Dog Friendly Jesolo & Venice

Venice is one of the world’s most famous cities, but have you ever heard of its neighbor, Lido di Jesolo? Dog friendly Jesolo, Italy, is a resort town just to the north of Venice. Jesolo has a private dog beach and many stylish hotels that allow pets. Using Jesolo as a home base, visiting Venice and the surrounding islands is very easy.

Dog Friendly Lido di Jesolo

Louie and I spent several nights in Jesolo at the dog friendly Adriatic Palace Hotel. The property is right on the beach and offers spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. Dogs are allowed for an additional fee of $30 per night. The official pet policy states that dogs are not allowed in the breakfast room, but Louie and I were seated there without even asking. The breakfast buffet is impressive, so it would be a shame to miss it!

Just a short walk from the Adriatic Palace Hotel, Bau Bau Beach is a special place for pups in dog friendly Jesolo. The private beach offers dog showers, an agility course, lounge chairs, and umbrellas. Like most Italian resort beaches, there is a fee, and reservations are recommended. When checking in at the beach, staff will ask for proof that your dog is up to date on vaccinations.

Visiting Venice With a Dog

From Jesolo, it is easy to take a day trip to Venice by dog friendly Vaporetto water bus. The Vaporetto departs from Punta Sabbioni, a 13-mile drive from Lido di Jesolo. There is plenty of inexpensive parking close to the dock. Vaporetto line #14 runs from Punta Sabbioni to Venice every half hour. Fares range from 7,50 euros each way (valid for 75 minutes) to 20 euros for a multi-day ticket.

I have been to Venice many times on my own and was curious about how dog friendly it would be. Venice seems like it should be an ideal place for a dog since there are no cars, but I found the crowds equally hazardous. Tour groups and cruise passengers clog the narrow, ancient streets without much regard for individuals passing by. I ended up carrying Louie most of the time because I was afraid someone might step on him. I think he was more concerned about finding one of the city’s rare green areas so he could go potty.

Louie and I spent most of our day in Venice inside restaurants and shops trying to escape the crowded alleys. I was pleased to find that Do Forni, my favorite Venitian restaurant is dog friendly. Louie relaxed at my feet until I finished my champagne and prawn risotto. Then we both wondered if we could get away with licking the plate. Having worked up a thirst at Do Forni, Louie and I walked to Harry’s Bar for one of their world-famous Bellinis.

The Best of Both Worlds

There are plenty of dog friendly hotels in Venice, but I’m glad I chose to stay outside the city. After stepping off the crowded Vaporetto at Punta Sabbioni, I breathed a sigh of relief, and Louie had a long pee. If you want to visit Venice with a dog, I recommend staying in a resort area like Lido di Jesolo. Your pup will thank you!