IT

Importing Your Pet to Italy

Relaxed to import
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared by , International Animal Health Consultant

Italy applies the EU pet rules, which since 22 April 2026 are set by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. The Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute) sets the rules and issues Italy’s list of points of entry, while checks on pets arriving from outside the EU are delegated to the Customs Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane).

There is no quarantine for a pet that meets the entry rules. Pets from third countries listed in Annex I or II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 need no rabies titre test; pets from everywhere else do.

Every pet needs a microchip and a rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older, and a primary vaccination becomes valid 21 days after it is completed. Pets from outside the EU also need an EU animal health certificate, valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the point of entry.

Import Requirements

Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 2 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.

EU rules that apply in Italy

Who is in charge

Where your pet travels from

GroupWhat appliesOrigins
EU countries (movement between Member States)Pet dogs and cats moving between Member States travel on an EU pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian, with microchip and valid rabies vaccination (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, Article 11). Tapeworm treatment applies only for dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. SourceEU Member States
Listed third countries and territories, Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. The EC travellers' points of entry page also exempts these origins (and Norway) from the obligation to enter through a designated travellers' point of entry. SourceAndorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State
Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(b) of 2026/131)No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. SourceAscension Island, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Aruba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Canada, Chile, Curaçao, Fiji, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, Montenegro, Montserrat, North Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Serbia, Singapore, Saint Helena, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, United States of America, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna
Non-listed third countries and territoriesRabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Sourceall other countries and territories
  • Pets from third countries or territories listed in Annex I or Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 do not need a rabies antibody titration test (the page adds in brackets that Annex II was amended by 2026/1228 to add Montenegro and Serbia); pets from all other third countries do. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Montenegro and Serbia were added to Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (titre-test exempt list) by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228, and are shown in Annex II on the EC listing page. The exact start date (18 or 19 June 2026) was not confirmed on EUR-Lex in this pass; it does not affect moves from October 2026 onwards. Applies to dogs and cats from Montenegro and Serbia.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Annex I countries (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131) are those that applied and showed they apply pet rules equivalent to the EU's own; Annex II countries (Article 17(1)(b)) qualify on rabies surveillance and control criteria. Both are exempt from the titre test; only Annex I origins are also exempt from entering through a travellers' point of entry (Article 15(a)). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Import permit

  • Not required (EU level): the European Commission sets out the conditions that must be met for a pet dog, cat or ferret to move from a non-EU country into an EU country (travel with the owner, at most 5 animals, microchip, health, rabies vaccination, titre test where applicable, tapeworm treatment for some destinations, animal health certificate and declaration, travellers' point of entry); no permit is among them. National files must still settle any national permit (for example a breed or hybrid licence). Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets moved from non-EU countries into the EU (non-commercial).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 2 October 2026
  • At EU level a permit is used only by way of exception. Article 29 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 lets a Member State, in exceptional situations, authorise entry of pets that do NOT comply with the conditions in Articles 7 to 20, on a permit from the destination Member State (applied for in advance or, by derogation in Article 29(2), granted on arrival), with possible isolation under official supervision of up to six months. Article 15(b) also uses a permit, only for pet dogs moved by military, law-enforcement or search-and-rescue teams that enter other than through a travellers' point of entry. An ordinary compliant pet does not need one. Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets that do not meet the EU entry conditions.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 2 October 2026

Microchip

  • Each pet must be identified with an implanted microchip meeting the technical specifications in Article 70a of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035. Neither the EC pages nor 2026/131 name ISO 11784/11785 directly; the standard is set by reference to Article 70a. Exceptions: the same EC page accepts a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011, and a microchip that does not meet Article 70a is accepted if the owner provides a reader on request (Article 13(1)(b) of 2026/131; see below).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The rabies vaccine must not be given before the microchip is implanted or read (same day is acceptable).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • If a pet from a non-EU country has a microchip that does not meet the EU technical requirements, the owner must provide a reader so EU authorities can check it. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • For non-commercial movements between EU countries, the microchip must contain the country code from 1 January 2028. The same FAQ lists exceptions: pets microchipped before 22 April 2026 under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 need not be re-chipped, and pets from non-EU countries on a short stay identified under their own national rules do not need a country-code chip (Article 7(2)(a) of 2026/131 also deems transponders implanted before 1 January 2028 without the country code compliant). Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 7(1)(b) of 2026/131 (identification for movements between Member States): if the transponder does not meet the Article 70a technical requirements, the owner or authorised person must provide a reader on request. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Rabies vaccination

Rabies titre test

  • Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026
  • The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued. Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The 90-day wait does not apply when an EU-resident pet returns and its passport shows a favourable titre test done before it left the EU. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from non-listed third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Health certificate

  • Pets entering from third countries need an EU animal health certificate completed and issued by an official or authorised veterinarian in the country of dispatch and then endorsed by that country's competent authority. Exceptions on the same page (Article 20 of 2026/131): a pet accompanied by a pet passport issued in an Annex I country, and an EU-resident pet re-entering on its EU pet passport (see topic other), need no certificate. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue by the official veterinarian until the documentary and identity checks at the travellers' point of entry; for transport by sea the 10 days are extended by the length of the sea journey. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • For onward travel to other EU countries the certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries and travelling onward within the EU.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The certificate must be accompanied by a written declaration from the owner or authorised person that the movement is non-commercial (model in Part 2 of Annex V to 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Transitional rule: old-model certificates (Annex IV to 577/2013) issued before 1 October 2026 are accepted until 31 March 2027. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC page confirms that old-model certificates remain valid only if issued before 1 October 2026 (end date 31 March 2027 is in Article 6 of 2026/705). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 6(1) of 2026/705: an old-model passport (Part 1 of Annex III to 577/2013) is deemed to comply with the new model passport where it was issued before 1 January 2028, for non-commercial movements into a Member State from another Member State. Article 6(2) gives the same rule for old Part 3 passports used for movements from third countries or territories listed in Annex I to 2026/636. Applies to dogs and cats moving with an EU pet passport.
    Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 18(1) of 2026/131: the animal health certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks at the travellers' point of entry, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier. Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

Other vaccines and tests

Parasite treatment

  • Dogs (not cats) must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. Dogs moving directly between these disease-free countries are exempt (Article 10(1) of 2026/131 and the EC 'Travelling with a pet within the EU' page). Article 16 of 2026/131 (dogs from Annex I countries) and Article 10(2) (dogs from other Member States) allow an alternative regular-treatment scheme where the destination Member State has authorised it and says so on a dedicated website. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
  • The tapeworm treatment must be given by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before scheduled entry. Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Quarantine

  • Under EU rules quarantine is tied to non-compliance: a pet that fails the entry checks may be returned to the country of departure, quarantined until it complies, or, if neither is possible, euthanised (Your Europe, last checked 1 September 2026). Separately, Article 29 of 2026/131 lets a Member State admit a non-compliant pet on a permit that may include isolation under official supervision for up to six months. The entry measures for a compliant pet (Article 14 of 2026/131, see other_vaccines_and_tests) include no quarantine. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU, checked 1 October 2026

Arrival points and notice

  • Pets from third countries must enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State (Article 15 of 2026/131, with listed exceptions). Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • The EC publishes each Member State's travellers' points of entry. Pets from Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State are exempt from using them. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Travellers' points of entry, checked 1 October 2026

Minimum age

  • Young unvaccinated (or not yet fully protected) dogs and cats cannot enter the EU from any non-EU country. Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Between Member States only, a destination country may allow young pets under 12 weeks unvaccinated, or 12 to 16 weeks vaccinated but within the 21-day wait (Article 9 of 2026/131). The EC table (checked 1 October 2026) lists Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland as accepting them for non-commercial moves. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • Article 9 of 2026/131 defines the young-animal derogation for movement from another Member State. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026

How many pets

How your pet may travel

  • The pet must travel with its owner; if the owner cannot travel at the same time, an authorised person may move it, with the owner travelling within 5 days before or after, confirmed by a written declaration attached to the passport (model in Annex V, Part 1 to 2026/705).
    Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026

Other conditions

  • Between Member States, pets must carry an EU pet passport (Article 11(1) of 2026/131). The EC guidance page says it is completed and issued by an authorised veterinarian. Exception (Article 12 of 2026/131): a pet whose owner lives in a third country and that entered the EU on an animal health certificate may move on to another Member State with that certificate while it is valid. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
  • EU-resident pets returning after a short stay outside the EU may re-enter on their EU pet passport (instead of a certificate) if it shows rabies vaccination and any needed titre test were done before leaving; Article 20(b) of 2026/131 adds that the vaccination must still be valid on return. Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from third countries.
    FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026

Rules set by Italy

Who is in charge

Import permit

  • Not required: the Ministry sets out the full conditions for dogs, cats and ferrets from non-EU countries as the general provisions plus the rules for listed and non-listed countries (microchip, rabies vaccination, titre test where applicable, official health certificate); none is an import permit. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
    In viaggio verso l'Italia: cani, gatti e furetti provenienti da Paesi terzi (aggiornato il 03/07/2024), checked 2 October 2026

Other vaccines and tests

Parasite treatment

  • Not required: no preventive tick or Echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment is needed to bring pets into Italy. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from EU and non-EU countries (non-commercial).
    In viaggio verso l'Italia (aggiornato il 03/07/2024), checked 2 October 2026

Quarantine

Arrival points and notice

  • Checks on non-commercial pets are carried out at the travellers' point of entry (Ministry of Health page updated 3 July 2024). No advance notice requirement is stated. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
    In viaggio verso l'Italia: cani, gatti e furetti provenienti da Paesi terzi (aggiornato il 03/07/2024), checked 2 October 2026
  • Since 22 April 2026 (EU Delegated Regulation 2026/131, Article 15), pet dogs, cats and ferrets arriving from a non-EU country or territory may enter only through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State, except animals from the third countries or territories in Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 and dogs of military, law enforcement or search-and-rescue teams moving under a permit. The regulation sets no advance notice requirement for the owner. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 2 October 2026
  • The European Commission's travellers' points of entry page says pets entering from outside the EU (other than from Andorra, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City) can enter through the points designated by each EU country, where they undergo documentary and identity checks (Article 15 of Regulation 2026/131 makes these points the only way in, subject to the exceptions set out in that Article). The Commission's dogs-cats-and-ferrets version of the page links Italy's list. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
    Travellers' points of entry, checked 2 October 2026
  • Italy's list of points of entry for non-commercial pets, issued by the Ministry of Health (Directorate General for Animal Health) and linked from its 'In viaggio verso l'Italia' page directly below the sentence on checks at the travellers' point of entry, is dated January 2021 and was made under Article 34 of Regulation 576/2013 (which applied until 21 April 2026, Recital 1 of Regulation 2026/131). It names 65 points: 41 airports (Alghero Fertilia, Ancona Falconara, Bari Palese, Bergamo Orio al Serio, Bologna Borgo Panigale, Bolzano San Giacomo, Brescia Montichiari, Brindisi del Salento, Cagliari Elmas, Catania Fontanarossa, Comiso Pio La Torre, Crotone Sant'Anna, Cuneo Levaldigi, Firenze Amerigo Vespucci, Foggia Gino Lisa, Genova Cristoforo Colombo, Grosseto della Maremma, Lamezia Terme Sant'Eufemia, Lampedusa, Milano Linate, Milano Malpensa, Napoli Capodichino, Olbia Costa Smeralda, Palermo P. Raisi, Pantelleria Italo D'Amico, Parma G. Verdi, Pescara d'Abruzzo, Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi, Pisa Galileo Galilei, Reggio Calabria dello Stretto, Rimini Miramare F., Roma Ciampino, Roma Fiumicino, Salerno Costa d'Amalfi, Taranto Marcello Arlotta, Torino Caselle, Trapani Birgi, Treviso San Giuseppe, Trieste FVG, Venezia Marco Polo di Tessera, Verona V. Catullo) and 24 seaports (Ancona, Bari, Brindisi, Cagliari, Catania, Civitavecchia, Genova Porto Passo Nuovo, Livorno, Monfalcone, Napoli, Olbia, Oristano, Palermo, Piombino, Porto Empedocle, Porto Torres, Porto Ferraio, Ravenna, Salerno Portogliari, Santa Teresa di Gallura, Savona, Trieste Porto Industriale, Trieste Porto Punto Franco Nuovo, Trieste Porto Punto Franco Vecchio). No list made under Regulation 2026/131 was found on 2 October 2026, so confirm the chosen airport or port with the Ministry before booking. The list states no advance notice requirement. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
    Elenco dei Punti di ingresso per animali da compagnia movimentati a scopo non commerciale ai sensi dell'articolo 34 del Regolamento (UE) N. 576/2013 (Gennaio 2021), checked 2 October 2026
    Official sources differThe European Commission hosts an older copy of Italy's list, the one its travellers' points of entry page links (https://food.ec.europa.eu/document/download/ba2f6ff3-8e94-4f9f-a357-b53316592166_en?filename=pm_non-com_entry_ita.pdf), dated December 2020: it names the same 41 airports but only 16 seaports (no Cagliari, Livorno, Olbia, Oristano, Piombino, Porto Torres, Porto Ferraio or Santa Teresa di Gallura ports, and Salerno as 'Salerno Porto'). The Ministry's own January 2021 list is newer and comes from the importing country's authority, so it is preferred.

Minimum age

  • Italy prohibits the entry of dogs, cats and ferrets under 12 weeks that are not vaccinated against rabies, and of those aged 12 to 16 weeks whose rabies vaccination is not yet valid (Ministry page updated 3 July 2024, written under Regulation 576/2013). Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from EU and non-EU countries (non-commercial).
    In viaggio verso l'Italia (aggiornato il 03/07/2024), checked 2 October 2026
  • Italy does not accept young dogs, cats and ferrets (under 12 weeks and unvaccinated against rabies, or 12 to 16 weeks and not yet validly vaccinated): the European Commission's table of national decisions shows Italy as 'No' under Article 9 of Delegated Regulation 2026/131 (non-commercial) and Articles 54 and 56 of Regulation 2020/688 (commercial), where 'No' means the country refuses them. Young animals cannot enter the EU from non-EU countries in any case. Applies to young dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from other EU countries (non-commercial and commercial).
    Young animals: EU countries' decisions on rabies vaccination exemptions, checked 2 October 2026

How many pets

  • Maximum 5 dogs, cats and ferrets per owner or authorised person per journey; more are allowed only under set conditions when travelling to take part in, or train for, a competition, show or sporting event (EU rule restated nationally). Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from EU and non-EU countries (non-commercial).
    In viaggio verso l'Italia (aggiornato il 03/07/2024), checked 2 October 2026

Banned and restricted breeds

  • The ordinance of 16 July 2026 extended the earlier dog-aggression ordinances (Ministry page updated 7 September 2026). Applies to all dogs in Italy.
    Tutela dall'aggressione dei cani (aggiornato il 07/09/2026), checked 2 October 2026
  • All dogs in urban areas and places open to the public must be kept on a lead no longer than 1.5 m (except in dog areas designated by the municipality), and the handler must carry a muzzle to use in case of risk or when the authorities ask (Ministry of Health ordinance of 6 August 2013, Article 1(3), copy published by Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia; the ordinance has since been extended year by year, most recently by the ordinance of 16 July 2026 recorded above). Article 5 of the ordinance exempts armed forces, police, civil protection and fire service dogs from the whole ordinance, and assistance dogs, flock guarding or herding dogs and other types of dog designated by the region or municipality from these lead and muzzle duties. Applies to all dogs in Italy.
    Ordinanza 6 agosto 2013: tutela dell'incolumità pubblica dall'aggressione dei cani, checked 2 October 2026
  • Owners of dogs that the ASL veterinary services enter in the register of dogs at high risk of aggression must take out civil liability insurance for damage to third parties and use both lead and muzzle in urban and public places (Ministry of Health ordinance of 6 August 2013, Article 3(4), copy published by Regione Friuli Venezia Giulia; extended since). Applies to dogs on the ASL register of biting or difficult dogs.
    Ordinanza 6 agosto 2013: tutela dell'incolumità pubblica dall'aggressione dei cani, checked 2 October 2026
  • Italy has had no national list of banned or restricted dog breeds since 2009. The Ministry ordinance of 3 March 2009 (since superseded by the ordinance of 6 August 2013) was adopted in place of the January 2008 ordinance, stating that the 2008 ordinance's Annex A had not reduced attacks and that, as veterinary science confirms, a dog's greater aggression risk cannot be established from its breed or crosses; the 2009 ordinance itself contains no breed list. The national rules now in force (the 6 August 2013 ordinance, amended in 2015 and extended every year since) apply to all dogs, with extra duties only for individual dogs the ASL puts on its register after a bite or aggression assessment; neither the 2013 ordinance, its 2015 amendment, the 16 July 2026 extension nor the Ministry's dog-aggression page names any breed. Regional or municipal rules were not checked. Applies to all dogs in Italy, including imported dogs.
    Ordinanza 3 marzo 2009: tutela dell'incolumità pubblica dall'aggressione dei cani (GU Serie Generale n. 68 del 23 marzo 2009), atto completo, checked 2 October 2026
  • The Ministry of Health ordinance of 16 July 2026 (Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 206 of 5 September 2026) extends the ordinance of 6 August 2013 on protection from dog aggression for twelve months from 5 September 2026, so the lead, muzzle and ASL register rules recorded under this topic apply into September 2027. Applies to all dogs in Italy.
    Ordinanza 16 luglio 2026: proroga dell'ordinanza 6 agosto 2013 sulla tutela dell'incolumità pubblica dall'aggressione dei cani (GU Serie Generale n. 206 del 5 settembre 2026), checked 2 October 2026

How your pet may travel

  • The owner or authorised person should normally accompany the pet; for justified and documented reasons the pet may travel up to 5 days before or after them, or in a different place on the same transport. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Italy from EU and non-EU countries (non-commercial).
    In viaggio verso l'Italia (aggiornato il 03/07/2024), checked 2 October 2026

Official fees

Other conditions

Ready to plan your move to Italy? Get a free quote

Entry through Rome or Milan

Pets arriving from outside the EU must enter through a travellers’ point of entry designated by Italy, unless they come from one of the Annex I countries and territories (such as Switzerland, Monaco or San Marino). Italy’s list, issued by the Ministry of Health in January 2021, names 65 points of entry, among them the airports at Roma Fiumicino, Roma Ciampino, Milano Malpensa and Milano Linate. No list made under Regulation 2026/131 had been published by 2 October 2026, so confirm your airport or port with the Ministry before you book. The checks happen at the point of entry, and the Ministry states no advance notice requirement.

If a pet fails the checks, it is held in officially supervised facilities while the authorities decide what happens next. The Ministry’s guidelines say that return to the country of origin, or isolation under official control, is at the owner’s expense.

Italy's brachycephalic breed caution

Italy has had no national list of banned or restricted dog breeds since 2009, and the national dog rules now in force name no breed. If you have a flat-faced breed such as a French Bulldog, English Bulldog or Pug, check the policy of your airline and of any transit airport before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not for a pet that meets the entry rules. Under EU rules a pet that fails the checks may be returned, quarantined until it complies or, if neither is possible, euthanised. The Ministry of Health says return or isolation under official control is at the owner’s expense.

It depends on where your pet is coming from. Pets from third countries listed in Annex I or II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636, such as the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand, need no titre test; pets from everywhere else do. Where a test is needed, the blood sample is taken at least 30 days after the primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, and the result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.

Yes. Cats need the same microchip, rabies vaccination and health certificate as dogs. The Ministry of Health says no tick or tapeworm treatment is needed for pets entering Italy.

Pets from outside the EU need an EU animal health certificate, completed by an official or authorised vet in the country of dispatch and endorsed by that country’s competent authority. It is valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the Italian point of entry, and travels with your written declaration that the move is non-commercial. A pet moving from another EU country travels on its EU pet passport instead.

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and only used to arrange your pet's move.

Moving your pet abroad?

We coordinate the paperwork, the airline booking, and the quarantine so you don't have to.

Get a free quote

On this page

Italy

  • Difficulty: Relaxed
  • Code: IT

Get a free pet transport quote

Tell us your route and pet details. We will send you a step-by-step plan and tailored quote.

Request a Quote