Four-legged friends welcome: Holiday with a dog in South Tyrol

In South Tyrol, numerous accommodation facilities also warmly welcome dogs, with these facilities also meeting certain quality criteria. For example, there is enough space in the rooms for a blanket or a basket, and there are also plenty of opportunities in the area to go for a walk with your four-legged friend. In addition, guests with dogs also have their own dining areas and the animals are provided with treats and their own water bowl. The rooms also contain a list of veterinarians in the area, and guests are informed about local regulations for dog owners.

In South Tyrol, dog owners must adhere to certain legal regulations. In general, there is a leash requirement for all dogs, with the leash not being allowed to be longer than 150 cm. Furthermore, there is also a so-called indirect muzzle requirement, which means that the dog owner must always carry a muzzle and present it to the authorities if requested. There are also other regulations for transporting dogs. The animals must be secured during the journey, either in a special transport box or by separating the dog from the passenger compartment with a grid. In addition, to enter South Tyrol, you also need an EU pet passport, which is issued by a veterinarian. In order for a dog to receive such a passport, it needs to be identified by a microchip or tattooed, and it must also be vaccinated against rabies. This vaccination must be no more than a year old, but at least three weeks old, as the vaccine takes effect only then.

The mountain world of South Tyrol is crisscrossed by countless hiking trails, many of which are also ideal for four-legged friends. For example, take a tour with your dog on the Merano High Trail, where you can almost completely circumnavigate the Texel Group. Also highly recommended are hikes in the Tauferer Ahrntal, known for its numerous rivers, so you don't have to carry a lot of water with you.

Active dogs can also accompany their owners on a bike tour, but it's best to avoid such trips in the summer due to the high temperatures. In spring and autumn, however, the Via Claudia Augusta cycle path, the Eisack Valley cycle path, and the Puster Valley cycle path are ideal for a bike trip. Along the way, many inns also invite you to stop for a meal, and your four-legged friend will surely be rewarded with a little treat as well.

In summer, the South Tyrolean lakes also promise cooling off for four-legged friends. For example, this is allowed at Lake Antholz or Lake Göller, whereas dogs must unfortunately stay outside at Lake Montiggler, Lake Issinger Weiher, and Lake Kaltern. However, the dog ban only applies between May 15th and September 15th. It is advisable to inform yourself about the regulations at the individual lakes before planning a day of swimming.

Here you will find selected dog-friendly hotels in South Tyrol