Bringing a pet to Italy

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Italy enforces the EU Pet Travel Scheme (EU 576/2013) for dogs, cats, and ferrets, so requirements depend on where your pet is travelling from. For pets arriving from EU-listed low-risk countries, the process is straightforward: microchip, rabies vaccination, and a valid EU pet passport. For pets from higher-risk (non-listed) countries, stricter rules apply, including a rabies antibody titre test and a 21-day waiting period before entry; quarantine is rare but possible if documentation is incomplete.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Italy.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or authorized private veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Italy does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, some airlines and transport carriers may have restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers due to respiratory risks during transport. Additionally, Italy maintains a national registry of dangerous breeds (e.g., Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler) that may require special insurance or muzzling in public, but these are not import bans. Always check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or equivalent health certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number
  • Microchip registration document

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Italian Ministry of Health.

Pets from EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, etc.) are treated as EU-origin. No titer test or quarantine required. The pet passport must be issued by an authorized veterinarian in the origin country.

Ministero della Salute Italy

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, DEFRA for UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Italy does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, some airlines and transport carriers may have restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers due to respiratory risks during transport. Additionally, Italy maintains a national registry of dangerous breeds (e.g., Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler) that may require special insurance or muzzling in public, but these are not import bans. Always check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • EU health certificate for non-commercial movement (Annex IV, Part 1 or 2)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number
  • Microchip registration document
  • Signed declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €100–200, rabies vaccination €20–50. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Italian Ministry of Health.

Low-risk non-EU countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia) must use the EU health certificate, not a national pet passport. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's competent authority. No titer test or quarantine required.

Ministero della Salute Italy

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Italy does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, some airlines and transport carriers may have restrictions on brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers due to respiratory risks during transport. Additionally, Italy maintains a national registry of dangerous breeds (e.g., Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler) that may require special insurance or muzzling in public, but these are not import bans. Always check with your airline.

Documents checklist

  • EU health certificate for non-commercial movement (Annex IV, Part 1 or 2)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number
  • FAVN/RFFIT titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory
  • Microchip registration document
  • Signed declaration of non-commercial movement

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €100–200, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Italian Ministry of Health.

High-risk countries (e.g., Russia, Thailand, most of Africa, Middle East, South Asia) require a rabies titer test. The pet must enter through a designated traveller's point of entry (e.g., Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa). No quarantine if all requirements are met.

Ministero della Salute Italy

Frequently asked questions

You can bring up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets combined) per traveller without triggering commercial import rules. If you exceed 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires compliance with EU Regulation 2019/2035, including an official veterinarian inspection and possible establishment registration. The 5-pet limit applies per traveller, not per family.
No. Italy does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. All dogs, including service animals, must have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an EU health certificate or pet passport. There is no waiver for the rabies titer test if coming from a high-risk country. Airlines may have their own policies for service dogs in the cabin, but import rules remain the same.
Dogs from high-risk countries must have a rabies titer test (FAVN or RFFIT) performed at an EU-approved laboratory. The test must be done at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. The result must show a rabies antibody level of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test is valid for the pet's lifetime as long as rabies vaccinations are kept current without any gaps.
If your dog is coming from a high-risk third country, yes. You must enter through a designated traveller's point of entry. In Italy, these include major international airports such as Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), and others listed by the Italian Ministry of Health. If you arrive at a non-designated point, you may face quarantine or refusal of entry. Pets from EU or low-risk countries can enter through any point of entry.
No, there is no quarantine for dogs that meet all EU entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if from a high-risk country). If your dog does not meet the requirements, Italian authorities may impose quarantine or return the animal to the origin country at your expense. Quarantine is not routine.
A puppy must be at least 12 weeks (3 months) old to receive a rabies vaccination, and then must wait 21 days after the vaccination before travel. So the minimum age for entry is 15 weeks (about 3.5 months). Puppies younger than 15 weeks cannot enter Italy unless they are from a low-risk or EU country and meet specific exemptions, but generally the 15-week rule applies.
No, Italy does not require an import permit for non-commercial movement of dogs from any country, including high-risk ones. The requirements are the microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test (if applicable). However, if you are bringing more than 5 pets or if the movement is considered commercial, additional permits and registrations may be required.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Italy.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or an authorized veterinarian for Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (or equivalent veterinary certificate for non-EU territories)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel (for non-EU territories)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30-50, health certificate ~€50-150, rabies vaccination ~€20-50. No titer test or quarantine costs apply. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Italian Ministry of Health.

For cats from Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, or other EU-equivalent territories, an EU pet passport is accepted. No titer test or quarantine required. The cat must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the primary vaccination.

Ministero della Salute Italy

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, or equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Veterinary certificate for non-commercial movement of pets (EU Regulation 577/2013 model)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30-50, health certificate ~€100-200, rabies vaccination ~€20-50. No titer test or quarantine costs apply. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Italian Ministry of Health.

For cats from low-risk non-EU countries (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia), a veterinary certificate issued by an official government veterinarian is required. The certificate must be accompanied by proof of microchip and rabies vaccination. No titer test or quarantine required. The cat must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the primary vaccination.

Ministero della Salute Italy

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Veterinary certificate for non-commercial movement of pets (EU Regulation 577/2013 model)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (titre ≥ 0.5 IU/ml)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30-50, health certificate ~€100-200, rabies vaccination ~€20-50, FAVN titer test ~€100-250. No quarantine costs apply if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Italian Ministry of Health.

For cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test is mandatory. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel. No quarantine required if all conditions are met. The cat must be at least 3 months old for rabies vaccination, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the primary vaccination.

Ministero della Salute Italy

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 cats per traveller are allowed under non-commercial movement rules. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and requires additional veterinary certification and possibly an import permit.
Yes. Italy does not exempt emotional support or service cats from import requirements. All cats, regardless of function, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate rules.
A cat must be at least 3 months old to be vaccinated against rabies, and travel must occur at least 21 days after the primary vaccination. Therefore, the minimum age for entry is 3 months and 21 days (about 15 weeks).
It depends on the origin country. For cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia), a FAVN titer test is required, with a waiting period of 3 months after the test before travel. For cats from low-risk or free countries, no titer test is required.
For non-EU countries, you need a veterinary certificate for non-commercial movement of pets, issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate must confirm microchip, rabies vaccination, and (if applicable) titer test compliance.
No. Italy does not require quarantine for cats that meet all entry requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and titer test if applicable).
No. All cats entering Italy must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If your cat is not microchipped, it must be microchipped before rabies vaccination and before travel.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Italy.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or EU-authorised veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • EU Pet Passport (for EU-equivalent territories) or third-country health certificate (Annex IV model) issued within 10 days of travel
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and validity date
  • Microchip implantation certificate (if not already recorded in passport or health certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~€30-60, health certificate ~€50-150, rabies vaccine ~€30-80. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Ferrets from EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican, Monaco, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Faroe Islands, Greenland) can use an EU Pet Passport. No titer test or import permit needed.

Ministero della Salute Italy

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Third-country health certificate (Annex IV model) issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's competent authority (e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and validity date
  • Microchip implantation certificate (if not already on health certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~€30-60, health certificate ~€100-200, rabies vaccine ~€30-80. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Ferrets from low-risk countries (e.g. UK, USA, Japan, Australia) need a third-country health certificate endorsed by the competent authority of the origin country. No titer test or import permit required.

Ministero della Salute Italy

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government or USDA/DEFRA-endorsed veterinarian · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Documents checklist

  • Import permit from the Italian Ministry of Health (Ufficio III - Animali da compagnia), applied for at least 30 days before travel
  • Third-country health certificate (Annex IV model) issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin country's competent authority
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing microchip number, vaccine details, and validity date
  • FAVN titer test certificate from an EU-approved laboratory showing titre ≥0.5 IU/mL
  • Microchip implantation certificate (if not already on health certificate)

Rough budget

ROUGH ballpark only — microchip ~€30-60, health certificate ~€100-200, rabies vaccine ~€30-80, FAVN titer test ~€100-250, import permit ~€50-150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

Ferrets from high-risk countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, India, China, most of Africa) require a FAVN titer test with a 3-month waiting period after the blood draw, plus an import permit from the Italian Ministry of Health. No quarantine upon arrival if all documents are in order.

Ministero della Salute Italy

Frequently asked questions

No. The US is classified as a low-risk country for rabies. Ferrets from the US do not need a FAVN titer test. They only need an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days before travel), and a USDA-endorsed health certificate (Annex IV) issued within 10 days of arrival.
You may bring up to 5 ferrets under non-commercial rules. If you bring more than 5, you must comply with commercial import regulations, which require an EU health certificate, a registered importer, and additional checks. The 5-pet limit applies to all pet species combined (dogs, cats, ferrets).
No. Italy does not recognise emotional support animals under its pet import rules. All ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate requirements. Service animals (guide dogs) have slightly different rules, but only for dogs, not ferrets.
No. Since Brexit, the UK is a third country. Ferrets from the UK need a third-country health certificate (Annex IV model) endorsed by DEFRA, not an EU Pet Passport. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and the ferret must be microchipped and rabies-vaccinated.
If you plan to stay longer than the validity of the rabies vaccine (usually 1 or 3 years depending on the vaccine), you must get a booster before the current one expires. For re-entry to Italy or travel to another EU country, the vaccine must be valid at the time of travel. There is no grace period for expired vaccines.
No quarantine is required if your ferret meets all requirements: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), FAVN titer test with a 3-month waiting period, and an import permit. If any document is missing or incorrect, the ferret may be quarantined at your expense or refused entry.
There is no minimum age specified for ferrets in Italian regulations, but the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and you must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. So practically, the ferret must be at least 15 weeks old (12 weeks + 21 days) to enter Italy.

Good to know

All pets must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip before rabies vaccination; if the chip is not ISO-compliant, you must bring your own reader. Rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old at time of travel, and the pet must be at least 12 weeks old for the vaccine to be valid.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Italy, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Italy's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.