Pet Transport Dominican Republic to Italy
20-26
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
0
Days quarantine on arrival
High
Route complexity
3
Airlines on this route
Step by step
The Dominican Republic to Italy import process
01
Implant ISO 11784/11785 microchip
02
Administer rabies vaccination
03
Wait 30 days, then draw blood for FAVN titre test
04
Receive titre test result (minimum 0.5 IU/ml)
05
Observe 90-day wait from blood draw date
06
Prepare EU health certificate and obtain DSA endorsement
07
Book Iberia Cargo or alternative airline
Costs
What this route typically costs
FAVN titre test laboratory fee (EU-approved lab; blood sample likely shipped internationally from the Dominican Republic)
DSA export health certificate preparation and endorsement fees
DSA export permit or notification fee
Iberia Cargo or alternative airline fees on two segments (SDQ-MAD and MAD-FCO or MXP)
IATA-compliant travel crate
Professional pet relocation agent fees (recommended given the multi-step process)
Critical points
Microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. Reversing the order invalidates the titre test under EU rules and forces you to start the entire process again.
The 90-day wait is calculated from the blood draw date, not the date the result arrives. Account for this when setting your travel date.
A failing titre result (below 0.5 IU/ml) adds at least 5-6 weeks to your timeline. Start early and build in buffer.
EU health certificates have a validity window. Do not obtain the certificate too far in advance of departure.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Iberia | ||
| Air France | ||
| ITA Airways |
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Allow 20 to 26 weeks minimum. The FAVN titre test requires blood drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, followed by a 90-day wait from the blood draw date. Add DSA paperwork time and you are looking at five to six months of preparation.
Italy follows EU Regulation 576/2013, which classifies the Dominican Republic as an unlisted third country. That triggers the mandatory FAVN titre test and a 90-day wait from the blood draw date. Canada requires neither. A current rabies vaccination in English or French plus a DSA health certificate is all Canada needs. The difference between the two routes is four to five months of preparation time.
No quarantine, provided all requirements are met: microchip implanted before vaccination, FAVN titre test at 0.5 IU/ml or above, 90-day wait observed, and a valid EU health certificate endorsed by DSA. If any requirement is incomplete on arrival, Italian border authorities may hold your pet.
Iberia via Madrid (SDQ-MAD then MAD-FCO) is the natural routing and most commonly used for this corridor. It offers direct service from Santo Domingo to Madrid with an onward connection to Rome or Milan. Air France via Paris is a good alternative if Iberia cargo space does not suit your schedule. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance on both legs before booking.
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