Italian museums offer free dog-sitting to boost visitor numbers

In Italy, a new initiative has been launched as several museums in Rome introduced free dog-sitting services to cater to pet owners visiting cultural sites. This service, operated by the company Bauadvisor, began on Sunday, January 12, 2025, and took place at four major museums, including the National Etruscan Museum and the Castel Sant'Angelo. Pet owners had the opportunity to leave their dogs with trained sitters who not only provided companionship but also took the dogs for walks in nearby green spaces. This initiative is designed to alleviate the long-standing dilemma that dog owners face regarding whether to go out without their pets or stay at home. The promotional aspect of this service will occur once a month for the next 15 months across various cities in Italy, offering similar assistance to dog owners in different tourist areas. For instance, the next phase will be held in Venice, with plans to cover several museums there in February, followed by Bologna in March. The primary objective of this free service is to increase visitor numbers to museums, while simultaneously making it easier for dog owners to participate in cultural experiences without having to worry about their pets. On the opening day in Rome, 40 dog owners successfully utilized the service, indicating a strong interest in this offering. Such innovative approaches are also seen internationally, with similar dog-sitting or care initiatives emerging in other countries like France, illustrating a growing trend to provide pet-friendly solutions for travelers and museum-goers alike. The involvement of Bauadvisor aims to support and enhance the historical and cultural heritage of Italy, as noted by the company's CEO Dino Gasperini. This initiative reflects a broader understanding of the importance of accommodating pet owners within tourism and cultural activities, fostering better inclusivity and accessibility. As museums adjust to modern visitor needs, this service could pave the way for more institutions to adopt policies that are friendly to pet owners. With over 8 million dogs in Italy, the demand for such services is significant. This shift also showcases a growing recognition of the pet ownership culture and its role in society, as companies and institutions seek to engage a wider audience who value their pets as part of their families. By offering these dog-sitting facilities, Italian museums are not only enhancing the visitor experience but are also potentially transforming how people interact with cultural heritage sites, thereby enriching the cultural landscape. The success of this initiative could lead to similar programs being adopted in other countries, promoting an interconnected global approach to accommodating pet ownership in tourism.