Dogs in the supermarket: Italy is discovering new holiday joys for four-legged friends!

Dogs in the supermarket: Italy is discovering new holiday joys for four-legged friends!

In recent years, camping holidays in Italy have become increasingly popular, particularly in the picturesque regions of Veneto and along the sunny Adriatic coast. Many families come to these regions to spend carefree days on the beach and to enjoy Mediterranean life to the fullest. But one topic is currently causing discussion, especially for dog owners: how we treat our four-legged friends in supermarkets.

There is a lively discussion on Facebook in particular after a picture from a supermarket in Caorle caused a stir - a woman pushing her dog in a shopping cart, which not only elicited positive feedback. Many users share their positive experiences with this regulation and would also like to see comparable conditions in German supermarkets. One user says that she no longer wants to travel because dogs are allowed in Italy and would rather go to Spain or Nordic countries, where pets are still taboo in grocery stores. This discussion highlights the large cultural difference between countries when it comes to the treatment of pets.

Dogs as companions in the supermarket

In Italy, it is actually allowed to bring dogs into many supermarkets as long as they do not come into direct contact with food. Some supermarkets have set up special shopping carts for dogs, which violates EU Regulation 852/2004, which does not allow animals in food areas. This is causing sharp controversy, particularly in Germany, where dogs are largely excluded from supermarkets, with the exception of assistance dogs and a few other exceptions. This regulation aims to maintain hygienic standards and prevent direct contact of animals with food. However, the situation in Italy shows that a different attitude prevails there.

The supermarket chain “Si con Te” is particularly dog-friendly and expressly welcomes four-legged friends. Dogs are also allowed to shop with their owners in many of the Coop and Carrefour chains, although the regulations can vary slightly depending on the location. Smaller delicatessen and organic stores are often even more “dog-friendly” than large chains. The trend of actively integrating dogs into the shopping experience is also propagated by influencers like Sophie Streibing, who share their experiences in Italian supermarkets on Instagram and thus generate positive feedback in social networks.

Hygiene and safety in focus

Despite the positive examples, there are also critical voices on the question of whether dogs in supermarkets are hygienic. Many animal lovers argue that it is better to take your dog with you in the shopping cart than to leave it alone in the camper or car. One user even draws a comparison between the behavior of dogs and that of children in the supermarket and asks why there isn't more understanding for the furry companions.

While Italy is considered a dog-friendly travel destination and offers many options for dog owners, the situation in Germany remains skeptical. The Rewe Group has made it clear that it does not want to allow pets in its stores, which continues to fuel the discussion about the acceptance of dogs in retail. For dog owners in Germany, hope for change remains while they enjoy these special moments on vacation in Italy.

The debate over pets in supermarkets shows how different cultural attitudes can be, with the benefits and dramas for dog owners taking center stage in many countries. Exchanging experiences and opinions on social media is a good way to gain new perspectives.

For those planning to travel to Italy with their pets, it is important to observe the regional regulations and be prepared for the dog to be a welcome companion - in many areas of life, even in the supermarket!

If you would like to find out more about the latest developments in this debate, take a look at the reports from moin.de, herz-fuer-tiere.de and your-tierwelt.de.