Taking your dog or cat from Dominican Republic to Italy comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Around 20-26 weeks is sensible here, with a few steps that must happen in a strict order. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Dominican Republic to Italy
typically takes around 20-26 weeks.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
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
Meeting Italy's entry requirements
Bringing a pet into Italy involves a fair amount of documentation. Keep everything organised and check each item against the current requirements before you book.
Advice worth following
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
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.
Airline guides
Iberia
Air France
ITA Airways
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.