Dogs in the supermarket: Italy shows how it's done - Germany is lagging behind!

Dogs in the supermarket: Italy shows how it's done - Germany is lagging behind!

Camping holidays in Italy have long been very popular, especially in the sunny regions of Veneto and along the Adriatic coast. This is where many families spend their summers relaxing on the beach and enjoying the wonderful Italian hospitality. But especially during this popular holiday season, there are current discussions about whether dogs are allowed in supermarkets. Moin.de reports on a picture from a supermarket in Caorle that shows a woman with a dog in a buggy. This aroused interest and amazement among many users on Facebook, as this practice is permitted not only in Italy, but also in Estonia, for example.

Reactions to this regulation are divided. Some people welcome the opportunity to take their four-legged friend shopping with them and would like to see similar regulations in Germany too. Ultimately, it's a practical consideration: leaving a dog in the supermarket is often a better choice than leaving him alone in the car or camper. However, there are also critical voices that express hygiene concerns and question the presence of dogs in the supermarket. Finally, it was pointed out that the behavior of people and animals in a shopping environment is definitely an issue.

Dogs in the supermarket: An Italian holiday phenomenon

In Italy, dogs are allowed in many supermarkets as long as they do not have direct contact with food. Special shopping carts are a common solution here. Herz für Tier informs that chains like “Si con Te” or “Coop” deliberately establish dog-friendly regulations. The regulations can vary from branch to branch, which is why holidaymakers should always pay attention to what information is posted at the entrance. Smaller health food stores and delicatessen shops are also often open to taking dogs.

In comparison, the situation in Germany looks somewhat different. Most supermarkets, including the Rewe Group, largely avoid dogs in the sales area - with the exception of assistance dogs. Concerns about hygiene are widespread in Germany, and the discussion about dog bans is causing heated debates among dog owners.

EU rules for animal welfare

European Parliament highlights that in future individual microchip identification should be mandatory for all dogs and cats in the EU. The aim is to register the animals and, among other things, prevent illegal trade.

The regulations also call for a ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores and breeding between close relatives of the animals. The use of certain collars should also be prohibited. These new measures are no coincidence, as around 44% of EU citizens own a pet. The value of the dog and cat trade is up to 1.3 billion euros annually.

Overall, it is clear that a modern and responsible coexistence between humans and animals is also reflected in the discussions about applicable rules and practices. Whether in the supermarket or on a camping holiday – the interests of dog owners will be heard more and more while the legal framework is adapting at the same time.