Italy is one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe. Italians love their puppies and many families have one or more pet dogs.
Entry Requirements
Pets must be microchipped. Pets must have received the rabies vaccine more than 21 days before travel for immunity to be established. In order to be considered valid, the vaccination against rabies shall be carried out after the microchipping.
Ancient Romans are known to have had dogs and cats as pets, and it is no surprise that modern Rome is one of the most pet-friendly cities in Italy. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere in Rome – the tourist sites, shops, restaurants, cafés and public transport.
Yes, you can, you just need to follow a few important rules. Your pet will need to be microchipped, hold a pet passport or third-country official veterinary certificate, have a valid vaccination against rabies and other requirements, depending on where your pet will be travelling from.
In Italy, dogs are obliged to wear a leash and muzzle at all times. The maximum length of the lead is 1.5 metres. Even if the dog doesn't wear the muzzle all the time, you should at least carry it with you to show it if need be.
Therefore, cats and dogs can travel from the United States to Italy as long as they have the following: A valid Veterinary Certificate (stating owners details, a description of the animal, details of identification and vaccinations) A valid rabies vaccine.
Dog owners in Turin, Italy, can be fined if they don't walk their dogs at least three times a day (There must be some seriously fit people and dogs walking around in Turin).
How much does it cost to fly a dog to Italy? Although flight costs may vary depending on the airline and your place of origin, an in-cabin flight reservation for your dog from the U.S. or Canada to Italy typically ranges from $125 to $200 ONE-WAY. This does NOT include your own flight reservation.
The cost of transporting pets to Europe from Australia ranges between $4,400.00 to $5,825.00. This cost may vary depending on factors such as the airline, route, size of the pet, and the specific requirements for transport.
Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo). Your pet will be charged accordingly. Some airlines no longer offer this option and some countries do not allow pets to enter the country in-cabin. You can book your pet on a separate flight.
Italy is known for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches, and many of them welcome dogs. Dog-friendly beaches in Italy provide opportunities for both you and your furry friend to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. All over Italy there are an increasing number of beaches and resorts where dogs are welcome.
The short answer is yes! Dogs are welcome almost anywhere in Italy, including on public transit (sometimes in a bag or with a muzzle, so always check before you plan your trip), in many hotels, and inside restaurants.
Shopping in Italy with a Dog
Dogs are a common sight inside many shops and malls. Additionally, unlike in other parts of Europe, even some grocery stores in Italy allowed dogs inside. We spotted this at our local grocery store in Turin.
We typically use Lufthansa, KLM, United, and British Airways for our pet flights, and going to Italy in particular, we often use Lufthansa. Please read more about the basics of pet travel on our blog to find additional tips and advice about relocating a pet internationally.
Obviously, since the city is always full of people, it is recommended to provide your pets with a microchip and tag with a phone number, in order to be contacted in case of loss. As for the rules for bringing your dog to Venice, you will need to be equipped with a paddle and bags to remove the droppings.
Pet dogs and cats travelling to the EU need a veterinary health certificate endorsed by an authorised vet. The health certificate must have the following details: Proof of rabies vaccination with batch number, date of vaccination and other details. Rabies titre test results.
Generally speaking, it's always the same: rabies, microchip, and health medical certificate. If you're traveling from a country of high risk rabies to one that is not, then you may need a titer test. You will then have to wait three months after the test date to enter. PetTravel.com helps with initial research.
All dogs, cats and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Italy must have proof of a current rabies vaccination administered after a microchip was implanted. If your pet is entering Italy from a Listed Third Country, the primary rabies vaccination must be administered no sooner than 21 days before entering Italy.
Flying a dog in the cabin usually costs between $125 and $200, while the cargo hold is typically over $1000. There are also licensed companies that offer international pet shipping companies — they usually charge between $1000 and $6000.
Americans who intend to stay in Italy for less than 90 days don't need to worry about visas. However, if you plan to go for an extended period, you'll have to apply for a long-stay visa. This is a crucial step because you can't apply for an Italian residence permit without this long-stay visa.
Leads are compulsory in all of Italy, including, for example, parks. You should always have a muzzle with you, but the dog will only have to wear it upon request. In some places, such as churches and museums, dogs are not permitted at all. Dogs are allowed on specific dog beaches.
Dog owners in Turin, Italy will be fined up to €500 if they don't walk their pets at least three times a day, under a new law from the city's council.
They are shoved off to either private or state owned animal shelters, called “Canile”, if cought by the doghunter, and this is their ultimate destination. Until the nineties, the Italian government tried to solve the problem of strays by catching them, locking them up and after three days killing them.