Italy Pet Import Requirements: How to bring a pet into Italy in 2026

Microchipping:
All dogs, cats and ferrets must be microchipped with a microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785 standards.

Vaccinations:
Rabies vaccination is mandatory. The vaccine must be administered no earlier than 12 weeks of age and at least 21 days must pass after vaccination before the animal can enter Italy.

Passport:
The animal must have an international veterinary passport that contains information about the microchipping and vaccinations.

Additional vaccinations:
In Italy, vaccinations against other infections such as distemper, parvovirus, viral hepatitis are also recommended, especially for dogs.

Quantity restrictions:
The number of animals transported per person must not exceed five.

Status restrictions:
Pregnant animals are not recommended for air transport.
Additional requirements for some countries:
If the animal is imported from a rabies-affected country, a rabies antibody titer test may be required.

Breed restrictions:
There are no breed restrictions for dogs in Italy, but some breeds may have additional requirements in other EU countries.

Guide dog rules:
Guide dog accompanying people with disabilities may be transported on trains without additional tickets or documents.

For dogs, it is also recommended to carry out a comprehensive vaccination against other infectious diseases, such as plague of carnivores, hepatitis, viral enteritis, parvo- and adenovirus infections, leptospirosis.

For cats, vaccination against panleukopenia is recommended.

Non-commercial import of up to 5 animals.
The animal must be accompanied by the owner or their representative.
No animals under 12 weeks and 21 days old can be imported unless they are vaccinated against rabies.

1. Import Permit:
To import rabbits and rodents, you must obtain an Import Permit from the Italian authorities, which must be obtained in advance.
2. Microchipping:
The animals must be microchipped and the date of microchipping must precede vaccination.
3. Vaccination:
It is recommended that rabbits be vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease of rabbits (VHD).
4. Veterinary certificate:
It is necessary to obtain a veterinary certificate certifying that the animal meets the requirements. This certificate must be obtained no later than 10 days before entering Italy and can be exchanged for a European certificate

Pets transiting through Italy must comply with EU regulations, including a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a veterinary certificate. A rabies antibody test and a European veterinary passport may also be required.

Official information on importing pets to Italy

Entry points for travelers with pets in European countries

Health certificate:
Certificato della buona salute. Obtained from a veterinarian. If necessary, you can do an antiparasitic treatment and put a stamp on the examination.

The health certificate is valid for 5 days

Certificate for departure:
Certificato sanitario per l’esportazione di cani e gatti al seguito di viaggiatori. Obtained from ASL Veterinario. The certificate can only be obtained for animals registered in Italy. You must come in person with the animal, with the animal’s passport (it must contain a chip, vaccinations), with titers (if necessary) and with the passport with which you will travel. The cost of the certificate is 20-40 €.
Validity of the certificate

Certificate from ASL Veterinario – 10 days for leaving the country, then – until the end of the route, unless otherwise stated.

Rabies titers:
Needed for travel to a country with a rabies status and returning back to the EU, as well as to Israel, China, Turkey without returning.