Flying private to Italy with a dog or cat
Italy applies the EU rules for pets travelling with their owners: a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a pet passport or an animal health certificate. Pets from some countries also need a blood test.
- Microchip
- Before the rabies jab
- Rabies vaccine
- From 12 weeks, valid after 21 days
- Pets per trip
- Up to 5
- Tapeworm treatment
- Not needed for Italy
The rules in short
Yes, under the EU rules for non-commercial movements. The dog, cat or ferret needs a microchip and a rabies vaccination given at 12 weeks or older, valid from 21 days after the primary vaccination. From inside the EU it travels on an EU pet passport. From most other countries it needs an EU animal health certificate, a rabies antibody test and entry through a travellers' point of entry.
The rules apply when the pet travels with its owner, or with someone the owner authorises within five days of the owner's own trip, and is not being sold or rehomed.
Italy is not one of the countries that require tapeworm treatment for dogs. It is one of the countries that do not let in young pets that are unvaccinated or not yet fully protected against rabies.
We tell the operator about the pet when we ask for quotes, so it can confirm how the pet will travel on board.
Sources:European Commission, Food Safety: bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131)Your Europe (European Union): travelling with pets and other animals, last checked 1 September 2026
What every dog, cat or ferret needs
- 01Microchip
A microchip that meets the EU technical standard. A clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted.
- 02Rabies vaccination
Given by an authorised vet after the microchip, with the animal at least 12 weeks old. It becomes valid 21 days after the primary vaccination; boosters given in time keep it valid.
- 03Healthy and fit to travel
The animal must be healthy and fit for the journey.
- 04No more than five
Up to five pets per trip. More are allowed only for competitions, shows or sporting events, with proof of registration, and only for animals older than six months.
Sources:European Commission, Food Safety: bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131)Your Europe (European Union): travelling with pets and other animals, last checked 1 September 2026
Tell us the dates and passengers. A specialist replies with aircraft options and an all-in price, around the clock.
Flying from another EU country
Between EU countries, a pet travels on its EU pet passport, issued only to owners resident in the EU, with the rabies vaccination recorded and in date. Pets from some listed territories, such as Switzerland and Norway, can also enter on a passport issued there.
No blood test or travellers' point of entry is needed for pets coming from listed territories.
Sources:Your Europe (European Union): travelling with pets and other animals, last checked 1 September 2026European Commission, Food Safety: bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131)
Flying from outside the EU
- An EU animal health certificate, issued by an official or authorised vet and endorsed by the competent authority. It is valid for 10 days from issue until the entry checks.
- From 2026 the certificate follows Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705. Certificates in the older format remain valid if issued before 1 October 2026.
- A signed written declaration that the trip is not commercial.
- From countries that are not listed, a rabies antibody titration test: a blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination, tested at an approved laboratory with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and taken at least 90 days before the certificate is issued.
- Entry through a travellers' point of entry designated by the EU country, where the owner contacts the authority for document and identity checks.
Sources:European Commission, Food Safety: bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131)European Commission, Food Safety: travellers' points of entry for pets
Plan the timing
From an unlisted country, start at least four months ahead: the vaccination must be valid, the blood sample taken at least 30 days later, and 90 days must pass before the certificate is issued, which is then valid for only 10 days.
Tell us the pet's species, size and travel documents when you ask for a quote, and the arrival airport, so the checks at the point of entry can be arranged.
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistDoes my dog need tapeworm treatment to enter Italy?+
No. Tapeworm treatment is needed for Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Northern Ireland, not Italy.
Can I bring a puppy to Italy?+
Not before it is fully vaccinated against rabies. The vaccine can be given from 12 weeks and becomes valid 21 days later, and Italy does not admit young pets that are unvaccinated or not yet fully immune.
How many pets can I bring on a private flight?+
Up to five under the pet rules. More are allowed only for competitions, shows or sporting events, with proof, for animals over six months.
Does my pet need a blood test?+
Only when travelling from a country that is not on the EU's list. The sample is taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before the health certificate is issued.
Can someone else fly my dog to Italy?+
Yes, a person you authorise, if you travel within five days before or after the pet, with a signed declaration.
Related pages
Fares, dates and rules on this page were checked on 19 October 2026. Official fares and schedules change every season; the operator or authority named in each source has the final word.
Bring the whole family.
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