Italy Pet Import Requirements

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 the United Kingdom (UK-resident pets)

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.

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.

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.

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.

Italy Pet Import Requirements

NEWS: The EU has modified its regulations as of April 2026 with important changes to non-commercial transport (step 2). The EU has granted a transition period until March 2027; however, some countries like Germany have already enforced these new regulations. All new regulations have been indicated as such on this page.

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.

Step 1: EU Country Classifications

The European Union (EU) does not recognize any countries as rabies-free. Dogs, cats, and ferrets from all countries are subject to current rabies vaccinations according to their regulations. The EU classifies countries as either

• EU Member States and territories
• part 1 listed third countries
• part 2 listed third countries
• unlisted countries

The requirements to import a dog, cat, or ferret to Italy will depend on the classification of your country of origin and whether your pet has entered an unlisted country within the past 4 months. Click on the links above to find your origination country’s classification.

Pet owners should identify the classification of their country of origin before reviewing import regulations for Italy.

Step 2: Type of Transport

The European Union classifies the movement of pets as non-commercial or commercial. These pet import requirements apply to both non-commercial and commercial transports. Review the conditions below to determine whether your pet’s transport will be classified as non-commercial or commercial, as the requirements for each type of transport are different.

Conditions for Non-Commercial Transport

• All pets must enter Italy with their owner*. Proof of travel will be required AND
• The transport applies to no more than five pets** unless proof of participation in a competition or show is available, and pets are over six months of age AND
• The owner must attest that the purpose of the transport must not be for adoption, sale, or exchange of ownership via a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport.

*Some EU Member States will allow a representative assigned by the owner to travel with the pet under non-commercial regulations; however, the owner must still travel to the same destination no more than 5 days before their pet travels. (New regulation)

**If entering the EU by ground, a maximum of 5 pets per vehicle can travel under non-commercial regulations. (New regulation)

All pet owners transporting their pets under non-commercial regulations must sign a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport stating that their pet’s transport does not involve the sale or transfer of ownership of their pet.

Unless all of the above conditions are satisfied, your pet must travel under commercial regulations.

Conditions for Commercial Transport

• The owner or designated person is not traveling with the pet OR
• The transport is greater than five pets under one owner’s passport/vehicle OR
• The purpose of the transport involves any change of ownership, adoption, or commercial sale.

If any of the above conditions are met, then your pet must travel under commercial regulations. The importer must be registered in the origin country and have proof of the organization they represent. They also must have proof that this business or organization will be responsible for the import of the pet. The exporter must provide proof that they are registered in the exporting country.

Step 3: Pet Microchip

The third step to import a dog, cat, or ferret to Italy is to have your pet identified with a non-encrypted, 15-digit, ISO 11784/11785 compliant pet microchip. If your pet’s microchip is not ISO compliant, you can bring your own microchip scanner.

Your veterinarian, a veterinary hospital, or a trained nurse must implant the microchip. (New regulation) You should receive documentation as to the manufacturer of the microchip and instructions on how to register your pet’s information in the manufacturer’s or government’s database in your country.

Note: By 1 January 2028, all pet microchips must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant. As there is no guarantee that border inspection officials will have a universal scanner available, it is advised to consider updating your pet’s microchip if you are a frequent traveler. (New regulation)

A tattoo is an acceptable form of identification under the following conditions:

• It was applied prior to July 3, 2011, and
• The tattoo is clearly visible, and
• Your pet was vaccinated for rabies after the tattoo was applied, and
• All rabies vaccinations after the tattoo was applied were kept up-to-date. (No rabies vaccinations were allowed to expire before boosters were administered).

It is anticipated that after 2026 every dog or cat kept for sale, adoption, or cross-border movement within or into the EU will need to be registered in an approved database, with the microchip number acting as the primary identifier. EU Member States without current databases will be setting those up for this purpose. It is important to ensure that your pet’s identity and contact details are correctly recorded before departure.

Step 4: Vaccinations

All dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Italy must have proof of a current rabies vaccination administered at the same time or after a microchip was implanted.

If entering Italy from another EU Member State, part 1 or part 2 listed country, your pet must wait at least 21 days after primary rabies vaccination* to travel. Note that every manufacturer of rabies vaccines has specifications on when immunity is reached, and your veterinarian should inform you of the wait time for your pet’s specific vaccine.

*The primary vaccination is one of the following:

• The first vaccination your pet received after a microchip was implanted.
• Your pet was microchipped at the time of its previous rabies vaccination; however, the previous rabies vaccination had expired when the current vaccination was administered.

If entering Italy from an unlisted country, pets must wait for 30 days to have a licensed veterinarian administer a rabies titer test (next step).

In either case, do not count the day of the veterinary visit in the wait time.

Other Vaccinations

Pet owners should always consider healthy vaccinations against diseases such as the following:

• canine distemper (also for ferrets)
• canine hepatitis
• canine leptospirosis
• canine parvovirus
• feline viral rhinotracheitis
• feline panleukopenia
• feline leukemia

Exception: Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper when being transported commercially.

Step 5: Rabies Titer (Serology) Test

A rabies titer test, also known as a serology test, must be administered to pets entering Italy from unlisted countries only. The test should be administered no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination is administered. Do not count the day of the veterinary visit.

This test measures the rabies antibodies in your pet’s blood. There are several kinds of rabies titer tests, although the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) test is preferred. Samples must be processed at approved laboratories.

The titer test must be administered more than 90 days prior to the date on the EU Health Certificate (step 8). (New regulation)

It is worth noting that some EU Member States require that serology levels be confirmed prior to leaving their country.

The test is valid to enter any EU Member State for the life of your pet if boosters are administered prior to the expiration of the previous rabies vaccination.

Step 6: Import Permit

Pet owners do not need an import permit when entering Italy with a dog, cat, or ferret. Unaccompanied pets may need an import permit.

Step 7: Parasite Treatments

Pet owners should always protect their pets from internal and external parasites to keep them healthy when traveling internationally; however, proof of these treatments is not required for pets imported to Italy.

Step 8: Health Certificate

Every country worldwide requires current health certificates in their pet import regulations, and Italy is no exception. The EU Health Certificate must include pet owner information (New regulation) clearly identify your pet, including its microchip number. Your veterinarian must state that your pet is fit to travel and is not originating from an area that is under restrictions for rabies. Additionally, your veterinarian should attest that your pet displays no symptoms of any contagious diseases.

The type of health certificate required will depend on the type of transport the pet is traveling under – non-commercial or commercial. Both certificates must be endorsed by a government veterinarian representing the agency in your country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals.

Your pet must enter the EU Member State within 10 days of endorsement (non-commercial) and depart the country of origin within 48 hours of endorsement (commercial). (New regulation)

Non-Commercial Transport to Italy from an EU Member State or Part 1 Listed Country

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 does not apply unless your pet has entered an unlisted country within four months of travel.

EU-Resident Pets: Have a licensed veterinarian issue and update an EU Pet Passport or government-issued pet passport (part 1 listed third countries) for your pet. A health check prior to travel is recommended and may be required by your air carrier.

An EU pet health certificate is not required for pets traveling to Italy with a current EU Pet Passport.

Non-Resident Pets (visitors): If your pet has not lived in an EU Member State or part 1 listed country for six months or you do not have a permanent address in an EU Member State, then your pet will need a non-commercial EU Health Certificate. (New regulation)

Non-Commercial Transport to Italy from a Part 2 Listed or Unlisted Country

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 applies under the following conditions:

• Your pet is originating from an unlisted country or
• Your pet has entered an unlisted country within four months of travel.

A licensed veterinarian must issue a non-commercial EU Health Certificate. The certificate must then be endorsed by a government veterinarian representing the agency in the origination country that is responsible for the import and export of live animals. The certificate is valid for 10 days from endorsement to the day your pet arrives at the border inspection post. (New regulation)

The EU pet health certificate for Italy is good for transports of five or fewer dogs, cats, or ferrets. The form is good for six months of travel within the EU if the rabies vaccination documented on the certificate does not expire during that time. (New regulation)

Note: Resident UK pet owners traveling from the UK to any EU Member State under non-commercial regulations (see step 2) should not use an EU Pet Passport and instead obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) according to the Animal and Plant Agency. The validity of the AHC has been extended to six months.

Commercial Transport to Italy from an EU Member State

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 does not apply.

Your pet must travel from a licensed premise which is registered with the governing authority in your EU Member State
responsible for the import and export of animals.

Your veterinarian must obtain and update an EU Pet Passport for your pet.

Your pet must be inspected, and an Intratrade Pet Health Certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours of entry.

The transport must be recorded in the Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES) ahead of travel. This system tracks the import, export, and intra-trade of all live animals entering or leaving the EU.

Commercial Transport to Italy from a Part 1 and 2 Listed Third Country

Steps 3 and 4 apply. Step 5 does not apply.

Your pet must be inspected, and a commercial EU Health Certificate must be issued and endorsed by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by a government veterinarian within 48 hours of travel.

The transport must be recorded in advance in TRACES. This system tracks the import, export, and intra-trade of all live animals entering or leaving the EU.

Commercial Transport to Italy from an Unlisted Country

Step 3, 4, and 5 apply.

Note: Pets can only enter Italy from unlisted countries under commercial regulations from these countries.

Your pet must be inspected, and a commercial EU Health Certificate must be issued and endorsed by a government veterinarian within 48 hours of travel.

The transport must be recorded in advance in TRACES. This system tracks the import, export, and intra-trade of all live animals entering or leaving the EU.

Other Information

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 a negative 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.

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 countries cannot do so until they are at least 7 months of age to meet requirements.

More information on transporting a puppy.

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 on any transport, the use of a leash and muzzle is mandatory.

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.

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 as air cargo according to airline 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 country, then a Transit Declaration will be required. The declaration must state that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and has 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 the importer’s expense.

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 microchipped
• Be vaccinated for rabies (in that order) not sooner than 12 weeks of age and
• Wait 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 EU 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 with their destination country’s 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.

Importing Other Pet Animals to Italy

Other Animals

Domesticated rodents, rabbits, amphibians, and reptiles entering Italy from other EU Member States should travel with their owners under non-commercial regulations and be accompanied by a current health certificate.

Any of the pets listed above entering Italy from Part 1 and 2 listed third countries must:

• Be accompanied by their owner.
• Be not more than five in number.
• Be imported under non-commercial regulations only.
• Have a current health certificate including identifying devices or features of the pet.
• Be transported in crates or carriers compliant with the International Air Transport Association.
• Have an Owner’s Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport
• Enter transport in the TRACES system.
• Enter Italy at an approved border inspection post. (Non-EU transports)
• Provide notice of arrival at least one working day in advance.

Pet Bird Import (Non-Poultry)

Only birds who are originating from these non-EU countries will be permitted entry. The following requirements will apply in addition to those listed above.

• The bird must be identified by a non-removable, legible individual marking displaying an alphanumeric code (clip, ring, microchip, transponder, or ear tag).
• Bird owners must enter Italy at an approved border inspection point.
• Have an examination by a licensed veterinarian within 48 hours of transport and be found free of any signs of disease or external parasites.
• Have a veterinarian issue a health certificate including the following information: description of the bird, owner of the bird, and address of origin and address of destination of the bird.
• The bird must not be exposed to any other birds after a 48-hour clinical examination.

Other Requirements for Bird Imports from Non-EU Countries:

• Your bird must have undergone isolation for 30 days prior to export OR
• Two vaccinations against avian influenza with the H5 vaccine between 60 days and 6 months of import OR
• 14 days of isolation in the origination country under the supervision of an authorized veterinarian and undergone a test to detect the H5 and H7 antigen or genome AND
• PCR test for H5 and H7 avian influenza virus with negative result on one sample taken no sooner than the 7th day and no later than 14 days before import (a serological test is not sufficient) AND
• Birds that are covered by CITES must have appropriate permits.

Birds must be examined within 48 hours of transport and held in isolation until travel. A health certificate must be issued and include the following information: characteristics of the bird, species, sex, color, owner’s information, veterinarian’s information, and details of any medical tests or treatments.

After entering Italy, birds must be transferred directly to a private household or residency. The birds will be under surveillance during this time and must not be exposed to other birds for 30 days.

Birds that do not meet the above requirements will be quarantined for a minimum of 30 days when entering Italy.

Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the destination country.

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 database or Search Species+ Database

Related: Learn more about CITES

Have Questions About Importing Your Pet to Italy?

Have a question about importing a pet to Italy? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.

Please note that the accuracy of comments made by Facebook users other than Pet Travel has not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.

Current information

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.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’s pet import requirements.