Can I sedate my pet for the flight?

The use of sedatives is strongly discouraged as their effects can vary at high altitudes and may harm your pet. Instead, ask your pet relocation counselor or veterinarian about homeopathic options to keep your pet calm and comfortable during the journey.

How long does customs clearance take for pets in Italy?

After landing, pets are typically taken to a customs-controlled area for document and microchip checks. Customs clearance can take around 3–6 hours depending on the airport, staffing, and arrival volume. During processing, pets are offered water.

Do I need to bring original health documents for my pet?

Yes, all original health documents are required for customs clearance in Italy. Since airlines occasionally misplace items, it's a good idea to make copies of all essential documents for backup.

Does my housing in Italy need to allow pets?

Yes, confirm that your corporate or temporary housing in Italy accepts pets before moving.

Should my pet have tick and flea prevention in Italy?

It is recommended to keep your pet consistently up to date on preventative tick and flea treatments during their stay in Italy.

Does my pet need to be quarantined upon arrival in Italy?

Pets traveling to Italy generally do not need to quarantine as long as they meet all EU/Italy import requirements (microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and the correct travel documents). If your pet does not meet the requirements, authorities may refuse entry or require quarantine at the owner's expense.

What airline is pet-friendly to Italy?

When it's the best fit for the route, we commonly use airlines such as Lufthansa or Emirates. Our Pet Relocation Counselors review flight schedules, seasonality, and airline requirements to choose the best option for your pet.

How long does it take to move a pet to Italy?

From the US and other EU-listed countries, a pet starting from scratch needs about one to two months. A first rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old on arrival, and the EU Animal Health Certificate is issued within 10 days before arrival. From countries not on the EU's approved list, allow at least four months because of the rabies titer test and its three-month waiting period.

Does my pet need a rabies titer test to move from the US to Italy?

No. The US is on the EU's list of approved countries, so pets traveling from the US to Italy do not need a titer test. It is only required for pets coming from countries the EU does not list.

How old does a puppy or kitten need to be to travel to Italy?

At least about 15 weeks. The rabies vaccine can be given from 12 weeks of age, and a first vaccine must be at least 21 days old before your pet can enter Italy.

Last reviewed October 2026

To move a dog, cat or ferret to Italy, your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (a first vaccine must be at least 21 days old on arrival), and an EU Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days before arrival. Pets coming from countries not on the EU’s approved list also need a rabies antibody (titer) test. Pets that meet these requirements do not need to quarantine in Italy.

From the US and other EU-listed countries, a pet starting from scratch needs about one to two months. From unlisted countries, allow at least four months for the titer test and its three-month waiting period. Starting earlier gives you more room to plan flights around your move date.

What's changed for pets traveling to Italy

Oct 17, 2026

A new certificate format applies to commercial shipments, meaning a pet traveling more than 5 days before or after its pet parent. Read the EU notice

Oct 1, 2026

Pets traveling with their pet parent now use a new certificate format. The microchip, rabies vaccine and waiting period rules are the same as before. Read the EU notice

Apr 22, 2026

EU pet passports are now only for pet parents who live in the EU. If you live somewhere else, your pet enters Italy with an EU Animal Health Certificate.

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Planning Your Pet's Move to Italy

Italy Pet Travel Timeline

Requirements at a Glance

Italy Health Requirements

Italy Document Requirements

FAQ: Moving Your Pet to Italy

Pawprint City Guides For Italy

How Can WorldCare Pet Assist You?

Planning Your Pet’s Move to Italy

This guide walks through each step in order: the health requirements, the documents your pet needs, and what to expect when you arrive. Use the links to jump to any section. As part of WorldCare’s door-to-door service, your Pet Relocation Counselor coordinates every one of these steps with you.

How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Pet Move to Italy?

Planning Your Pet’s Move to Italy

This guide walks through each step in order: the health requirements, the documents your pet needs, and what to expect when you arrive. Use the links to jump to any section. As part of WorldCare’s door-to-door service, your Pet Relocation Counselor coordinates every one of these steps with you.

How far in advance should you plan a pet move to Italy?

Red and white dog with head out of car window on a country road during a road trip.

Start planning early. The timeline depends on where your pet is traveling from: about one to two months from the US and other EU-listed countries, and at least four months from countries not on the EU’s approved list.

Note: Under the EU 5-day rule, a pet can qualify as a non-commercial move if it travels within 5 days before or after the pet parent’s travel dates.

Italy Pet Import Requirements at a Glance

Microchip

ISO 11784/11785 compliant (15-digit). Non-ISO chips require the pet parent to supply a compatible scanner. The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine.

Rabies vaccination

Required. Pets must wait 21 days after a primary vaccination before entering Italy.

Health certificate

EU health certificate in Italian and English, completed by an authorized veterinarian and endorsed by the official government veterinary authority in the country of origin.

Arrival window

Pets must arrive in Italy within 10 days of the date the EU Animal Health Certificate is issued by the official government veterinarian.

Titer test

Depends on the country of origin. Not required from EU-listed countries such as the USA, Canada, and the UK. Required from unlisted countries: the blood sample is taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination, and pets wait 3 months from the sample date before entering.

Tapeworm treatment

Not required for dogs entering Italy.

Quarantine

None when all documentation is complete and correct.

Minimum age

15 weeks from listed countries. Rabies vaccination can be given at 12 weeks, followed by the 21-day wait. Pets from unlisted countries will be older due to the titer timeline.

Number of pets

Up to 5 pets per non-commercial move.

Breed restrictions

No national breed ban. Airline policies for snub-nosed breeds still apply.

Should I Keep My Pet’s Original Health Documents When Moving to Italy?

Keep all original health documents with your pet at all times, not in checked luggage. They are your pet’s “passport” for travel.

What Health Requirements Does Italy Have for Pets?

German shepherd puppy and orange tabby kitten sitting together during a veterinary checkup, stethoscope hanging between them.

Microchip

Microchip Timing: Your pet's microchip must be implanted before receiving their most recent vaccinations.

ISO-Compliant Microchip: Ensure your pet is identified with a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip.

Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.

Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.

What Vaccines Are Needed for Your Pet?

Rabies Vaccine

Your dog, cat, or ferret must have a valid rabies vaccination to enter Italy. For a primary rabies vaccination, the vaccine must be at least 21 days old. The vaccination must remain valid on the date of entry. Rabies vaccination must be given when your pet is at least 12 weeks old.

3-year rabies vaccines are accepted for entry into Italy as long as the vaccine is valid on the date of travel and your pet’s rabies coverage has not lapsed. If a booster is given within the validity period of the previous rabies vaccination, no 21-day waiting period is required. If there has been a lapse, the new rabies shot is treated as a primary vaccination and you must wait at least 21 days before your pet can enter Italy.

Does My Pet Need a Rabies Titer Test to Enter Italy?

Rabies antibody (titer) test (only for unlisted non-EU countries): If your pet is traveling to Italy from a non-EU country/territory that is not “listed” by the EU, your dog, cat, or ferret must have a rabies antibody titration test. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after a valid rabies vaccination, and you must wait at least 3 months from the date the sample was taken before entry into Italy (assuming the result is passing). The test must be performed in an approved laboratory.

Recommended Vaccines for Safer Travel (Especially if Boarding)

Italy’s import rules focus on rabies (and required paperwork), but we strongly recommend keeping your pet up to date on core “general” vaccinations for a safer trip. If your pet will be boarding at any point during travel, these vaccines are commonly required by boarding facilities.

For Dogs:

DHPP+L: Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.
Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Should be given within the last 6 months.

For Cats:

FVRCP: Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.

Keeping these vaccinations current helps reduce the risk of illness and makes travel much smoother.

What Documents Does My Pet Need to Enter Italy?

Health Certificate

Your pet needs an EU Animal Health Certificate, completed by an authorized veterinarian in your country of origin and then issued by the official government veterinarian (for pets leaving the US, that’s the USDA APHIS endorsement). Your pet must arrive in Italy within 10 days of that issue date, and the original certificate travels with your pet.

Note: The EU Animal Health Certificate format changed in October 2026. See “What’s changed” at the top of this page. Your Pet Relocation Counselor coordinates the vet appointment, the correct certificate version for your travel date, and the government endorsement, so the timing lines up with your pet’s flight.

Additional Document Requirements

White Maltese dog sitting inside an open red suitcase packed with a passport and sunglasses.

Additional Document Requirements

Owner Declaration and the EU 5-Day Rule

Owner Declaration (Non-Commercial Movement): A signed statement confirming your pet is traveling as a personal pet, not for sale or a change of ownership. If someone else is traveling with your pet, the declaration also gives them written permission to do so. In that case, your own trip must be within 5 days before or after your pet’s. Outside that window, the move counts as commercial and needs a different certificate. Your Pet Relocation Counselor prepares the declaration with you.

Fit-to-Fly Certificate

A veterinarian completes a Fit-to-Fly certificate within 10 days of travel (airline requirements vary), usually at the same appointment as the EU Animal Health Certificate.

FAQ: Moving Your Pet to Italy

PawPrint City Guides for Popular Cities in Italy

Planning pet transport to Italy? Check out our PawPrint Guides to Italy for pet-friendly resources, including local veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet supply shops.

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Ready to start your pet’s journey to Italy? Explore our pet relocation services to Italy and see why pet parents trust WorldCare Pet Transport. From planning to arrival, we provide door-to-door care designed to keep your pet safe and comfortable.