Back to All International Travel RequirementsOfficial Italy Travel Guide
Traveling with Your Dogfrom US to Italy
Flying from the US to Italy with your dog? Here's everything you need to ensure a smooth journey.
Basic Requirements
For Travelers Starting in the US:
- • Your dog must have a microchip that can be read by a universal scanner
Note: Must be implanted before rabies vaccination - • Valid rabies vaccination
- • You must obtain an EU Health Certificate from a USDA-accredited vet and have it endorsed by the USDA within 10 days before traveling
For Italian/EU Residents Returning with EU Pet Passport:
- • Your dog must have a microchip that can be read by a universal scanner
- • Valid rabies vaccination recorded in EU Pet Passport
- • Valid EU Pet Passport (no additional health certificate needed)
Note: Can be obtained from any EU-certified veterinarian
Special Requirements for Young Dogs
Important: Unvaccinated puppies under 12 weeks old from the US are not permitted entry into Italy
Rabies Vaccination Requirements
- • Minimum age: 12 weeks old at time of vaccination
- • Microchip must be implanted before vaccination
- • Wait 21 days after primary vaccination before travel
- • Vaccination must remain valid throughout stay in Italy
Timeline & Planning
For US Travelers:
- 1. Microchip implantation
- 2. Rabies vaccination after microchip
- 3. Wait 21 days after vaccination
- 4. Get EU health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
- 5. Obtain USDA endorsement
For Italian/EU Residents Returning:
- 1. Verify microchip functionality
- 2. Check rabies vaccination validity in the EU Pet Passport
Additional Considerations
- • Commercial rules apply when traveling with more than 5 dogs
- • Verify airline-specific requirements for pet travel
- • Keep copies of all vaccination records and treatments
- • Consider a pre-travel veterinary check-up
- • Check US re-entry requirements with CDC and USDA
Based on Italian and EU Regulation (EU) No 576/2013
Last updated: 12/24/2024