Your pet’s safe trip

Whether you’re strolling the cobblestone streets of Florence, relaxing along the Amalfi Coast, or enjoying a café in Rome, Italy is a beautiful place to share with your pet. The country is not only rich in culture and scenery but also pet-friendly—with plenty of parks, piazzas, and patios welcoming furry companions.

But before your pet can say “ciao,” you’ll need to prepare the right documentation for a smooth and stress-free entry into Italy. Here’s everything you need to know.

✈️ Pet Import Requirements for Italy

Italy follows European Union pet import guidelines, meaning U.S. travelers can bring their dog or cat with them—if they meet the following requirements.

✅ Microchip

Your pet must have a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before receiving any rabies vaccination. This microchip will be scanned at customs upon entry.

💉 Rabies Vaccination

• The rabies vaccine must be given after microchip implantation

• It must be administered at least 21 days before travel

• The vaccine must be current and valid on the date of entry

• Only inactivated rabies vaccines are accepted

• Pets must be at least 12 weeks old to receive the vaccine

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.

📄 EU Health Certificate (Annex IV)

U.S. pets must travel with an EU-compliant veterinary health certificate, which must be:

• Issued within 10 days of travel

• Completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian

• Endorsed by USDA APHIS

• Written in English and Italian

• Accompanied by the rabies certificate and microchip documentation

This certificate is valid for:

• Entry into the EU: 10 days from issue

• Travel within the EU: up to 4 months or until the rabies vaccine expires

📬 Arrival & Customs

• Pets must enter Italy via an approved Point of Entry, such as Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP)

• Upon arrival, customs officials may:

  • Scan the microchip

  • Review vaccination records and paperwork

  • Verify pre-travel health standards were met

No advance import permit is needed, but pre-notification may be required by the airline or customs authorities.

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.

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