Italian City Bolzano to Introduce Daily Tax for Dogs Visiting With Owners

Italy is known for its art, culture, and postcard-worthy landscapes, but now one of its northern cities is making headlines for a very different reason. Bolzano, located in the heart of the Dolomite mountains, has announced that from 2026, a dog tax will be introduced for both residents and visitors.

What the New Rule Means

According to local authorities, dog ownership in Bolzano will come with an added cost. Local residents will need to pay an annual fee of €100, while tourists visiting with their pets will be charged €1.50 per day. For many pet parents dreaming of an Italian holiday with their dogs, this means an extra line in the budget.

Why the Tax Is Being Introduced

City officials explain that the goal is not to discourage dog lovers but to address practical challenges. Funds collected from this initiative will be directed towards:

• Street cleaning
• Building more dog-friendly parks
• Reducing water pollution caused by pet waste

The idea is to balance the joys of pet companionship with the responsibility of keeping the city clean and livable.

DNA Registration and Fines

This tax announcement follows another bold move introduced earlier. Dog owners in Bolzano are already required to register their pets’ DNA. Why? To hold owners accountable if they fail to pick up after their dogs. Authorities can match abandoned dog waste to its owner, leading to fines of up to €600 for each incident.

Interestingly, owners who have already completed their dog’s DNA registration will be exempt from the new tax for the first two years.

Official Stand

Luis Walcher, Bolzano’s Provincial Councillor and the man behind the proposal, defended the measure. “This is a fair step because it applies only to dog owners. Otherwise, the entire community bears the cost of cleaning, when the main issue is uncollected dog waste,” he explained.

What This Means for Dog Owners

For residents, the rule emphasizes responsible ownership. For visitors, it’s a reminder to plan ahead when traveling with pets. While the fee may seem minor, it highlights how cities worldwide are becoming stricter about balancing pet ownership with urban cleanliness.