Roch and Dog In Dog Out Pave the Way for Pet-Inclusive Travel in Italy

by Britt

Published: April 7th, 2025

Photo credit: LightField Studios / Shutterstock.com

If you’re anything like me, the thought of leaving your pet behind when you travel can put a damper on your vacation plans. I want to include my dogs in my adventures, not just leave them at home while wishing they were there by my side.

That’s why I was so excited to read about some promising pet-friendly travel developments in Italy.

Recently, two key players in the pet hospitality world, Roch Dog and Dog In Dog Out, announced a groundbreaking partnership, coming together to change the world of accommodations for travelers with pets.

Roch Dog is a company that specializes in certifying and rating hotels based on their dog-friendliness using a data-driven approach. Meanwhile, Dog In Dog Out is an Italian authority on canine hospitality led by renowned expert Elisa Guidarelli.

Consider this strategic partnership: Roch Dog has the data to pinpoint which hotels are falling short in catering to our canine travel buddies. They look at everything from pet policies and available amenities to the level of staff training when it comes to our pups. After identifying a hotel with room for improvement, Guidarelli and her team can provide target training and consulting to help the hotels elevate their pet-friendly offerings.

“Traveling with dogs is booming across Europe, but hotels need real metrics to deliver quality experiences,” explained Guise Bule, CEO of Roch. “Our partnership with Elisa Guidarelli creates Italy’s first data-driven benchmark for canine hospitality excellence. We’re replacing vague ‘pet-friendly’ claims with measurable dog-friendly standard that helps hotels differentiate themselves in a cluttered pet-friendly market and generate commission-free direct bookings from dog owners.”

What I find so encouraging about this partnership is the focus on real, measurable standards. We’ve all been to hotels that claim to be “pet-friendly” only to find that it means a water bowl in the lobby and a hefty extra cleaning fee. Just picture a world where, with clear guidelines and insights on catering to canine guests, you can expect a true dog-friendly vacation experience every time.

Plus, they are pushing for better transparency for pet parents!

Now, you might be thinking, “But this is in Italy. What does that have to do with us?” While this collaboration isn’t happening in the US, it could set a precedent for how pet-friendly businesses operate globally, including right here at home. Wouldn’t it be amazing to see a similar initiative take hold here?

The partnership in Italy highlights a growing recognition of the importance of pet travel. More and more of us want to bring our furry friends along, and the hospitality industry needs to adapt to meet this demand. By focusing on data and expert training, Roch Dog and Dog In Dog Out are paving the way for a more inclusive and generally welcoming travel experience for pet owners.

Planning a trip with your pup? Here are a few tips for choosing a pet-friendly hotel:

Don’t rely on the “pet-friendly label: Dig deeper! Check the hotel’s specific pet policy for details about what that means at their location.
Size and weight restrictions: Confirm if your pet’s size or weight falls within the hotel’s requirements.
Number of pets allowed: Traveling with multiple pets? Double-check that you can have all your pets in a single room (or be prepared to book more than one for your family).
Pet fees: Be aware of any additional charges per night or per stay for traveling with a pet.
Designated pet areas: Ask about designated potty areas or walking spaces on or near the hotel property.
Ask specific questions: Don’t hesitate to call the hotel directly with any specific concerns or needs your pet may have.
Read reviews from other pet parents: Don’t take any promises at face value. Get firsthand experiences from travelers who have stayed there with their pets recently.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Researchers Compared Relationships with Dogs to Those with Humans

Researchers in Hungary wanted to learn more about the relationships people have with their dogs, and how those relationships compare to the ones they have with fellow humans. What they found might be surprising to some. For dog parents who have a strong connection with their canines, though, the results may confirm that they aren’t alone in how they feel about their pets. Keep reading to learn more about this study.

Should I Give My Dog Collagen?

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Diabetes, leading to dehydration and lethargy. Hyperthyroidism, which can cause weight loss and muscle weakness despite an increased appetite.Various forms of cancer, which can cause widespread discomfort and poor health. Simple fevers or general feelings of unwell from a common infection can also impact your cat’s ability to groom. Obesity can also significantly impact your cat’s ability to move as needed for grooming. Overweight cats often struggle to reach certain areas of their body, particularly their back and hindquarters, making thorough grooming impossible. The extra weight can also contribute to existing joint pain, further limiting their mobility and desire to groom.If your cat is experiencing nausea or gastrointestinal problems, they will likely feel unwell enough to decrease their appetite and cause lethargy, leading to a disinterest in grooming.Finally, neurological issues can directly impact a cat’s ability to groom. 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Are Grain-Free Diets Good for Dogs?

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How Do I Know If My Dog Has Tapeworm?

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Cat Reunited with Owner Two Months After LA Wildfires

The LA wildfires in California were devastating not only because so many people lost their homes, but also because many people lost their pets. But there have been a lot of beautiful rescue and reunion stories in the months since the fires happened, and the story of Aggie the cat is one of them.

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