Country Compliance
Italy Pet Import Requirements
Official veterinary regulations, microchip standards, rabies rules, and breed restrictions for entering Italy.
1. Microchip & Identification
Required: Microchip. The date of administration of the rabies vaccine must not precede the date of microchip.
2. Rabies Vaccination
- The pet animal (dog, cat or ferret) must be vaccinated against rabies by an authorised veterinarian.
- The pet was at least 12 weeks old at the date the vaccine was administered.
- The date of administration of the vaccine does not precede the date of microchip.
- The period of validity of the vaccination starts not less than 21 days from the completion of the vaccination protocol for the primary vaccination, and any subsequent vaccination was carried out within the period of validity of the preceding vaccination.
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Travelling to Italy with pets
3. Titre Tests & Bloodwork
A Neutralizing antibody titration is only required for those third countries not listed in Part 2 of Annex II of the EU Requirement 577/2013. The list is constantly updated and can be checked on this LINK
• A neutralizing antibody titration at least equal to 0,5 IU/ml carried out on a sample taken by an authorized veterinarian at least 30 days after the first valid rabies vaccination and three months before being moved to Italy
• The test must be carried out by an EU-approved Laboratory. The list of the approved labs can be found on this LINK
• The test does not have to be renewed following a satisfactory result, provided that the pet animal is revaccinated within the period of validity of the previous rabies vaccination.
• The three-month period shall not apply to the re-entry of a pet animal whose EU Pet Passport certifies that the test was carried out and documented, with a favorable result, before the animal left the Union.
4. Quarantine Requirements
No quarantine permit required
5. Breed Restrictions
No entry of animals under 3 months of age.
No Breed Restrictions
Climate restrictions imposed by airlines at the time of booking. Summer temperatures can be extremely high in Italy
Done-for-You Service
Breed rules in Italy can mean a border denial.
Our IPATA-certified team verifies your specific breed against Italy's current import rules and manages every document — so you arrive cleared, not turned away.
Get a Italy Relocation Quote6. Customs & Import Rules
- Arrivals of pets are not accepted after 4pm.
- Imports into ITALY need to follow the requirements for EUROPEAN UNION - EU
- If pets are arriving as Cargo, custom must be alerted at least 5 days before arrival
Entry points and best ways to enter:
- Milan MXP, Milan LIN, Venice VCE, Rome FCO
- Pets can enter in cabin as extra baggage
- Container requirements follow Iata rules
Customs hours of operation and Customs Vet Office Hours
- from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
- Pets as Cargo are not accepted during Italian holidays and weekends, and after 4pm
- For pets arriving after 4pm or during the weekend, they will remain in their crates until the customs offices open the next morning and will receive night assistance for water and food.
- Fees, taxes and costs are based to number of pets or out of hour service
- There are not transit stations at Italians destination airports: the pets remain in their crates while waiting for clearance
Common Questions
Italy pet travel — frequently asked
Are there breed restrictions for pets entering Italy?
Yes, Italy enforces breed restrictions for incoming pets. Review the Breed Restrictions section on this page for the specific breeds affected, or contact our team for a breed-specific compliance assessment.
Does Italy require quarantine for dogs and cats?
Yes, quarantine requirements apply for pets entering Italy. See the Quarantine Requirements section for holding periods, conditions, and approved facilities.
What documents do I need to bring my pet to Italy?
Pets entering Italy typically require an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, plus a rabies titre (antibody) test. Requirements vary by origin country — check each section above for the most current rules.
Pet Travel Guides
Where are you heading in Italy?
Each city guide covers hotels, vets, experiences, and airport concierge— fully coordinated with Italy's import requirements above.
Rome
EU Health Certificate clearance at Fiumicino — Rome is Europe's most dog-permissive capital.
Full Rome pet travel guideMilan
Italian customs coordination at Malpensa with EU health certificate management.
Full Milan pet travel guideNaples
Italian customs clearance at Naples Capodichino with EU health certification.
Full Naples pet travel guideVenice
EU health certificate clearance at Venice Marco Polo with Dogane coordination.
Full Venice pet travel guideFlorence
EU health certificate clearance at Florence Peretola with Dogane coordination.
Full Florence pet travel guidePopular Airlines
Airlines flying pets to Italy
Each airline has its own breed restrictions, weight limits, and cargo embargo windows. Check policies before you book.
