Having a family dog is quite common in Milan, to the point where you see people with their dogs in all kinds of everyday situations. Dogs are allowed at cafés and restaurants, and even on trains, subways, and other forms of public transportation. You sometimes see “NO DOGS ALLOWED” signs, but they’re quite rare.
You will often see people in supermarkets or malls with small dogs riding in their carts as they shop. Parks have special sections called area cani where dogs can run off-leash.
In recent years, more supermarkets have allowed people to come in with their dogs, provided that they follow certain rules. Some of the chain supermarkets, for example, even let people bring their dogs into the grocery section, as long as they are kept in special dog carts or carried in bags. Major chains like Conad and Carrefour have already implemented these rules at some of their locations, creating more environments where dog owners and their pets can relax and shop together.
There are different rules depending on store policy and sanitation requirements, but the overall trend reflects a shift in social values—from viewing dogs as outdoor animals to embracing them as family members who accompany their owners everywhere. People are also getting serious about dog education, with schools and training courses everywhere.
The City of Milan is also deeply committed to animal rights, taking an approach that almost sees dogs as proper members of society—though their owners are still expected to discipline and take responsibility for them to a certain extent. Even big dogs are allowed to ride (for free!) on buses and trains, for example, as long as they are muzzled. There are countless pet clinics and pet salons around, along with frequent dog-centric events and festivals.
When I first visited Milan, I was surprised to see people boldly bringing their dogs into hotel lobbies or train stations. It really hit me how much people here fully accept their dogs as part of the family.
Japan continues to see a dramatic rise in pet ownership as well, with the number of cafés and accommodations allowing them increasing. But I think it’s still seen as a kind of niche service in most places. To be fair, I hear that Milan is an outlier even in Italy, with attitudes towards dogs changing noticeably even between the city and its suburbs. The idea that dogs should always come along is so rooted in Milanese culture that the difference is palpable.
If any dog lovers out there are thinking about traveling in Europe, you’ll definitely want to stop by Milan. It’s such a welcoming place for dogs and their owners that you’re sure to have a particularly wonderful and memorable time—on top of enjoying the city’s fashionable streets.
