Planning to move your dog or cat to Italy? International pet travel can seem overwhelming, but with the right preparation, your furry companion can arrive safely and stress-free. This guide covers essential steps for pet relocation to Italy, including health certificate requirements, vaccinations, and travel crate guidelines.
How Long Does It Take to Move a Pet to Italy?
Depending on your country of origin, preparing your pet for travel can take 1-2 months from a low-risk rabies country and 3-4 months from a high-risk rabies country. Starting early is key to avoiding travel delays!
Need expert help? Fill out our Free Request a Quote form, and our Pet Relocation Counselors will handle the logistics for you.
Let’s get started!
Microchip Identification
To enter Italy, your pet must have a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip implanted before their most recent rabies vaccination.
Tip: Scan your pet’s microchip at every vet visit to ensure it works correctly. If the chip is unreadable or the records don’t match, travel delays may occur.
Rabies and General Vaccination Requirements
- Rabies Vaccine: Your pet’s latest rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old at the time of travel and valid for one year.
- If your pet was microchipped after their last rabies vaccine, they will need a new rabies shot to meet entry requirements.
General Vaccines (Highly Recommended for Travel)
- Dogs: DHPP+L (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza & Leptospirosis) and Bordetella (kennel cough) – within the last 6 months.
- Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)
Rabies Titer Test (For High-Risk Rabies Countries Only)
If traveling from a high-risk rabies country, a Government-Accredited Vet must:
- Collect a blood sample 30+ days after the rabies vaccine.
- Send it to an approved lab for a rabies antibody test.
Processing Time: The test results may take 4-6+ weeks to arrive.
EU Health Certificate
A Government-Accredited Vet must examine your pet and complete the EU Health Certificate within 10 days of travel.
If you work with WorldCare Pet Transport, we’ll assist with scheduling and coordinating this step.
Important: If your pet is not traveling within ±5 days of your journey to Italy, inform your Pet Relocation Counselor immediately, as this affects the documentation timeline.
Fit-to-Fly Certificate
A Government-Accredited Vet must issue a Fit-to-Fly Certificate within 10 days of departure to confirm your pet is healthy for air travel.
Note: Keep all original documents with your pet during travel – they act as their “passport.”
IATA-Approved Travel Crate
Your dog or cat must travel in an IATA-approved pet carrier that allows them to:
- Stand up comfortably
- Turn around
- Lie down naturally
Note: Pets in improperly sized carriers may be denied boarding. Check out our guide on how to measure a pet carrier correctly.
Success Story: Buddy’s Journey to Italy
Buddy, a happy dog we safely transported from Qatar to Italy
Meet Buddy, a happy pup who traveled from Qatar to Italy with WorldCare Pet Transport! Here’s what his pet parents had to say:
“Thank you for the excellent service. It has been such a great experience, and we want to thank the great people at WorldCare Pet Transport for taking outstanding care of our bundle of energy, Buddy!”
— Vergaelen Family, Qatar to Italy
Final Checklist for Moving a Dog or Cat to Italy
- Microchip (ISO-compliant)
- Rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old)
- General vaccinations (recommended but not mandatory)
- EU Health Certificate (within 10 days of travel)
- Fit-to-Fly Certificate (within 10 days of travel)
- IATA-approved pet travel crate
Need Help with Pet Relocation to Italy?
Moving a dog or cat to Italy can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Pet Relocation Counselors handle everything from documentation to travel logistics.
Get started today! Fill out our Free Request a Quote form, and let’s make your pet’s move to Italy smooth and hassle-free.
Safe travels to you and your furry friend!