Pet Travel Documents for Italy
Pet passports, microchips, vaccinations, and border rules for Italy.
- Microchip first, then the rabies vaccine — never the other way round.
- Rabies shot: at least 21 days before you travel.
- Non-EU owners: the Health Certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel.
Guides in this topic
6 guides · updated September 2026
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EU Pet Passport
Since April 2026, EU pet passports are only issued to EU residents. Most Gossippet readers now need a Health Certificate instead — see below.
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Microchip
Must be implanted before the rabies vaccine — a vaccine done first doesn't count for travel purposes. Order matters more than timing here.
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Rabies Vaccination
At least 21 days must pass after a first rabies shot before travel — and it only counts if it happens after the microchip.
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Health Certificate
If arriving from outside the EU, you'll need an official Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel — this is what most Gossippet readers actually need now.
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Parasite Treatment
Not required to enter Italy itself — but if you're continuing on to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or Northern Ireland, plan the timing carefully.
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Muzzle & Leash Rules
Italian law requires a leash under 1.5m and a muzzle carried at all times in public — even if it's never actually put on.