Animals entrance
In Italy, the introduction of dogs, cats and ferrets to their owners is possible under different conditions depending on whether the animals come from EU member states or from other countries.
Introduction from countries belonging to the EU
Animals must be identified by means of a clearly readable microchip or tattoo and must be provided with a valid Community passport certifying the execution of rabies vaccination. The passport is issued by the veterinary services of the country of origin. These conditions can also be applied to animals from Andorra, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City, if these states apply health standards equivalent to those of the European Union.
Introduction from non-EU countries
It is allowed if the animals are provided with a certificate of origin and health (issued by recognized public health authorities in Italy), with the identification data of the animals and of the owners and certifying that the animals are healthy and have undergone rabies vaccination by at least twenty days and no later than 11 months from the date of issue of the certificate. Animals from non-EU countries that do not belong to the list drawn up by the European Union (available on the European Commission website) must have obtained, with favorable outcomes, the titration test for neutralizing antibodies against rabies virus, no later than three months before the date of introduction in Italy.
It is forbidden to introduce dogs and cats under the age of three months in Italy, both from EU countries and from other countries, and who have not undergone rabies vaccination. Preventive treatment against ticks and echinococcus is not required, whatever the origin.