Italy - Pets

Two useful European Commission links for traveling with pets in the EU:

1. Travelers' Points of Entry if coming from a third country with a dog, cat or ferret – country specific information

2. Animal health requirements applicable to dogs, cats and ferrets moved into EU countries – country specific information

Italy's Rules if coming from an EU country

Dogs and cats must:

• Have a European Pet Passport.
• Be identified with a microchip, or tattoo.
• Be vaccinated against rabies with a valid vaccine at the time of travel and included in the passport.

No exceptions are granted, and animals under twelve weeks of age, and therefore not vaccinated with a valid rabies vaccine, are not allowed to enter Italy.

Italy's Rules if coming from outside the EU

To introduce a pet from a third country, you must enter with your pet through one of the designated Travelers’ Points of Entry.

If you come from a third country with favorable rabies situations included in the list (Annex II, part 2, of EU Regulation 577/2013):

Dogs and Cats must:

• be identified by a microchip or a clearly legible tattoo.
• have a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian of a third country. Proof of vaccination against rabies and, if applicable, of a new, valid vaccination must be included on the health certificate.

For other third countries, dogs and cats must:

• be identified by a microchip or a clearly legible tattoo.
• have a health certificate issued by an official veterinarian of a third country.
• must undergo a rabies antibody titration test in an authorized laboratory.

More details at the Italian Ministry of Health.

Last updated:  May 2023