How to bring your pet to Italy
To be able to bring your pet to Italy it must have had a microchip implanted and then have been vaccinated, in that order, against rabies using a suitable inactivated vaccine. After the first rabies vaccination at least 21 days must go by before you depart for Italy.
It is forbidden to bring animals less than 3 months old and not vaccinated for rabies.
It must have been issued with an EU Pet Passport in accordance to European Regulation 998/2003. The Passport will be issued directly by your local official vet.
Please note that it is not necessary to have either the blood test or the treatment against ticks and tapeworm for entry into Italy. (For re-entry to the UK please see Pet Travel Scheme).
In Italy the following regulations are currently applied for dogs:
- All dogs should be kept on a lead on the street or in open air public spaces;
- All dangerous dogs should have a muzzle and be kept on a lead for walking on the street or in open air public spaces;
- Owners should always clean up their dogs' faeces.
Please note that some local administrations have adopted additional regulations and therefore it is advisable to contact them directly for correct information.
More information
Italian Ministry of Health - Department of Animal Health and Welfare (in Italian) - tel: +39 06 5994 6540
