However, animal protection associations have reacted strongly against the proposal, calling it “a mistake that damages the region’s image.” They argue that the measure unfairly penalizes responsible pet owners and sends a hostile message toward animals by treating them as mere taxable assets.
Behind the tax lies a municipal strategy to more equitably distribute the costs generated by tourism in sensitive areas, particularly in mountain regions like Bolzano, the gateway to the Dolomites. During peak seasons, the influx of visitors—many accompanied by their dogs—puts pressure on cleaning systems, waste collection, and urban maintenance. The city maintains that part of these costs should be covered by those who directly contribute to them.
The practical implementation of the tax raises several questions: How will authorities monitor the number of dogs entering the city with each visitor? How will they verify that the tax has been paid? Will there be any exemptions for guide dogs, long-term stays, or special conditions? So far, the city council has not released full operational details, leaving both tourists and residents uncertain. Likewise, it remains unclear whether households with multiple pets will face additional penalties.
One of the most contentious aspects of the initiative is its symbolic effect: by taxing dogs as taxable property, critics argue that the city sends the wrong message about the nature of animals. Animal rights advocates emphasize that the measure makes no distinction between responsible and negligent owners; everyone would pay the same regardless of how well they care for their pets. In their view, the tax does not encourage responsibility or necessarily improve coexistence between pedestrians and animals.
Nevertheless, city authorities insist that the collected funds will also be used to develop tailored infrastructure, including dog-friendly areas, exclusive waste collection services, and the maintenance of green spaces for canine recreation. The goal, they claim, is to create a cleaner, more organized, and friendlier environment for both locals and visitors. The legitimacy of the tax, according to the council, is grounded in the principle that “those who pollute must pay.”
Although Bolzano is currently the only municipality known to adopt such a policy, its move could set a precedent for other tourist destinations seeking new ways to fund public services. Many countries that experience large tourist inflows have adopted temporary taxes—such as nightly hotel fees or entry charges to protected areas—but extending such levies to animals marks a new and symbolic step.
For travelers planning to visit Bolzano with their dogs, this policy means an additional cost previously unseen in most European destinations. For instance, a five-day stay with one dog would incur an extra €7.50—a modest amount at first glance, but one that adds up for those traveling with multiple pets. On top of that, there are still open questions: who will collect the tax, where will it be paid, and what penalties will apply for noncompliance?
Bolzano intends for the measure to take effect next year. In the coming weeks, the municipality is expected to publish the full regulations and operational details for implementation. Meanwhile, tourism associations have already warned that the measure could deter visitors traveling with pets, potentially generating a counterproductive effect on local tourism.
Ultimately, Bolzano has chosen to adopt a pioneering model in which dogs are considered contributors when accompanying their owners on trips or living locally. The measure, blending fiscal goals with urban management objectives, has ignited a debate over distributive fairness, animal welfare, and the role of tourism in urban development. Time will tell whether this policy will be remembered as an innovative success or a misstep with negative consequences for the city’s image.
