Microchipping or tattooing your dog: under Italian rules, it is compulsory to microchip or visibly tattoo your dog. If your dog has a tattoo and is registered in the studbook, the tattoo must be clearly legible and must have been done before 3 July 2011. If the dog was tattooed after this date, it must also be microchipped.
European Animal Passport: Your dog must have its own passport. This internationally valid document will be issued by a certified veterinarian for a fee. The passport contains information about the pet's owner, microchip number, rabies vaccination and other relevant medical information.
Valid rabies vaccination: the dog must have a valid rabies vaccination. The earliest it can travel is 21 days after the first vaccination. For re-vaccinations, he may travel immediately if the re-vaccination is given while the previous vaccination is still valid.
Travel insurance for your dog: It is advisable to take out travel insurance for your dog as the cost of veterinary care abroad can be high. Most insurance companies offer the option of adding veterinary care to your travel insurance for a nominal fee.
Other requirements and conditions:
- One person can accompany a maximum of 5 dogs, except for participation in breed shows, sporting events and competitions.
- If the dog is accompanied by a person other than the owner, this person must have written authorisation from the owner.
- Italy does not allow entry of puppies under 12 weeks old and young animals between 12-16 weeks old that have not been properly vaccinated against rabies.
For detailed information and the current conditions of entry of animals into Italy, we recommend consulting the official sources of the Italian Ministry of Health. By following all the rules and conditions, you can have an unforgettable holiday with your furry friend in beautiful Italy.
Accommodation with your dog
Many hotels and residences with apartments allow accommodation with your dog, always check with the travel agent before booking your tour to see if you can bring your friend along. Do not forget to mention this fact in the travel contract !
There is almost always a charge for pets, the amount per week is around 35 €. Beware - very often there is also a size restriction on the pet, if it is more than 10 kg, few places will allow it.
If you don't want to or can't leave your pet at home, you will have to choose to stay with your own transport, unfortunately no carrier will allow it on the bus - this is for safety and hygiene reasons.
Some Italian resorts have recently opened dog beaches, for example in Lignano or Bibione, but you can't take your dog to a regular beach.
For a list of Italian beaches where you can take your dog, click here.
