Australia is EU-listed so no titre test or 3-month wait is required. Italy has had no national breed ban since 2009. Emirates via Dubai provides direct connections from Sydney or Melbourne to both Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa, making …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in Australia
6+ weeks before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination is valid and 21-day post-primary wait is complete.
Responsible: Vet in Australia
6+ weeks before travel
3
Book cargo from SYD or MEL to FCO or MXP via DXB or SIN.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
4
Obtain DAFF-endorsed EU-format health certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: Accredited vet plus DAFF endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
5
Depart SYD or MEL. Italian Ministry of Health vets inspect at FCO or MXP on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and Italian customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Italy
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Australia is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait do not apply. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. Italian Ministry of Health vets inspect at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP).
Import permit
No import permit required. DAFF-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DAFF, issued within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Australia)
No formal export permit required for companion animals from Australia. Primary departure airports: Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL).
Costs
What this route typically costs
DAFF-endorsed health certificate: AUD 200-600 (approximately EUR 130-400)
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo SYD/MEL to FCO/MXP via hub: EUR 1,900-4,200 depending on crate size and routing
Pet transport agent (recommended for long-haul): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 2,300-5,400
Critical points to read before you book
Australia is EU-listed: no titre test or 3-month wait required. 4-6 weeks preparation is sufficient with a current vaccination.
Emirates via Dubai (DXB) offers direct connections to both Rome FCO and Milan MXP, making it the most practical routing from Australia to Italy.
Italy has no national breed ban since 2009. No breed-specific documentation is required at arrival.
DAFF endorsement takes a few working days; allow enough lead time within the 10-day certificate window.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Emirates operates Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) to Dubai (DXB) with direct connections to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP). Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International. One of the most direct routings from Australia to Italy.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Singapore Airlines operates SYD and MEL to Singapore (SIN) with connections to Rome FCO or Milan MXP via European hubs. Established Australia to Europe cargo network.
Cargo Only
ITA AIRWAYS
ITA Airways Cargo via European hub
ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia) connects to Rome Fiumicino from European hub partners. Italian Ministry of Health inspection takes place at FCO or MXP on arrival.
Cargo Only
EU-listed origin, no breed ban destination: the practical picture
Australia appears on the EU’s listed third countries schedule (EU Regulation 576/2013, Annex II). Pets from listed countries do not need the FAVN titre test or the 3-month waiting period. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Italy removed its national breed-specific legislation in 2009. Italian Ministry of Health vets carry out a documentary inspection at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) on arrival, but no breed classification is applied at the federal level. The combination of EU-listed origin and no Italian breed ban means the process is straightforward for the vast majority of Australian pets.
Sydney or Melbourne to Rome or Milan: Emirates via Dubai
Emirates operates from both Sydney and Melbourne to Dubai (DXB) with direct sector connections to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP). This DXB hub gives a single-transfer routing from Australia to Italian airports, which is a practical advantage on one of the world’s longer cargo routes.
Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) also connects to Italian airports via European hubs. ITA Airways connects to Rome from hub partners. Book 4-6 weeks ahead and confirm live animal acceptance on your specific flights.
DAFF certificate: preparing the export documentation from Australia
DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) accredits vets in Australia to sign EU-format export health certificates. The certificate must be endorsed by DAFF before departure and issued within 10 days of the date of arrival in Italy.
DAFF endorsement takes a few working days. Book the vet appointment with enough lead time for both the examination and endorsement to fall within the 10-day window. Confirm DAFF accreditation with your vet in Sydney or Melbourne before booking.
FAQ
Common questions about Australia to Italy pet transport
No. Australia is EU-listed under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait do not apply. A valid microchip, current rabies vaccination, and DAFF-endorsed EU health certificate are required. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
No. Italy removed its national breed-specific legislation in 2009. Italian Ministry of Health vets carry out a documentary inspection at FCO or MXP on arrival, but no breed classification is applied at the federal level.
Emirates via Dubai (DXB) is the most practical option, with direct connections to both Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa from Sydney and Melbourne. Singapore Airlines via SIN also connects to Italian airports via European hubs.
Cargo from SYD or MEL to FCO or MXP via hub typically costs EUR 1,900-4,200. Add EUR 130-400 for the DAFF certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 2,300-5,400.