DE IT

Pet Transport from Germany to Italy

Low complexity 4-10 weeks typical

Planning to move your pet from Germany to Italy? Get Your Quote

International pet transport from Germany to Italy comes down to documentation timing more than anything else.

This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.

Start early and follow the steps in sequence. Missing a deadline pushes the whole timeline back.

Step-by-Step Process


1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)

First step: must be done before any vaccinations.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
Rabies vaccination

After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

4
Obtain official veterinary health certificate

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)

Responsible: Official veterinarian

5
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin

Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk

Italy Import Requirements


What Italy requires for pets entering the country.

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785)

Rabies Vaccination

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

Rabies Titre Test

Not required

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

Exporting from Germany


What you need from Germany before your pet can leave.

Export Permit

No formal export permit for pets. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation.

Cost Factors


Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

  • Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
  • IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
  • Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
  • Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)

Important Warnings


Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.

What to know about the Germany to Italy route


Compared to some international pet transport routes, Germany to Italy is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.

EU member state. EU rules apply.

Things to sort before you book


Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.

Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.

If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow at least 4 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.

No routine quarantine is required in Italy for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.

No, Italy does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Germany. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.

Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Germany. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Italy’s authority for the exact format required.

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 never shared.