A move from Italy to Armenia with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Plan on roughly 8-12 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. There is no routine quarantine, provided the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Italy to Armenia
typically takes around 8-12 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Italy to Armenia pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Apply for SSFS import permit from Armenia
Responsible: Owner or agent
8-10 weeks before travel. Contact ssfs.am to confirm current requirements and application process.
2
Confirm ISO microchip predates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: ASL-authorised vet in Italy
6+ weeks before travel.
3
Verify rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: ASL-authorised vet in Italy
6+ weeks before travel.
4
Book cargo from FCO or MXP to EVN via Istanbul
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance on Turkish Airlines IST-EVN segment.
5
ASL health certificate issued and endorsed within 10 days of travel
Responsible: Veterinario ufficiale at local ASL, then regional endorsement
Within 10 days of departure. Allow 2-3 working days for ASL endorsement process.
6
Travel day: SSFS inspection at EVN on arrival
Responsible: Airline cargo, then SSFS at EVN
FCO or MXP to EVN via IST: typically 6-10 hours total.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Armenia
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals from Italy at Yerevan.
Import permit
Import permit required from Armenia's State Service for Food Safety (SSFS). Apply through ssfs.am in advance of travel.
Health certificate
ASL-endorsed health certificate from Italy, presented at Yerevan (EVN) on arrival.
Export permit (Italy)
No separate export permit required for companion animals leaving Italy. The ASL-endorsed health certificate is the key export document.
Costs
What this route typically costs
ASL health certificate and official vet fee: EUR 80-200
SSFS import permit fee: confirm with ssfs.am
Cargo FCO or MXP to EVN via IST: EUR 600-1,800 depending on pet size
IATA-approved travel crate: EUR 80-280 if needed
Pet transport agent: EUR 300-900
Total typical range: EUR 1,100-3,500 over 8-12 weeks
Critical points to read before you book
The SSFS import permit is the first step. Apply 8-10 weeks before travel at ssfs.am. Do not finalise cargo bookings until the permit is confirmed.
Italy's ASL certificate process requires appointment with a veterinario ufficiale. Contact your local ASL veterinary department to understand their appointment availability and endorsement turnaround time.
The EU pet passport covers intra-EU travel only. For Armenia, you need the specific export health certificate from the ASL, not the EU pet passport.
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the most reliable option on this corridor. Confirm live animal cargo acceptance before booking, particularly in summer months.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
TURKISH
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP) to Istanbul (IST), then IST to Yerevan (EVN). Turkish Airlines is the primary carrier on the Italy-to-Armenia corridor. Turkish Cargo handles live animals and IST-EVN is a regular short-haul service.
Cargo Only
ITA AIRWAYS
ITA Airways via Rome
ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia) operates from FCO to Istanbul with connections to EVN via Turkish partners. ITA Airways Cargo handles live animals on select routes. Confirm acceptance before booking.
Cargo Only
FLYONE ARMENIA
Flyone Armenia via Rome or Milan
Flyone Armenia is a growing Armenian carrier with some European connections. Check whether their FCO or MXP routes include cargo live animal acceptance. Confirm directly with Flyone Armenia Cargo.
Cargo Only
Armenia entry requirements at a glance
The path into Armenia is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Getting the details right
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.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
FAQ
Common questions about Italy to Armenia pet transport
No. Armenia does not require a titre test for pets from EU member states including Italy. Current rabies vaccination, ISO microchip, ASL-endorsed health certificate, and SSFS import permit are the required documents.
No. The EU pet passport covers intra-EU travel only. For Armenia, a non-EU destination, you need an export health certificate from your local ASL official vet. The certificate covers the same microchip and vaccination information as the EU passport but in the format required for non-EU export.
Apply at ssfs.am at least 8-10 weeks before travel and confirm the processing timeline when you submit. Do not book cargo until the permit is confirmed.
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul (IST-EVN) is the primary option from both FCO and MXP. Turkish Airlines Cargo handles live animals on this corridor. Confirm cargo acceptance and crate dimensions before booking.
Airline guides
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
ITA Airways via Rome
Flyone Armenia via Rome or Milan
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.