Verona to allow dogs in municipal offices starting 2026

Starting November 1, 2026, employees of the Municipality of Verona will be permitted to bring their dogs to the office. This initiative, approved by the municipal council, follows successful pilot programs conducted in 2023 at the Civic Museums and the Natural History Museum.

The policy aims to foster a more inclusive work environment and improve the psychological well-being of both employees and their pets. To participate, dogs must meet specific requirements: they must be at least three months old, microchipped, registered in the pet registry, and up to date with vaccinations and parasite treatments. Owners must also provide third-party liability insurance.

Operational rules include the use of a leash no longer than 150 centimeters. For dogs weighing over 25 kilograms, owners are required to provide a behavioral assessment. However, officials noted that behavioral evaluations may eventually be extended to smaller dogs, as weight is not a definitive indicator of an animal's ability to adapt to a professional setting without showing signs of stress.