While many spaces in the UK are now becoming more pet-friendly, travelling with your pup can still be a challenge.

Most airlines insist that dogsfly in crates in the hold, which many owners aren't keen on, due to the perceived stress it causes for their pets.

However, one European airlineis bucking the trend and allowing larger dogs on its flights, creating a dog-friendly zone where pet owners can sit next to their beloved pooches. And this change could see other airlines following suit.

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From summer 2026, ITA Airways, an Italian airline, will be allowing dogs of up to 30KG to travel in the cabin with their owners on selected domestic flights. The change came after the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) updated its policies last year, paving the way for Italian airlines to allow larger dogs in cabins.

While the airline is yet to announce the exact details and pricing, those hoping to book their dogs onto an ITA flight will likely need to buy an additional seat for their pup. It's also likely that dog owners will need to sit in a dedicated space in the cabin, and that there'll be a limit on the number of dogs allowed per flight.

As per ENAC guidelines, dogs will need an EU pet passport or health certificate, and will need a harness or seatbelt to keep them tethered during take-off, landing, and turbulence. ITA already has a ban on brachycephalic dog and cat breeds flying in the hold, such as bulldogs, pugs, and boxers, so this ban is likely to be extended to pets flying in the cabin. The ban on these breeds was enacted due to respiratory issues common among short-snouted pets.

This is in contrast to most major UK airlines, which have strict rules around flying with dogs. Unless your canine meets the strict criteria of an assistance dog, it'll either need to fly in the hold, or stay at home with a pet sitter. Some European airlines, such as Air France, allow smaller animals in the cabin up to 8KG, but they need to stay in a carrier under the seat for the entire flight.

The news comes amid a major debate on how dog-friendly spaces in the UK should be. A BBC news report asked whether “it’s all gone too far”, and interviewed people with allergies and phobias who were concerned about the number of places where people could bring dogs. This sparked a backlash online among dog owners, with comments including: “The UK needs less BBC and more dogs.”

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Since Brexit, it has been harder for Brits to take their pets overseas, as the previous 'pet passport' scheme has been scrapped. Owners who want to take their fur baby to Europe will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which needs to be obtained up to ten days before travel, and is then valid for four months for onward travel or re-entry to the UK.

An authorised vet will need to issue the AHC and pets must be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies, and given preventative tapeworm treatments to enter the EU. Plus, some countries also have their own individual entry requirements that must be followed.

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