How to Move Your Pet to Italy: A Guide For Pet Parents
If you’re planning to move your dog or cat to Italy, begin preparations early. Depending on the country you’re traveling from (rabies-free/controlled vs. rabies-endemic), the timeline can take about 1–4 months due to vaccination and health certificate requirements.
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 owner’s travel dates.
What Are the Restrictions for My Pet Entering Italy?
Italy doesn’t restrict entry by breed, but young puppies and kittens can’t enter until their rabies vaccine is valid (usually about 15 weeks old).
Should I Keep My Pet’s Original Health Documents When Moving to Italy?
Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!
Health Requirements For Pets to Enter Italy
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.
Rabies Antibody Test
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.
Document Requirements For Pet's to Enter Italy
Health Certificate
Have your pet examined by an authorized/official veterinarian in your country of origin, who will issue the EU Animal Health Certificate (EU Health Certificate). For non-commercial travel, the certificate must be issued within 10 days before your pet arrives in Italy (the EU), and you must travel with the original paperwork.
If you work with WorldCare Pet Transport, your Pet Relocation Counselor and our team in your origin country can guide you through paperwork timing and any required government endorsement steps.
Owner Declaration and the EU 5-Day Rule
Owner Declaration (Non-Commercial Movement): A written statement confirming your pet is traveling as a personal pet (not for sale or transfer of ownership). If the pet is traveling with someone other than the owner, it also serves as written permission for that person to accompany the pet.
What it confirms:
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The trip is non-commercial (no sale or transfer of ownership).
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The pet will remain under the responsibility of the owner or an authorized person.
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If an authorized person is traveling with the pet, the owner’s trip must be within 5 days before or after the pet/authorized person’s trip.
Fit-to-Fly Certificate
Your local veterinarian should examine your pet and complete a Fit-to-Fly certificate within 10 days of travel (airline requirements vary). This can usually be done 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!
Milan, Italy
Rome, Italy
Sciacca, Italy
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