Italy has become the first country in Europe to allow many larger dogs to travel inside airplane cabins with their owners, marking a major shift in pet travel rules. The updated policy has been welcomed by animal lovers and welfare advocates across the world.
The new regulations were introduced by Italy’s civil aviation authority in 2025, initially allowing medium and large dogs on selected domestic flights instead of placing them in cargo holds. Under new 2026 updates, dogs weighing up to 30 kilograms can now travel in cabins if secured in approved carriers attached to dedicated seats and positioned away from emergency exits.
Animal welfare groups have praised the move, arguing that cargo hold travel can expose pets to loud noise, temperature fluctuations, stress, and long periods of separation from owners. Experts have also raised concerns about respiratory risks for flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs and Boxers during certain types of flights.
Supporters say the decision reflects a more compassionate and modern approach to air travel, with hopes that airlines and regulators in other countries may eventually adopt similar policies for pet-friendly flying in the future.
