Atelier Vella · Tuscany with a dog
Tuscany with a dog
What you need to bring your dog to the Tuscan coast: documents, rules in Italy, driving, trains and ferries. Updated November 2026.
At a glance
Updated November 2026 from the official EU, ADAC, BLV, ASFINAG, Trenitalia and ferry pages. Rules and prices change: check before you travel. From outside the EU (for example the UK) different rules apply.
Atelier Vella is on the ground floor, with a fenced garden yours alone, 1 km from the sea near Follonica. Your dog is welcome.
A seaside holiday in Tuscany with your dogStep by step
Documents from the EU
Within the EU your dog needs three things:
- EU pet passport
- Microchip, implanted before the rabies vaccination
- Valid rabies vaccination: the first from 12 weeks of age, travel 21 days later at the earliest
- Up to 5 pets per person
From or through Switzerland
The Swiss pet passport is accepted in the EU like the European one. For transit, chip, rabies vaccination and passport are enough.
- Up to 5 pets per vehicle
- Dogs with cropped ears or docked tails: ask the Swiss authorities (BLV) or customs first
Rules in Italy
In public places the Ministry of Health ordinance applies, last extended to September 2027.
- Leash no longer than 1.50 m, except in fenced dog areas
- Always carry a muzzle and put it on if there is any danger
- Pick up after your dog and carry bags
- Towns can have stricter rules, especially on beaches
Driving
Approximate driving times to Follonica without breaks. With a dog, add 1 to 2 hours.
- Munich via the Brenner: about 800 km, about 9 hours
- Stuttgart via San Bernardino or Gotthard: about 900 km, about 10.5 hours
- Zurich via the Gotthard: about 670 km, about 7.5 hours
- Italian tolls from the Brenner to Follonica: about €35
Vignettes and tolls 2026
If you drive through Austria or Switzerland:
- Austria: vignette 1 day €9.60 (digital), 10 days €12.80
- Brenner motorway A13: section toll €12.50 per trip
- Switzerland: vignette CHF 40, valid until 31 January 2027
- Austrian 2-month and annual vignettes bought online are valid only from the 18th day
In the car
Secure your dog for every trip:
- Crate, dog guard or crash-tested harness
- A break every 2 to 3 hours, always carry water
- Never leave your dog alone in the car: in strong heat 15 minutes can be fatal
- In summer, drive in the evening or at night
Trains and ferries
In Italy dogs travel on trains and ferries:
- Trenitalia: small dogs free in a carrier; larger dogs with leash, muzzle and their own ticket (Frecce and Intercity €5, Saturdays €1; regional trains half fare)
- Elba ferry from Piombino: dogs on the outer decks or in pet areas, always with leash and muzzle
- Blu Navy: a large dog costs about €3 to €5 per crossing, pets in a carrier travel free
Once you are here
Beaches, heat and processionary caterpillars:
- Dog beaches: the Bau Beaches in Follonica and the Solmine canal mouth at Puntone
- In summer avoid the middle of the day: sand and tarmac get very hot
- From late winter to spring, processionary caterpillars in the pine woods: keep away from caterpillars and nests, and see a vet at once after any contact
- Vet: Clinica Il Falco, Via dell'Industria 64, Follonica, +39 0566 871060, emergencies +39 334 9731201
Frequently asked questions
What documents does my dog need for Italy?
An EU pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. After the first vaccination you must wait 21 days before travelling.
Does my dog need a muzzle in Italy?
You must always carry one and put it on if there is any danger. On trains and ferries your dog must wear it. The leash can be at most 1.50 m long.
How long is the drive from Munich to Tuscany?
To Follonica via the Brenner it is about 800 km, around 9 hours without breaks. With a dog, plan 10 to 11 hours.
Can dogs go on the Elba ferry?
Yes, with a leash and muzzle, on the outer decks or in pet areas. With Blu Navy a large dog costs about €3 to €5 per crossing.
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