by Guisela Chiarella
Stroll through the ancient streets of our city, and you’ll quickly notice a defining feature of Trieste’s daily life: dogs. Whether they are small terriers being carried in chic leather bags or larger breeds bounding alongside their owners, dogs are omnipresent. With more than 23,000 registered dogs, Trieste has embraced canines as its favorite companion, boasting one dog for every nine residents.
The city’s deep affection for its four-legged inhabitants reflects more than just a passing trend. It’s a profound cultural statement in a city that balances Italian charm with echoes of its Austro-Hungarian past. Dog ownership here is not just common, it is woven into the fabric of life. Whether walking along the Molo Audace or sipping coffee in the elegant Piazza Unità d’Italia, one rarely encounters a scene without at least one dog in sight.
For many Triestini, dogs are far more than pets — they are family. According to a recent survey, 85 percent of dog owners in the city consider their pets full-fledged members of the household. This is not an isolated sentiment; it speaks to a broader cultural shift in how animals are viewed in this Adriatic outpost. The same survey found that 76 percent of cat owners hold similar views, reflecting a growing emotional attachment to animals in Trieste.
This bond with dogs is not purely a matter of affection, however. In a city where family life is cherished but modernity can sometimes bring about isolation, pets fill an important emotional role. They are companions, sources of comfort, and for many, a critical support system in an increasingly fast-paced world.
“We treat Stella like she’s our daughter,” says Claudia, a local business owner, whose golden retriever accompanies her to work each day. “She’s been with us through everything — good days, bad days, you name it. She understands us in ways no one else can.”
The streets and parks of Trieste provide a perfect backdrop for dog ownership. With its picturesque coastal views and vast open spaces, the city offers a welcoming environment for dog owners. Piazza Hortis and the Parco di San Giovanni have become popular gathering spots for locals and their pets, allowing the dogs to roam freely while their owners exchange stories over espresso or gelato.
Beyond companionship, dogs serve an important function for many Trieste residents facing life’s pressures. For Paolo, a university student, his rescue dog Luna provides a sense of emotional balance. “She’s my therapy,” he says simply, as they take their daily walk along the Gulf of Trieste. “It’s like she knows when I’m stressed. She’s always there, ready to make things better.”
While dogs clearly dominate the city’s pet scene, cats, too, have their place in Trieste’s households. Known for their independence and subtle affection, they provide a quieter form of companionship. But it is the dogs — seen alongside their owners at markets, cafés, and even on public transport — that truly steal the spotlight in this city.
As the popularity of pets in Trieste grows, so too does the local economy surrounding their care. Boutique pet stores have sprung up around the city, catering to every canine need, from gourmet treats to designer collars. Veterinarians, groomers, and pet-sitters have become vital parts of the local economy, thriving as Triestini invest more in their pets’ well-being.
Trieste’s love for dogs is part of a larger European trend of increasing pet ownership. But here, it feels particularly resonant — a city that wears its history proudly while embracing the simple, timeless joy that pets provide. In Trieste, dogs aren’t just companions; they are cultural icons, revered and beloved members of the community.
