Museums in Italy have introduced a free dog-sitting service aimed at attracting more visitors by accommodating pet owners. Organized in collaboration with the Bauadvisor dog services company, the program will be available at 15 cultural sites nationwide until April 2026.
Pet care at iconic venues in Italy
The initiative allows dog owners to leave their pets with trained caregivers stationed outside participating venues. Sites include the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, the MAXXI Museum in Rome, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, and the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.
During their owners’ visits, dogs are walked, fed, and cared for by the caregivers. Dino Gasperini, director of Bauadvisor, said the program provides a practical solution for pet owners visiting museums.
Gasperini added, “This project means owners can enjoy culture without being separated from their pets, and dogs will suffer less stress than they would if left at home.”
The initiative launched on Jan. 11, 2025, at four locations in Rome, including the Museum of the Ara Pacis and Castel Sant’Angelo. Over the next 15 months, the service will be offered once a month in different cities across Italy.
Addressing a growing need for pet-friendly tourism
Italy’s significant pet population underscores the importance of such initiatives. According to a 2024 report by the Eurispes research company, more than one-third of Italian families own pets, and many of these are dogs. By catering to this demographic, museums aim to attract a wider audience.
Similar programs are emerging globally. In France, PatchGuard offers dog daycare in major cities, helping pet owners visit attractions without worry. In the United Kingdom, the charity Guide Dogs partnered with the Warner Bros.
Studios Tour London to improve accessibility for visitors with visual impairments. The program, known as “Dogwarts,” includes the training of guide dogs named Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
A model for inclusive cultural experiences
In the United States, Mars Petcare and TripAdvisor have partnered to promote dog-friendly travel options. Research revealed that one-third of pet owners adjust travel plans due to challenges with bringing their pets along.
The Italian Museums dog-sitting service reflects a broader trend in the tourism industry to address the needs of pet owners. By offering convenient solutions, museums aim to attract more visitors while accommodating diverse lifestyles.
The program will continue in February at four museums in Venice, including the Guggenheim Collection, and will move to Bologna in March. As it expands, the initiative provides an example of how cultural institutions can balance visitor needs with accessibility.
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