Moving to Italy with your pet? Whether you’re traveling by plane, ship, or car, there are specific rules in place to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being. As an Italian citizen and veterinary medicine student, I’ve gathered all the essential information you need to keep in mind when relocating to Italy with your pet.

First, click here to read the step-by-step guide on moving to Italy with your pet.

Traveling with your pet by plane

Each airline has its own policies regarding pet transport, so it’s crucial to check in advance which airlines allow your pet on board, based on its weight and breed.

Bringing your pet in the cabin

While policies vary by airline, here are some general guidelines:

• Pets are typically allowed in the cabin if they weigh 7–10 kg (15–22 lbs) or less, including the carrier.
• The carrier must meet the airline’s standards and fit under the seat in front of you.
• Your pet must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight.

Not all airlines allow pets in the cabin, so here’s what you need to know:

• Lufthansa: Allows pets in the cabin up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs); heavier pets travel in the cargo hold.
• Air France: Accepts pets in the cabin up to 8 kg but prohibits some brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.
• KLM: Allows pets in the cabin, in the cargo hold, or as freight, depending on size.
• Ryanair and EasyJet: Do not allow pets in the cabin, except for guide dogs.

Traveling with your pet in the cargo hold

If your pet exceeds the weight limit for cabin travel, it must fly in the cargo hold in an IATA-approved hard-sided kennel (International Air Transport Association standard). Some airlines strictly prohibit or discourage transporting certain dog and cat breeds due to health risks.

These breeds include:

Dogs

Affenpinscher, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bichon Frisé, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Mastiff, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Neapolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug, Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Valley Bulldog, Yorkshire Terrier.

Cats

Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Persian, Himalayan.

Required documents for travel

When flying to Italy, you’ll need:

• EU Pet Passport (if coming from an EU country) or an official health certificate (for non-EU travelers).
• Valid rabies vaccination, administered at least 21 days before travel.
• ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip.
• Rabies antibody test (only required if traveling from a high-risk country).

Some airlines may also require a health certificate issued by a vet within 48 hours of departure—always check the airline’s specific requirements.

Traveling with your pet by ship

Like airlines, different ferry companies have different rules regarding pets. Some companies, such as Moby, offer specially designed pet-friendly cabins, where animals can stay with their owners. However, pets are usually not allowed in public areas, such as seating lounges and restaurants. Be sure to book early, as these cabins are limited. If pet-friendly cabins are unavailable, many ferry companies provide kennels or onboard pet enclosures. For example, Grimaldi Lines provides kennels for pets over 6 kg (13 lbs), while smaller pets must remain in their own carriers. Most ferries allow pets on outdoor decks, but they must stay on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Documentation & health requirements

• Superfast Ferries requires passengers to carry their pet’s health records at all times.
• EU residents must have an EU Pet Passport.
• Rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

These requirements generally apply across most ferry companies, so always confirm before booking.

Traveling with your pet by car in Italy

In Italy, traveling with a pet in a car is regulated by Article 169 of the Italian Highway Code, which sets clear rules to ensure road safety. Here are the main points:

• You can have one pet freely in the car as long as it doesn’t interfere with driving (jumping onto the front seat or distracting the driver).
• If traveling with multiple pets, they must be securely contained to prevent accidents. Approved options include:
  – Pet carriers: Recommended for cats, small dogs, and other small animals. The carrier should be firmly secured to avoid movement during sudden stops.
  – Dividing barriers or rigid partitions: Required for transporting multiple pets, ensuring they remain separated from the driver. These are especially useful for medium and large dogs, allowing them to travel comfortably in the trunk.
  – Dog seat belts are highly recommended and, in some cases, mandatory. These harnesses attach to the car’s seat belt system, keeping your pet safe during sudden stops or accidents.

Failing to follow these regulations can result in fines ranging from €87 to €344 ($95–$375) and, in severe cases, points deducted from your driver’s license.