Italy’s transport ministry announced that it is expanding its air travel rules to allow pet owners to take larger dogs on board flights in the cabin.

The new rules, approved by Italy’s civil aviation authority ENAC, mean that medium-sized and large dogs can stay beside their owners and are no longer obliged to travel in the cargo hold. The transport ministry said that “four-legged friends” can stay in the cabin, “housed inside a special carrier that can also be placed on the seats, as long as it is adequately secured with seat belts or other anchoring systems.” The statement continued: “The total weight of the animal and the carrier can be higher than the limits currently foreseen, but not exceed the maximum weight foreseen for an average passenger”.

The airlines will now be responsible for defining the fares and travel conditions for passengers flying with pets.

Until now, airline companies have had different rules regarding the transportation of pets, with many low-cost carriers prohibiting all animals in the cabin except guide dogs.

Last year, Italy’s flag carrier, ITA Airways, raised the weight limit for pets in the cabin from 8 kg to 10 kg on domestic flights.

The Italian air sector’s move to open up to pet travel comes as the country’s railways make it increasingly easier to travel with dogs by train, particularly during the summer.