Starting in 2026, the northern Italian city of Bolzano plans to introduce a daily fee of €1.50 for tourists who bring their dogs. The initiative, one of the first of its kind in Italy, has sparked nationwide debate. City officials argue the measure is necessary to offset growing municipal expenses linked to pet waste management and maintenance of public spaces.
New Fee Proposed for Dog-Owning Visitors
According to the proposal, visitors would be charged per day for each dog, while local residents would continue to pay an annual ownership fee of €100 per animal. Provincial Councilor Luis Walcher, the architect of the plan, stated that the tax would “ensure fairness,” requiring those who bring animals to contribute to the costs generated by them. He emphasized that the city has seen a sharp rise in visitors traveling with pets, leading to increased cleanup and administrative demands.
Fiscal and Administrative Rationale
Bolzano’s government maintains that funds raised from the dog tax would be directed toward street cleaning, public sanitation, and the creation of dog-friendly zones within city parks. The measure follows earlier initiatives aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership, including a DNA registry program that allowed authorities to trace uncollected pet waste back to specific animals. Though the registry was later scaled back due to privacy and cost concerns, it remains partially active.
Supporters of the new tax say it would not only replenish the city’s budget but also encourage better compliance with sanitation rules. Walcher proposed that pet owners already participating in the DNA registry be exempted from the new charge for two years, offering an incentive for responsible behavior. “It’s a way to reward those who follow the rules,” he said during a local press conference.
Criticism and Political Resistance
The plan has faced a strong backlash from animal rights organizations and tourism advocates alike. Groups such as Aidaa and Enpa denounced the proposal as “a discriminatory and misguided attempt to monetize affection.” They argue that the fee unfairly targets families and tourists who travel with pets, portraying it as an indirect deterrent to animal companionship.
Claudio Corrarati, mayor of Bolzano, expressed doubts about the measure’s social and economic impact. He warned that the tax could discourage visitors, particularly those from neighboring countries like Germany and Austria, where dog-friendly tourism is common. Local hotel associations also voiced concern, suggesting that the fee might conflict with efforts to promote Bolzano as a welcoming destination.
Opponents further note that Italian tourism is already subject to various levies, such as city accommodation taxes. Adding a pet-specific fee, they argue, risks creating confusion and resentment among travelers. Animal advocates have vowed to challenge the plan, saying they may petition regional authorities or pursue legal action if it is enacted without public consultation.
Broader Context and European Trends
Bolzano, situated in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, attracts thousands of visitors each year for its Alpine scenery, cultural festivals, and proximity to the Dolomites. Tourism accounts for roughly 15% of the local economy, but city administrators have long struggled to balance growth with environmental and civic upkeep. The proposed dog tax is part of a wider push to introduce sustainable tourism measures, including limits on short-term rentals and cruise excursions.
Similar debates are emerging across Europe. In Venice, for instance, authorities recently imposed an entrance fee for day-trippers, while Amsterdam has restricted certain types of tourism advertisements. Supporters of Bolzano’s proposal say the dog tax aligns with this broader trend toward more responsible tourism, ensuring that visitors—human or otherwise—contribute to maintaining public spaces.
Nevertheless, the idea has exposed a deeper cultural divide within Italy. While some view it as a pragmatic step toward sustainability, others see it as emblematic of overregulation. Whether the plan will survive the scrutiny of regional lawmakers or be modified after public hearings remains uncertain.
For now, the debate over Bolzano’s proposed “tourist dog tax” underscores the growing tension between economic pragmatism and Italy’s long-standing tradition of hospitality—especially in a country where dogs are not just pets but often regarded as family members.