Hotels in Italy are finally wakening up to the fact that there are a lot of dog owners around who want to take their pets on holiday with them. A list is now available of some 5 thousand hotels, guest houses, camp sites and restaurants that are prepared to welcome four-legged guests. Services on offer include  beach facilities, vets on call, mats and food bowls, animal beauty parlours and dog and cat sitters. If, instead of a dog or a cat, you have a pet tortoise, a guinea pig, a rabbit or a ferret, no problem! The guide indicates the places where these other animals can stay with the family.

Mariano Cecco, proprietor of the hotel Millefiori of Vigo di Fassa (Trento) was assigned first prize for the 2009-2010 award  Bestial Welcome by Italy Ministry of Tourism. For the last 37 years, Mr. Cecco has welcomed owners and their pets with every regard for the animals comfort.  

Italys tourist minister, Michela Vittoria Brambilla, announced with satisfaction that there is now no excuse for owners abandoning their pets when they go off on summer holidays. This is a serious problem in Italy, with an estimated 135,000 animals left to fend for themselves every year, despite regular media campaigns condemning the practice.  

For the list of Animal Accomodation, look up www.turistia4zampe.it