Italian City to Impose Tax on Visiting Dogs Starting in 2026
Daily levy for tourists’ pets and annual fees for locals will fund dog parks and street cleaning in Bolzano
From 2026, the northern Italian city of Bolzano will introduce a €1.50 per day tax on visiting dogs, while local owners will be required to pay an annual fee of €100 per pet.
Officials say the money will be used to support street cleaning and the creation of dedicated parks for dogs and their owners.
The measure builds on an existing DNA registration program that allows authorities to trace uncollected dog waste back to its source.
Dog owners who refuse to comply may face fines of up to €1,048, with registration tests costing between €65 and €100.
Tourists are exempt from DNA testing requirements, but the new daily levy will apply to all visiting pets.
Officials argue that the initiative ensures those responsible for dog-related mess contribute directly to the cost of cleaning.
Animal welfare advocates, however, have condemned the policy as punitive, warning it risks discouraging tourism and unfairly penalizing responsible families who travel with pets.
Officials say the money will be used to support street cleaning and the creation of dedicated parks for dogs and their owners.
The measure builds on an existing DNA registration program that allows authorities to trace uncollected dog waste back to its source.
Dog owners who refuse to comply may face fines of up to €1,048, with registration tests costing between €65 and €100.
Tourists are exempt from DNA testing requirements, but the new daily levy will apply to all visiting pets.
Officials argue that the initiative ensures those responsible for dog-related mess contribute directly to the cost of cleaning.
Animal welfare advocates, however, have condemned the policy as punitive, warning it risks discouraging tourism and unfairly penalizing responsible families who travel with pets.
