IT

Importing Your Pet to Italy

Relaxed to import

Italy is an EU member state. Pet import follows EU Pet Travel Scheme rules, administered by the Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute). Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP) are the main entry airports with animal import facilities.

No mandatory quarantine for pets arriving from EU-listed countries with correct documentation. For pets from non-listed countries, a titre test and 3-month waiting period apply.

Italy requires the EU standard: microchip, current rabies vaccination, and a valid EU Pet Passport or endorsed health certificate. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.

Import Requirements

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785)

Rabies Vaccination

Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel

Titre Test

Not required for most origins

Quarantine

No routine quarantine for compliant pets

Import Permit

EU pet passport or health certificate

Health Certificate

Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 days from issue

Entry through Rome or Milan

Rome Fiumicino is the most common international arrival point for pets entering Italy. The Ministry of Health inspection desk at FCO handles import documentation checks. Milan Malpensa also has animal import capacity. Contact the airport’s cargo or live animal section in advance to confirm procedures and operating hours.

Pets arriving as air cargo must be collected from the cargo terminal. The documentation check by Ministry of Health veterinarians must be completed before your pet is released to you.

Italy's brachycephalic breed caution

Italy does not have a specific federal ban on brachycephalic breeds, but airlines operating into Italy have their own restrictions. Breeds like French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs face seasonal embargoes on several carriers. If you have a flat-faced breed, check both the airline policy and the transit airport policy well before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

No routine quarantine is required in Italy for pets arriving with correct documentation. Penalty quarantine may apply if any documentation is missing or incorrect. Get everything right before you travel.

No, Italy does not generally require a rabies titre test. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Verify current requirements with Ministry of Health before travel.

Yes, cats can be imported into Italy. The same microchip, vaccination, and health certificate requirements apply as for dogs. Some rules (such as tapeworm treatment) apply to dogs only. Verify current requirements with Ministry of Health.

A government-issued veterinary health certificate is required, endorsed by the official veterinary authority in your origin country. The certificate must be issued close to the travel date (typically within 7-10 days). Contact Ministry of Health or a pet transport agent for the required certificate format.

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Italy

  • Difficulty: Relaxed
  • Quarantine: No routine quarantine for compliant pets
  • Code: IT

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