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| What needs doing? | When does it need doing? | By whom? | Any special comments? |
| Have a 15 digit pet micro chip conforming to ISO standard inserted. | As soon as you decide to travel with a dog, cat or ferret. | Qualified veterinarian licensed under the PETS scheme. | In the USA the vet should be US Department of Agriculture licensed. |
| Have your pet inoculated against the rabies virus. | After the pet micro chip has been put in place and for animals travelling from the UK, at least 6 months before your travel date. See below. | As above. | It is extremely important this is done only after the pet micro chip is inserted - otherwise, the rabies vaccination will be invalid. |
| Have blood test done for rabies anti-bodies. | No sooner than 21 days after the inoculation has been given. | As above. | If the test shows that the inoculation has not taken, the blood test must be redone. |
| Request pet passport. | As soon as the positive blood test results are back. | Must be signed off by licensed vet. | In the USA, New Zealand and Australia the pet passport is replaced by the European Community veterinary Certificate. |
| Check the pet micro chip number and the data related to the rabies vaccination have been entered accurately. | On receipt of the pet passport. | Owner. | Mistakes are rarely made but it is vital that dates are entered accurately. One day out and your pet could find himself in quarantine. |
| Ensure the pet micro chip has not migrated. | At each visit to the vet. | Owner / vet. | Very occasionally the pet micro chip can disappear. Check immediately before your trip to ensure it is still there! |
| Write down the date the rabies booster is due. | Immediately the rabies inoculation has been cleared as having taken. | Owner. | This is vital. Different vaccines have different booster requirements. One day out means your pet will be taken into quarantine. |
| Ensure you carry your pet's travel documents with you whilst in Italy. | At all times. | Owner. | You will not be allowed admission to some hotels and public places unless you can produce these documents. |
N. B. If travelling from and returning to the UK only. | |||
| Start this process in good time. | At least seven months before you intend to return to the UK. | Owner. | Your pet will not be able to return to the UK for six months after the inoculation results have returned as positive. |
| Make sure your pet is travelling by a PETS approved route into the UK. | At time of booking. | Owner - check with travel operator. | Under European pet travel regulations, only certain ferry and air routes are approved as carriers of pets. |
| Have your pet vaccinated against ticks and tapeworms. | No less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before returning to the UK. | Vet in country animal returning from, qualified under PETS scheme. | Without this certificate your pet will not be allowed entry into the UK. |
Taking animals to Italy isn't just about pet travel regulations. The second of our travel checklists is a brief reminder of what needs to happen for your animals in Italy to enjoy a happy time on holiday.
| What needs doing? | When does it need doing? | By whom? | Any special comments? |
| Choose your holiday destination in Italy based on local pet travel regulations and community resources. | 9 - 12 months before planned travel date. | Family. | Be aware of weather and effects of heat on your pet; consider benefits of country, coast or city trips; check for pet-friendly beaches and restaurants in the area. See below for links. |
| 6 - 9 months before planned travel date. | Family. | Check specific details with accommodation owners - are there shady places? shutters? What's the extra cost? | |
| Plan travel : check your planned transport does accept animals under the European pet regulations scheme (Pet Travel Scheme). | Before booking. | Owner. | Make sure your carrier is licensed to take pets. Also check exactly what is required : are pet travel crates compulsory? What size should it be? Does your pet have to be accompanied? Can he travel in the passenger cabin or will he have to go in the hold? |
| Make sure you book a place on the flight or ferry for your pet. | At time of booking. | Owner. | Carriers have a limited number of places under European pet travel regulations. Book in good time to reserve your place. |
| Think about travelling at night. | At planning stage. | Owner. | This means your pet is more likely to sleep without the need for medication. |
| Talk to your vet about whether your pet will need to be tranquilized for the journey. | 9 months before travel. | Owner. | Be careful about using tranquillisers - not all animals react well to them. Always take your vet's advice. |
| Start process of pet micro chip and rabies vaccination. | 9 months before travel. | Owner. | See above for precise details of necessary pet travel regulations. |
| Plan for your animal's comfort. | 3 - 6 months before travel. | Owner. | Think hard about what will make your pet feel secure on the journey, particularly if he has to travel in the hold. Remember travel bowls, toys and a well-used blanket. |
| On arrival, make sure your pet gets to a place where he can have a drink and a walk as quickly as possible. | On arrival at your destination. | Owner. | Your pet will take some time to acclimatise to a new place and possible to heat. Give lots of reassurance. See below for links about protection from heat stroke. |
And from both of us and Nero the travelling greyhound -
Enjoy your time in Italy!
Enjoy your time in Italy!
It is important to note that
pet travel regulations can change suddenly.
Although we keep these travel checklists updated regularly it would be wise to check with your pet's vet and with the DEFRA or EU website as soon as you decide you would like to have your animals in Italy with you.
pet travel regulations can change suddenly.
Although we keep these travel checklists updated regularly it would be wise to check with your pet's vet and with the DEFRA or EU website as soon as you decide you would like to have your animals in Italy with you.
This page goes into much greater detail about pet travel regulations and the European Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
To help you decide where to take your animals in Italy, here is a page about the best Italian beaches for dogs.
This page tells you about the dangers of heat stroke in Italy and what to do if your pet suffers.
Click here for twenty top tips about how to avoid animals in Italy getting sun and heat stroke.
Here are some strange but true facts about animals in Italian culture to keep you amused on your journey.
Have a look at our overview page about
animals and Italian culture.
Go from our page about pet travel regulations to our home page about Italian culture.
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