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Italy
Rodents & Domestic Rabbits Regulations
Vaccinations
Italy applies EU rules for non-commercial movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets (Reg. (UE) 576/2013). The Italian Ministry page provides the general conditions and refers to EU rules for details.
- A valid rabies vaccination is required for entry to Italy.
- After a primary (first) rabies vaccination, entry is permitted only once the vaccination becomes valid; for most vaccines this is 21 days after administration.
Certifications
For entries from certain third countries, an EU model animal health certificate is required under EU rules (see Reg. (UE) 576/2013 and 577/2013). Travelers from the United States obtain this through an accredited veterinarian with endorsement by USDA APHIS.
- The certificate must be issued by an official/accredited veterinarian in the country of departure.
- The certificate must be endorsed by the competent authority of the country of departure (e.g., USDA APHIS for travelers departing the United States).
- The endorsed certificate must accompany the animal on entry.
Depending on the country of origin, a rabies antibody titration test may be required under EU rules (see Reg. (UE) 576/2013 and 577/2013 on listed vs. non-listed third countries).
- May be required if originating from a non-listed third country under EU rules; verify based on the specific origin.
Microchip
Identification with an ISO-compliant microchip is required under EU rules; identification must be in place at the time of the rabies vaccination used for entry.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Age and derogations
Italy indicates it does not apply the puppy/kitten derogations under Articles 7 and 11 of Reg. (UE) 576/2013.
- Entry is not permitted for unvaccinated animals under 12 weeks of age.
- Entry is not permitted for animals aged 12–16 weeks whose rabies vaccination is not yet valid.
Non-commercial movement conditions
EU non-commercial movement rules apply (Reg. (UE) 576/2013).
- Maximum of 5 animals per traveler for non-commercial entry.
- The owner or an authorized person must travel with the animal; movements within ±5 days of the owner’s travel can be accepted when justified under EU rules.
Parasite treatments
Entry treatments may vary by destination in the EU; Italy’s page indicates no additional mandatory treatments for entry into Italy.
- No mandatory echinococcus or tick treatment is required for entry into Italy.
Origin-specific notes
Requirements differ by origin (EU Member State vs. third country). The Italian Ministry page refers to EU regulations for the list of third countries and document models (Reg. (UE) 577/2013).
Import-Specific Links
Ministero della Salute – Trasporto degli animali d’affezione (hub) Ministero della Salute – In Italia (Arriving in Italy with companion animals) USDA APHIS – Pet Travel Ministero della Salute – In viaggio verso l’Italia Regolamento (UE) n. 576/2013 – movimenti non commerciali (PDF) Regolamento (UE) n. 577/2013 – modelli e Paesi terziOfficial Source(s)
Ministero della Salute – In Italia (Arriving in Italy with companion animals) Ministero della Salute – Trasporto degli animali d’affezione (navigation hub) USDA APHIS – Pet Travel Ministero della Salute – In viaggio verso l’Italia (regole ufficiali per l’ingresso in Italia con animali da compagnia) Regolamento (UE) n. 576/2013 – movimenti non commerciali di animali da compagnia (PDF – TrovaNorme) Regolamento (UE) n. 577/2013 – modelli documenti e Paesi terzi (TrovaNorme)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
A specific EU model veterinary certificate for captive birds may be required for entry. Verify current conditions with the Italian Ministry of Health and, if departing the U.S., USDA APHIS.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Controls and documentation for pet birds can change; contact the Italian Ministry of Health (USMAF/ASL) in advance to confirm current entry conditions. Note: some older Ministry pages are legacy references and may be outdated.
Official Source(s)
Ministero della Salute – In Italia (Arriving in Italy with companion animals) Ministero della Salute – Trasporto degli animali d’affezione (navigation hub) USDA APHIS – Pet Travel Ministero della Salute – In viaggio verso l’Italia (regole ufficiali per l’ingresso in Italia con animali da compagnia) Regolamento (UE) n. 576/2013 – movimenti non commerciali di animali da compagnia (PDF – TrovaNorme) Regolamento (UE) n. 577/2013 – modelli documenti e Paesi terzi (TrovaNorme)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Not specified.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Not specified on the current Ministry page. Check with the Italian Ministry of Health for any sanitary or wildlife restrictions that may apply.
Official Source(s)
Ministero della Salute – In Italia (Arriving in Italy with companion animals) Ministero della Salute – Trasporto degli animali d’affezione (navigation hub) USDA APHIS – Pet Travel Ministero della Salute – In viaggio verso l’Italia (regole ufficiali per l’ingresso in Italia con animali da compagnia) Regolamento (UE) n. 576/2013 – movimenti non commerciali di animali da compagnia (PDF – TrovaNorme) Regolamento (UE) n. 577/2013 – modelli documenti e Paesi terzi (TrovaNorme)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Not specified.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Not specified on the current Ministry page. Contact the Italian Ministry of Health for current import conditions for ornamental fish.
Official Source(s)
Ministero della Salute – In Italia (Arriving in Italy with companion animals) Ministero della Salute – Trasporto degli animali d’affezione (navigation hub) USDA APHIS – Pet Travel Ministero della Salute – In viaggio verso l’Italia (regole ufficiali per l’ingresso in Italia con animali da compagnia) Regolamento (UE) n. 576/2013 – movimenti non commerciali di animali da compagnia (PDF – TrovaNorme) Regolamento (UE) n. 577/2013 – modelli documenti e Paesi terzi (TrovaNorme)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Not specified.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Not specified on the current Ministry page. Confirm with the Italian Ministry of Health whether any veterinary certification or restrictions apply.
Official Source(s)
Ministero della Salute – In Italia (Arriving in Italy with companion animals) Ministero della Salute – Trasporto degli animali d’affezione (navigation hub) USDA APHIS – Pet Travel Ministero della Salute – In viaggio verso l’Italia (regole ufficiali per l’ingresso in Italia con animali da compagnia) Regolamento (UE) n. 576/2013 – movimenti non commerciali di animali da compagnia (PDF – TrovaNorme) Regolamento (UE) n. 577/2013 – modelli documenti e Paesi terzi (TrovaNorme)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Not specified.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Not specified on the current Ministry page. Check with the Italian Ministry of Health for any current entry requirements.
Official Source(s)
Ministero della Salute – In Italia (Arriving in Italy with companion animals) Ministero della Salute – Trasporto degli animali d’affezione (navigation hub) USDA APHIS – Pet Travel Ministero della Salute – In viaggio verso l’Italia (regole ufficiali per l’ingresso in Italia con animali da compagnia) Regolamento (UE) n. 576/2013 – movimenti non commerciali di animali da compagnia (PDF – TrovaNorme) Regolamento (UE) n. 577/2013 – modelli documenti e Paesi terzi (TrovaNorme)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Not specified.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
Not specified on the current Ministry page. Contact the Italian Ministry of Health for current entry rules for small mammals such as rodents and domestic rabbits.
Official Source(s)
Ministero della Salute – In Italia (Arriving in Italy with companion animals) Ministero della Salute – Trasporto degli animali d’affezione (navigation hub) USDA APHIS – Pet Travel Ministero della Salute – In viaggio verso l’Italia (regole ufficiali per l’ingresso in Italia con animali da compagnia) Regolamento (UE) n. 576/2013 – movimenti non commerciali di animali da compagnia (PDF – TrovaNorme) Regolamento (UE) n. 577/2013 – modelli documenti e Paesi terzi (TrovaNorme)Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Not specified.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
General
The current Ministry page does not specify requirements for additional companion animal species. Travelers should contact the competent Italian authorities (e.g., Ministry of Health/USMAF) for guidance before travel.
