Italy

Pet Entry Requirements for Italy

Is Quarantine Required for Pets in Italy?

What Additional Information Do I Need for Italy?

• Comments:

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• Pets in Italy:

  Italy is known for its pet-friendly culture, making it a great destination for pet owners. Although dogs are the most common pet, cats and small animals like guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters are also popular. Many Italians keep pet birds, such as canaries and parrots. Birdcages can often be seen in homes, providing companionship and beauty. Italy has regulations regarding pet ownership, including microchipping and registration for dogs. Italy has a robust veterinary system, with many clinics and animal hospitals offering comprehensive services. There are also laws aimed at protecting animal welfare. Italians often take their dogs for walks in parks and public spaces, and there are many dog-friendly establishments. Many public spaces, parks, and some restaurants in Italy are pet-friendly, reflecting the cultural attitude toward animals.

• Other Information:

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• Current information:

  To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on wagsandwanders.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Italy pet import requirements.

• Flying a Pet to Italy:

  Commercial airlines which serve pets flying to Rome include Aegean, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeroméxico, Air Algérie, Air Canada, Air China, Air Europa, Air France, Air Montenegro, Air Serbia, airBaltic, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Bulgaria Air, China Airlines, Egyptair, El Al, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Eurowings, Finnair, Iberia, Icelandair (cargo), Iran Air, ITA Airways, Jet2.com, KLM, KM Malta Airlines, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, LATAM, Lot Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Middle East Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Transavia, Tunisair, Turkish Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, Vueling and Wizz Air. Flights to Italy should be direct or transit through a listed third country or another EU Member State if possible*. If your pet transits through an unlisted country, then a Transit Declaration will be required attesting that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport. *Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply.

• What is a Pet Passport?:

  We refer to a pet passport as a collection of documents that conform to Italy pet import requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering this country from non-EU countries.This term is not to be confused with an official EU Pet Passport issued in the European Union for EU-resident pets. Your pet’s passport to enter Italy will include proof of microchip, current rabies vaccination, rabies titer test (some countries), and one of the following: An official EU or NI Pet Passport (resident EU or Northern Ireland pets)An EU Health Certificate (non-EU-resident pets)A government-issued Pet Passport from a part 1 listed third country (see EU COUNTRY CLASSIFICATIONS)An Animal Health Certificate when entering Italy from Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales). UK Pet Passports are no longer accepted as a substitute for an Animal Health Certificate.

• Entering Italy with a Pet:

  Unaccompanied pets or those entering Italy from a non-EU Member State or part 1 listed countries must enter Italy by air at international airports in Bologna, Milan, Pisa, Turin or Rome. Pets traveling with their owners or designated representatives can also enter at Venice. Dogs, cats and ferrets can fly to Italy in the cabin, as checked baggage or air cargo according toairline pet policies. In all cases, pets must travel in a crate or carrier in accordance with the International Air Transport Association. Flights to Italy should be direct or transit through an EU Member State, Part 1 or 2 Listed Third Country if possible*. If your pet transits through an Unlisted Third Country, then a Transit Declaration will be required. The declaration must state that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport. *Note: If your pet has a layover in an EU Member State in its itinerary, then additional requirements will apply. All dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy by sea can do so at the following ports: Bari, Genoa, Livorno, Naples, Salerno, Gioia Tauro, Trapani, Ravenna, La Specia, Trieste and Venice. All commercial transports, whether by air or land, must be preregistered in the TRACES database and the responsible transporter must be registered. All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to Italy. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at importer expense.

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• Find a Licensed Veterinarian:

  Before beginning any pet export procedure, make sure your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinarian authority in your pet’s country of origin. Your veterinarian should work for or is licensed by the agency of the government that is responsible for the movement of live animals.

• Italy Pet Import Requirements:

  All steps required to conform to regulations to import a dog, cat or ferret to Italy must be completed in the origination country. Steps 1-8 should be followed in the order given.

• Breeds Banned from Import to Italy:

  Italy restricts the import of the following breeds: Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher (Venice only). All aggressive breeds must be conducted in public places compulsorily or with a leash or with a muzzle while in public places and means of transport it is mandatory the use of a leash and muzzle.

• Exporting Resident Pets from Italy:

  All dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Italy for another EU Member State or Part 1 or 2 Listed Third Country should: Be microchippedBe vaccinated for rabies (in that order) not sooner than 12 weeks of age andWait for 21 days after primary vaccination before leaving Italy.Have a licensed veterinarian issue an EU Pet Passport (EU destinations) or Export Health Certificate in accordance with destination country requirements.Provide other required documentation (depending on destination country requirements). Exception: Exports to EU Member States that permit the entry of unvaccinated puppies and kittens. Note that many part 1 listed countries will have additional requirements in addition to a resident Pet Passport when returning to the country. Pet owners should consider having serology levels confirmed prior to leaving Italy. Even if your pet is not entering an unlisted country, traveling internationally with the results of this test will ensure a smoother customs clearance in your destination country. All animals leaving Italy for non-EU countries that do not have specific health certificates must obtain a health certificate in accordance to their destination country requirements prior to the issuance of an export permit. This permit will be issued by agencies in the origin country responsible for the issuance of export permits.

• Quarantine for pets Entering Italy:

  There will be no quarantine imposed on your pet when entering Italy if pet import regulations detailed here are met. If your pet does not conform to the regulations as stated below, it will be subject to quarantine if facilities are available, returned to the origination country, or euthanized. The importer will be responsible all costs involved.

• Importing Other Pet Animals to Italy:

  Not specified

• Importing Puppies and Kittens to Italy:

  Unvaccinated puppies, kittens and ferrets are not permitted to enter Italy from any country or EU Member State. Rabies vaccinations will not be recognized until 12 weeks of age and there is a 21 day wait for puppies and kittens arriving from EU Member States and Part 1 or 2 Listed Third Countries. Puppies and kittens entering from Unlisted Third Countries cannot do so until they are at least 7 months of age to meet requirements. More information ontransporting a puppy.

• Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Italy?:

  Have a question about importing a pet to Italy? Post it below and be published! You can also reach out by posting to ourBlog,[X (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/Wags and Wanderscom/),[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Wags and Wanders/), orEmailor follow our activities on[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/Wags and Wanderstransport/profilecard/)andTikTok. Please note that the accuracy of comments made from Facebook users other than Pet Travel have not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.

• 8 responses to “Italy Pet Import Requirements”:

  Rebecca Vella[February 13, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/italy-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-279)We are travelling to Sicily with our pets through ferry services from Malta. Can you advice what is required to enter Sicily with our pet?[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-479)](#comment-374)](#comment-366)](#comment-399)](#comment-397)](#comment-284)](#comment-279)[[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)[February 13, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/italy-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-279)Rebecca – your pet dog, cat or ferret will need an EU Pet Passport reflecting a microchip and current rabies vaccination to enter Italy. The rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days prior to transport, not counting the day of the vet visit.[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-479)](#comment-374)](#comment-366)](#comment-399)](#comment-397)](#comment-284)](#comment-279)LunaFebruary 26, 2025Hi [[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com) would you mind please clarifying how recent should the rabies vaccine be? My dog had the last shot of rabies vaccine in July 2023 (Rabisin) and we are taking the ferry on Friday this week. I read somewhere that the rabies vaccine should cover you for up to 3 years so should I assume we are safe to take our dog with us on Friday or could we be given some problems?We have all other pets papers otherwise that are fine.Thank you so much[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-479)](#comment-374)](#comment-366)](#comment-399)](#comment-397)](#comment-284)](#comment-279)[[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)February 27, 2025Luna – you will need to check with your veterinarian and ask whether your pet’s current vaccination was a one-year or three-year vaccine. It is recommended that the primary vaccine be one year (required in the US). The primary vaccination is the first administered after a microchip is implanted or if the previous vaccine had expired. If the current vaccine is a booster administered during the validity period of the previous vaccine, a multi-year rabies vaccine is acceptable.[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-479)](#comment-374)](#comment-366)](#comment-399)](#comment-397)](#comment-284)](#comment-279)KarinFebruary 23, 2025Hello, I’m planning to fly my small mixed breed dog from Doha, Qatar to Venice, Italy. What steps/requirements do I need?[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-479)](#comment-374)](#comment-366)](#comment-399)](#comment-397)](#comment-284)](#comment-279)[[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)February 24, 2025Karin – the step-by-step requirements to import your dog to Italy can be foundhere. The titer test in step 3 will be required as Qatar is classified as anunlisted countryby the EU.[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-479)](#comment-374)](#comment-366)](#comment-399)](#comment-397)](#comment-284)](#comment-279)Christina Lund[March 9, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/italy-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-479)Hello, I am planning on moving to Pisa Italy in 2026. I have 3 cats, all fixed and updated shots but will need to either rechip 2 of them as they don’t have a chip. They are all indoor cats – how safe is it to fly all of them?I don’t have an address yet and as I mentioned I am not moving until 2026. I have to sell everything and find an apartment that will allow 3 cats. I am getting quotes to see how much it will cost for transport etc.Any help on who and how and what to expect is appreciatedTina[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-479)](#comment-374)](#comment-366)](#comment-399)](#comment-397)](#comment-284)](#comment-279)[[[Susan](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)](https://wagsandwanders.com)[March 9, 2025](https://www.wagsandwanders.com/information/pet-passports/italy-pet-import-requirements/comment-page-1/#comment-479)Tina – all of your cats should be microchipped before being vaccinated for rabies. You do not mention your origination country, a rabies titer test might be required and must be administered 3 calendar months prior to travel. As for transport, you should be able to find an airline that will accept your cats as checked baggage or fly one in the cabin and two in the cargo hold. Most airlines charge a flat rate for this service ($200-$300 USD). Italy is a pet friendly country and you should be able to find accommodations that will accept your cats.[[[[[[[Reply](#comment-479)](#comment-374)](#comment-366)](#comment-399)](#comment-397)](#comment-284)](#comment-279)

• Animals Eligible for These Pet Import Requirements:

  These rules apply to the transport of domestic dogs, cats and ferrets including assistance and service animals. Unless 5th generation removed from the pedigree, wolf hybrids, Savannah and Bengal cats cannot be imported under these regulations. Owners of other types of pets (amphibia, reptiles, birds, rabbits, rodents) covered by these regulations should refer to IMPORTING OTHER PET ANIMALS TO ITALY below.

• Need More Pet Import Requirements and Forms for Italy?:

  Visit Wags and WandersStore.com for step-by-step detailed instructions on regulations, permits, layovers, costs, tests and pet import regulations for Italy at minimal cost.Our information is current, verified and tailored to your pet’s itinerary.

• Here’s what is included in the Italy pet passport package::

  Detailed instructions on importing your dog, cat or ferret to Italy from any country available in six languagesRequired Vaccinations and IntervalsISO-Compliant Microchip InformationTiter Test Instructions and Overview (required when entering from an unlisted country)Approved EU laboratories for the titer testParasite TreatmentsBorder Inspection PostsIATA Carrier and Crate RequirementsLayover Considerations & Requirements for Airline Pet TravelResponsibilities of a Pet TransporterFREE unlimited email supportboth for you and your veterinarian, should either of you have any questions Also included at no additional cost: Non-Commercial or Commercial EU Health Certificate for ItalySample Completed Health Certificate for your VeterinarianMicrochip CertificateAirline Health Certificate

• Importing Dogs and Cats to Italy from Malaysia and Australia:

  If your dog, cat or ferret is entering Italy from peninsular Malaysia, the following additional conditions must be met: Your pet has had no contact with pigs during at least the past 60 days prior to export.Your pet has not lived in a place where cases of Nipah disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.Your pet has been tested with negative a result to an IgG capture ELISA test carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for Nipah disease viruses within 10 days of export. Cats may only enter Italy from Australia under the condition that they have not lived in areas where cases of Hendra disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

  Importers should verify that their pet is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This is important if your pet is not a dog or cat, and very important if it is a turtle or parrot. You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations. Related:Search the CITES databaseorSearch Species+ Database Related:Learn more about CITES

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