Rome Fiumicino International Airport has introduced Dog Relais, a luxury hotel exclusively for dogs, marking a significant advancement in pet-friendly airport services. This innovative facility, which opened in May 2025, offers a sophisticated retreat for canine companions with high-end amenities designed for their comfort and well-being during their owners' travels.
Dog Relais features 40 individual accommodations, each providing a 4-square-meter indoor space and a 10-square-meter outdoor area, divided into covered and open-air zones. The hotel ensures a pleasant environment with features such as radiant panel heating, automatic water dispensers, and ambient music. Services like professional grooming and specialized aromatherapy sessions, utilizing calming scents like lavender and peppermint, are available to reduce anxiety.
Connectivity is a key aspect, with premium room options offering interactive video calls for owners to stay connected with their pets. The hotel also prioritizes health and safety with an on-site veterinary post for immediate first aid and consultations. This comprehensive approach reflects a broader societal trend of treating pets as integral family members, contributing to the robust growth of the luxury pet care market.
Strategically located at Fiumicino Airport, which handles approximately 50 million passengers annually, Dog Relais offers unparalleled convenience. The facility has seen significant popularity, with a 100% occupancy rate recorded in August and an average occupancy of around 60% since its opening, underscoring the demand for such specialized services. Rates range from 40 to 70 euros per night, making luxury pet accommodation accessible to a wider range of travelers.
The opening of Dog Relais coincides with a recent change in Italy's aviation regulations, which now permit larger dogs to travel within plane cabins on domestic flights when secured in crates. This development, with the first such flight scheduled for September 23, further facilitates pet-inclusive travel and positions Italy as a leader in inclusive travel policies.
The pet hotel market is projected to reach USD 10.09 billion by 2032, indicating a strong future for high-quality, specialized pet services like Dog Relais. This initiative represents a significant step forward in airport hospitality, offering a sanctuary for pets that mirrors the comfort and care expected by their owners.