Moving a Pet to Italy
Rules and Regulations for International Pet Shipping
What Pet Travel Documents Are Needed to Travel to Italy?
Because Italy is part of the EU, they follow the same rules as other EU countries regarding importing pets.
However, there are a few differences depending on which city you are moving to and what breed your dog is. We have outlined the requirements on this page primarily for cats and dogs traveling from the USA to Italy.
Rabies Vaccination
Cats and dogs must be vaccinated for rabies AFTER the microchip is implanted. If it is a primary rabies vaccination (very first vaccine or given right after the microchip), then the vaccination must be greater than 21 days old and less than 1 year old at the time of travel.
If your pet has had a booster rabies vaccination (multiple given after the microchip without any lapse between them) then an unexpired 3-year vaccine is acceptable, but you must provide a history of previous vaccinations given after the microchip to prove there was no lapse. You still must wait 21 days after the vaccine is administered before your pet can travel to Italy.
Other Vaccinations
Italy does not require pets to have any vaccinations other than rabies. However, we recommend that pets stay up to date with the following. Do note that if your pet will be boarding, these vaccinations will be required.
- Dogs: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis, CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
- Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Feline Leukemia
Blood Tests
Italy does not require any additional blood tests for cats, dogs, or ferrets unless your pet is traveling from an "unlisted" country.
If your pet is traveling from an "unlisted" country, then a rabies titer blood test will be required. The rabies titer test must be completed at least 30 days after their rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before traveling to the EU. This test must be completed by an authorized (USDA-Accredited) vet and the sample must be sent to an EU approved laboratory.
Health Certificate
Pets traveling to Italy require a health certificate to be completed by a USDA-Accredited veterinarian prior to travel. This document must also be endorsed by the USDA.
If the pet owner is traveling within 5 days before or after the cat or dog, then a Non-Commercial health certificate must be completed within 10 days prior to travel.
If the pet owner will be traveling with more than 5 pets, or if they are traveling more than 5 days before or after the cat or dog, then a Commercial health certificate must be completed 2 days prior to travel.
What Are the Pet Restrictions for Italy?
Banned Breeds
Italy does not currently ban any dog breeds from coming into the country.
However, Venice will not allow the following breeds:
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinscher
Some municipalities may have their own rules for banned or breeds considered "dangerous dogs," and special rules may apply for owning these breeds. Please check with your local authority to ensure you are following the rules.
Do I Need a Microchip for My Pet to Travel to Italy?
Dogs and cats must have a microchip implanted and scanned BEFORE the rabies vaccination.
If your pet has a microchip that is not ISO-compliant then they will need to travel with a scanner that can read the chip OR you can have a second microchip implanted that is ISO compliant.
All of the pet's microchip numbers must be listed on the rabies certificate and health certificate. Microchips should be scanned at every vet visit to ensure they are still readable.
Our Italy pet transport services include:
- Door-to-door pet transport
- Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for pet travel to Italy
- USDA endorsement of all relevant documents
- Airline-approved travel kennels provided with personalized labels, identification
and emergency notification instructions - Customs clearance and delivery to your home
- Travel consultation and flight reservations