Italy (IT)
Italy is a parliamentary republic of 20 regions stretching from the Alpine peaks of the Dolomites to the sun-baked coasts of Sicily and Sardinia, celebrated worldwide for its unparalleled Renaissance art and architecture, UNESCO-laden historic cities from Rome to Florence and Venice, world-defining cuisine and wines, passionate football culture, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle that has drawn expats, artists, and retirees for centuries.
Bringing Pets to Italy
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
💰 Costs
Veterinary health certificate: €50–100. EU Pet Passport (if not already held): €30–50. Microchipping (if not already done): €30–50. Titre test (if required from non-EU country): €80–150. First Italian vet registration: €30–60. Annual vaccinations in Italy: €80–150. Pet liability insurance (RC animali): €50–150/year.
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
Italy does not have a national dog tax. Some municipalities (comuni) may charge a small annual fee for dog registration maintenance, but this is not universal. The main ongoing cost is the iscrizione all'Anagrafe Canina (one-time) and mandatory vaccinations.
All dogs in Italy must be registered in the Anagrafe Canina at the ASL (veterinary public health department of the local health authority). This provides a tattoo or updates the microchip registration. Required by law (art. 4 L. 281/1991). Cost: typically free or €5–20 at the ASL. Cats are not required to be registered nationally, but identification (microchip) is legally required for cat movement and is strongly recommended. Some comuni have additional local cat registration schemes.
📋 Relocation Process
1. Ensure your pet has an ISO 11784/11785 microchip implanted. 2. Get a valid rabies vaccination (after microchipping, at least 21 days before travel). 3. If coming from another EU country: use your existing EU Pet Passport — no additional steps needed. 4. If coming from a non-EU country: obtain an EU-format Animal Health Certificate from an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Some countries (Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada) require an additional waiting period or titre test — check the TRACES portal or Italian Ministry of Health (salute.gov.it) for your country's specific requirements. 5. On arrival in Italy: register your pet with a local veterinarian (medico veterinario). Dogs must be registered in the Anagrafe canina (dog registry) at your local Comune or ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) within 30 days of acquiring or moving the dog to Italy. This is the Italian national dog registration system. 6. Obtain an Italian libretto sanitario (health booklet) from your vet. 7. Ensure vaccinations are kept up to date, particularly rabies (required annually or every 3 years depending on vaccine type).
Italy is a generally pet-friendly country, though rental flats in major cities often prohibit pets (clausole anti-animali) — check your rental contract carefully. Public transport policies vary: Milan ATM allows small dogs in carriers; Rome ATAC allows only cats/small animals in carriers; trains (Trenitalia) allow small pets in carriers for free and larger dogs with muzzle and leash for a supplementary ticket (~€10). Restaurants and shops: dogs are welcomed at the discretion of the owner — look for "Cane Benvenuto" (dogs welcome) signs. Beaches: most Italian beaches are reserved for humans only from June–September; designated dog beaches (spiagge per cani) are increasingly common. Italy has excellent veterinary care in urban areas; rural areas may have limited specialist vet access. Emergency vet clinics: available in all major cities 24/7.