The northern Italian city of Bolzano is preparing to roll out a new law that will directly affect dog-owning tourists. Starting in 2026, visitors bringing their pets will be required to pay a daily fee of €1.50 (about $2) for each dog.
Local authorities say the measure is aimed at covering the rising costs of street cleaning, park upkeep, and dog waste disposal. Bolzano, known as a gateway to the Dolomites and a magnet for both local and international visitors, has seen a steady increase in tourists traveling with their pets. Officials argue that the financial burden of maintaining cleanliness in public spaces should be shared by dog owners.
For residents, the new rules go further. Families living in Bolzano will pay an annual €100 tax per dog, in addition to requirements to register their pets in a DNA database. This registry allows authorities to identify uncollected dog waste and fine irresponsible owners. Those who have already registered their dogs’ DNA will receive a two-year exemption from the new annual tax.
The plan has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters view it as a fair way to fund city maintenance and encourage responsible pet ownership. Critics, however, call it an unfair penalty on families and tourists who already follow the rules. Animal welfare organizations argue that better enforcement of existing laws and more public awareness campaigns would be more effective than imposing new financial burdens.
Despite the controversy, Bolzano officials believe the changes are necessary to preserve the city’s quality of life and ensure its public spaces remain clean and welcoming. For travelers, the new policy highlights a growing trend in Europe where tourism, sustainability, and local accountability are increasingly intertwined.