clothes of those sitting next to you, in the air. For allergy sufferers, even a small amount of pet hair or dander can cause uncomfortable reactions — watery eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties.

What to do before boarding:

• Brush your pet thoroughly before the trip — remove excess loose hair at home, not on the vehicle
• Apply ShizenPet Dry Shampoo before departing: it neutralizes odor and reduces the dispersion of dander and particles into the air, keeping the coat compact and fresh for the entire duration of the journey

Odor — the most delicate challenge

Dog odor in a closed, crowded space is probably the most frequent source of discomfort for other passengers. In a train compartment, a carriage, on a bus — the odor quickly concentrates.

It doesn't mean your dog is dirty. It means every animal has its natural odor, which becomes more noticeable in enclosed spaces.

How to manage it:

• A bath or thorough cleaning with ShizenPet Mousse Shampoo 24-48 hours before the trip — not the same day, to avoid the coat still being damp

• The ShizenPet Botanical Deodorizer travel size 50ml, applied to the coat shortly before boarding: fast action, no rinsing, odor neutralized for hours
• Avoid overly intense perfumes on your pet — the goal is not to replace one odor with another, but to eliminate it

Behavior — respect is also shown in this

• Keep your dog close to you and under control at all times
• If your dog is curious or exuberant, do not let them approach other passengers unless they explicitly invite them
• Do not occupy additional seats with the carrier if the vehicle is crowded
• If someone shows discomfort or allergies, move if possible — it's a gesture of respect that makes a difference

A word on travel separation anxiety

Some dogs, in new and crowded environments, may bark, whine, or become agitated. This is not pleasant for anyone — neither for the dog nor for other passengers.

If you know your dog has difficulty in new situations:

• Gradually accustom them to transport with short trial outings before the actual trip
• Bring a familiar object — a toy or a blanket with their scent
• Talk to your vet if anxiety is intense: natural supplements or specific solutions for travel exist

The perfect travel kit for public transport

Everything you need to travel practically and respectfully:

Conclusion: traveling with respect means traveling better

Bringing your pet on public transport is a right — but like all rights, it is best exercised when accompanied by responsibility.

A clean, pleasantly smelling, controlled, and well-prepared animal for the journey is the best answer to those who wrinkle their noses at the sight of a dog or cat on the train. Not because we need to justify ourselves — but because mutual respect makes the journey pleasant for everyone.

Your pet is part of your family. Travel together, with care. 🌿🐾

Read also: Holidays with your dog: what to pack | Summer and cats: 7 common problems and how to deal with them