Italy
Italy is a Southern European country bordering France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and San Marino. As an EU member state, it follows the EU’s harmonized framework for pet entry, and is one of the simpler EU destinations — it has no national breed restrictions.
At a Glance
Italy, as an EU member state, requires an EU Health Certificate and rabies vaccination for pet entry. No blood test or quarantine is required for pets arriving from EU or low-risk rabies countries.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test
High-risk origins only
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Import Permit
Not required
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Min. Age
15 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Min. Prep Time
3–4 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter (12 weeks minimum for rabies vaccination, plus the 21-day wait). Pets under 12 weeks old cannot enter Italy under any circumstances. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need significantly more time due to the additional titer test and waiting period.
Microchip Before Vaccination
The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination date — a vaccine given first does not count.
Rabies Vaccination
Required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets, given after 12 weeks of age, with a 21-day wait before travel for a primary vaccination. Subsequent vaccinations must be given within the validity period of the previous one to maintain continuous coverage.
Rabies Titer Test — High-Risk Origins Only
Required only if the pet is travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. The blood sample must be taken at an EU-approved laboratory at least 30 days after the primary vaccination, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and the pet must wait 3 months from the sample date before entering Italy. This 3-month wait doesn’t apply when re-entering the EU if the test was already documented in the pet’s EU Pet Passport with a favorable result before it left the EU.
EU Health Certificate
Required for pets entering the EU from outside, plus a written declaration of the move’s non-commercial nature. Valid for 10 days from issuance until entry checks. After entry, the same certificate remains valid for further travel within the EU for up to 4 months or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first.
EU Pet Passport — For Onward Travel
Not used for the initial entry into the EU. Once the pet is in Italy, an authorised veterinarian can issue an EU Pet Passport for any further travel within EU member states once the Health Certificate’s onward-travel validity expires.
Customs Broker & Destination Agent
Neither is required, but both are highly recommended to handle the arrival process smoothly.
Number of Pets
A maximum of 5 pets per person under the non-commercial route. Travelling with 6 or more pets, or without the owner travelling within 5 days of the pet, classifies the move as commercial and requires the commercial health certificate instead.
Climate Considerations
Italian summers can bring extremely high temperatures. Airlines may impose their own seasonal restrictions on pet travel — check with your airline or a certified pet relocation specialist when booking.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
This is the standard timeline for most origins. Pets travelling from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test step and a longer overall timeline — see Key Requirements above.
1
Microchip Implanted
Before rabies vaccination
2
Rabies Vaccination
At least 21 days before travel
3
Titer Test (high-risk origins only)
30 days after vaccination; 3-month wait before entry
4
EU Health Certificate Issued
Within 10 days before travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EU Pet Passport to travel to Italy?
Not for the initial trip. Pets entering the EU from outside need an EU Health Certificate. The EU Pet Passport becomes relevant only for further travel within the EU after the Health Certificate’s onward validity period ends.
Are there breed restrictions in Italy?
No — Italy removed its national breed-specific list in 2009. There’s no national ban, though individual municipalities may have local rules.
Is there quarantine in Italy?
No quarantine required for compliant pets travelling within the EU framework.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter Italy?
Only if travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. In that case, a rabies titer test is mandatory, with entry only possible at least 3 months after the blood sample is drawn. A certified agent can confirm your origin country’s status →
Do requirements differ depending on where my pet is travelling from?
Yes. Pets from EU countries or countries the EU considers low-risk for rabies only need standard vaccination and a health certificate, with no blood test and no quarantine. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test at least 30 days after vaccination, plus a 3-month wait before entry.
Is summer a bad time to fly a pet to Italy?
It can be — extreme summer heat may lead airlines to impose their own seasonal restrictions on pet travel. Check with your airline directly when booking.
Which major airports have direct flights to Italy?
Milan, Rome, and Venice all serve as major entry points, with direct connections from many origins worldwide. Routing options depend on your departure country — check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to Italy?
Get a free personalised quote →
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.