Planning a pet relocation from South Africa to Italy is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Give yourself close to 20-22 weeks so none of the fixed waiting periods catch you out. Pets with correct documentation skip …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from South Africa to Italy
typically takes around 20-22 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The South Africa to Italy pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in South Africa
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination and 21-day post-primary wait.
Responsible: Vet in South Africa
5+ months before travel
3
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: State vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
4
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
5
Book cargo JNB to FCO or MXP (via DXB on Emirates or European hub).
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain DALRRD-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: State vet plus DALRRD endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart JNB. Italian customs and Ministry of Health vet inspects at FCO or MXP.
Responsible: Airline cargo and Italian customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Italy
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. South Africa is not EU-listed. FAVN titre test required. Blood drawn after microchip and valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. Italian customs (Dogana) and Ministry of Health veterinary officers inspect at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Milan Malpensa (MXP).
Import permit
No import permit. DALRRD-endorsed EU certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DALRRD, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (South Africa)
DALRRD veterinary export permit required. Apply through the State Veterinarian's office in your province.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DALRRD vet certificate and export permit: ZAR 1,000-2,500 (approximately EUR 50-130)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo JNB to FCO or MXP (via DXB or European hub): EUR 900-2,200 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,300-3,300
Critical points to read before you book
South Africa is not EU-listed: titre test and 3-month wait from blood draw are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
No direct JNB to Italian airport cargo flight; all routings connect via a hub.
Italy has no national breed ban since 2009. Most breeds enter without breed-specific restrictions.
DALRRD certificate must be EU format and dated within 10 days of travel.
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.
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo
Emirates operates from Johannesburg (JNB) to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and Milan Malpensa (MXP). Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals at Dubai International.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Lufthansa operates JNB to Frankfurt direct, with cargo connections to Italian airports. An alternative routing via Germany.
Cargo Only
ETHIOPIAN
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo via ADD
Ethiopian Airlines routes JNB via Addis Ababa to Rome FCO. A three-leg routing with competitive rates from Africa to Italy.
Cargo Only
Italy import rules, explained
Italy has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
Practical tips for this move
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about South Africa to Italy pet transport
Yes. South Africa is not EU-listed, so the FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
No. Italy removed its national breed ban in 2009. Any breed can enter Italy through standard EU documentation without breed-specific permits. The titre test requirement applies equally to all breeds.
All routes connect via a hub. Emirates via Dubai to Rome FCO or Milan MXP is the most common. Lufthansa via Frankfurt or Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa are alternatives. No direct JNB to Italian airport cargo service exists.
Cargo via hub typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,200 depending on routing and crate size. Add EUR 85-170 for the titre test and EUR 50-130 for the DALRRD certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,300 to EUR 3,300.
Airline guides
Emirates SkyCargo
Lufthansa Cargo via FRA
Ethiopian Airlines Cargo via ADD
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.