Dog owners have long faced a familiar, sometimes agonizing dilemma: what to do with their beloved canine companions when travel calls? The options—leaving pets with a sitter or booking them into a kennel—often come with logistical headaches, emotional tugs, and a fair bit of stress. But at Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport, a new solution is turning heads and wagging tails: Dog Relais, a luxury dog hotel right on airport grounds, opened its doors in May 2025 and is already making waves among Italian travelers and local pet owners alike.
The idea isn’t entirely new—Frankfurt’s airport pioneered a similar concept—but Dog Relais is among the first of its kind at a major European airport. It’s a direct response to the growing demand for pet-friendly travel solutions and the increasing role pets play in people’s lives. As Marilena Blasi, chief commercial officer at Aeroporti di Roma (the company managing the capital’s two airports), put it, “This project is fitting into a strategy to provide a very immersive experience to passengers. In this case, we provide services to dogs and the owners of the dogs.” (Associated Press)
So, what exactly does Dog Relais offer? For starters, the basics are anything but basic. A standard room costs around €40 (about $47) per night and comes with temperature-controlled floors—a welcome touch for Italy’s sometimes sweltering summers or chilly winters—and a private garden for each guest. For dogs who prefer solitude or are a bit more timid, there are kennels set along the edge of the facility, where they can interact with staff rather than other dogs. At night, rooms fill with soft ambient music tuned to 432 hertz, a frequency believed by some to promote relaxation and calm—just the thing for a nervous pup spending the night away from home.
But the pampering doesn’t stop there. Optional extras abound, ranging from the standard grooming, bathing, and teeth cleaning to more indulgent treats: aromatherapy with lavender or peppermint scents to soothe anxious souls, and arnica cream massages for sore muscles and joints. For the truly tech-savvy (or just doting) owner, Dog Relais offers a €60 (about $70) premium room equipped with a dedicated screen, allowing round-the-clock videocalls with their pet. There’s even an app-controlled treat dispenser, so owners can toss a snack to their dog from afar—an innovation that’s as fun as it is reassuring.
Dog Relais isn’t just for travelers. Local dog owners have embraced the facility as a daycare solution, taking advantage of the convenience and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their pets are in good hands. Alessandra Morelli, who works in human resources at Aeroporti di Roma, is a regular. She drops off her two-year-old chocolate Labrador, Nina, whenever work or travel calls. “Since I’ve been able to bring Nina to this dog hotel, my life, and the balance between my personal and professional life have changed because it allows me to enjoy my working day and my personal travels in total peace and tranquility,” Morelli told the Associated Press. Her sentiment is echoed by many who’ve come to rely on the hotel’s services.
Another satisfied client, Dario Chiassarini, started bringing his Rottweiler puppy, Athena, for training sessions at Dog Relais. He’s been impressed by the facility’s cleanliness, organization, and ease of access—key factors for busy pet owners. “We will rely on them without hesitation and without doubt—both because we got to know the people who work here, which for us is essential, and because of the love they have for animals and the peace of mind of knowing who we are entrusting Athena to. It is certainly a service that, if we should need it, we will make use of,” said Chiassarini, who works in car sales. (AP, NDTV)
The convenience factor is hard to overstate. Dog Relais staff will retrieve dogs directly from the terminal, sparing owners the hassle of a separate drop-off and letting them proceed straight to their flights. It’s a small touch, but one that’s already won over many busy travelers.
Popularity has soared since the opening. In August 2025, during Italy’s customary summer vacation period—when millions of passengers flood through Fiumicino—all forty rooms were booked solid. Since May, average occupancy has hovered around two-thirds, according to Blasi. Clearly, the demand is real, and the hotel is filling a gap that many didn’t even know needed filling.
Dog Relais’ arrival coincides with a broader shift in Italian pet travel policy. In May 2025, Italy’s commercial aviation authority announced a significant rule change: large dogs are now allowed to fly inside plane cabins on domestic flights, provided they are secured in crates. The first such flight is scheduled to take off on September 23, 2025—a move that’s been met with both enthusiasm and a touch of skepticism. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, speaking at a pet conference on September 16, acknowledged the mixed reactions. “We always have to use judgment, but for me it’s a source of pride, as well as a step forward from the point of view of civilization,” Salvini remarked. (AP, NDTV)
The new rule is expected to make travel even easier for pet owners, though not everyone is thrilled at the prospect of sharing a cabin with a large dog. Still, for many, it represents progress—a recognition of the deep bond between people and their pets, and a willingness to adapt systems and services to reflect that reality.
For Rome’s Fiumicino Airport, Dog Relais is part of a broader strategy to enhance the passenger experience and set a new standard for pet-friendly travel. The facility’s blend of luxury, convenience, and thoughtful extras has already made it a hit with both locals and international travelers. It’s not just about offering a place for dogs to stay; it’s about acknowledging their place in the family and making sure their needs—and those of their owners—are met with care and creativity.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, and as more people demand services that reflect the realities of modern life, Dog Relais stands out as a model for what’s possible. Whether you’re a jet-setting executive, a family heading off on holiday, or a local in need of reliable daycare, the message is clear: at Fiumicino, dogs are not just welcome—they’re VIPs.
With the first in-cabin flights for large dogs on the horizon and Dog Relais enjoying robust demand, Rome’s airport is leading the way in redefining what it means to travel with pets. For dog lovers, the journey just got a whole lot easier—and a lot more luxurious.
