Pets imported into Italy
We only provide information on pets, introduced in Italy as travelers, not for commercial trader
The information concerns only the health aspects of the Ministry of Health (Department of Veterinary Public Health, Nutrition and Food Safety).
The indication are provided on dogs, cats and psittacidae (parrots).
DOGS, CATS AND FERRETS
From October 1, 2004 came into force the new rule of European Union health regulations , the movement among member countries of the European Union of dogs, cats and ferrets as well as the import and re-import of these animals coming from third countries, Community territory.
The new regulations concerning the handling, with no commercial, animals accompanying their owners or person who responsibility during the movement.
The import of companion animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) in Italy, accompanying the owners , it is possible to different conditions depending on whether the animals come from EU member states or third countries.
Import from EU countries
Animals brought accompanying their owners , must have a pet passport established by Commission Decision 2003 \ 803 \ CE of 26 November 2003 and identified by a microchip or clearly readable tattoo.
The pet passport, issued by a veterinarian authorized by the competent authority in the country of origin, must certify the implementation of vaccination against rabies and, if appropriate, a new vaccination against rabies valid. For a pet passport you should contact the Veterinary Services of the EU country of origin.
For the introduction in Italy of pets do not need a preventive treatment against ticks and echinococcosis.
The conditions for the import in Italy by the Member States may also apply to the movement from Andorra, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State, it is established by the European Commission that these countries apply standards equivalent to those of the European Union in this regard please refer to the website of the European Union area dedicated to the handling of dogs, cats and ferrets.
Importation from Third Countries ( outside EU )
The rules of importation of animals to Italy from third countries vary depending on whether of the country is armed or not in the list drawn up by the European Commission and published in the Annex to Regulation 998 \ 2003 \ EC. The list is regularly updated, is available at the European Union.
Animals brought accompanying their owners from a third country listed in Annex II of Regulation 998 \ 2003 \ EC of May 26, 2003 must bear the health certificate referred to the Commission Decision 2004 \ 824 \ EC of 1 December 2004, issued by an official veterinarian or approved by the competent authority in the country and identified by a clearly readable tattoo or a microchip. Health certificate must be certified by the implementation of vaccination against rabies and, if appropriate, a new vaccination valid, with favorable results (title equal to or greater than 0.50 IU \ ml) in a laboratory approved by the European Commission, the test (blood test) for titration of neutralizing antibodies to rabies virus, the blood sample to the laboratory conducting the test must be taken from the animal by a veterinarian, more than three months before the date of importation in Italy.
Dogs and cats from third country under the age of three months and not vaccinated against the rabies virus is not necessary for the importation into Italy
Re-importation from third countries
The re-importation of companion animals into Italy from third country can also use the EU passport in the Decision 2003 \ 803 \ EEC which must be certified compliance with the provisions already mentioned, required for importation from third countries. In this case, in connection with the execution, if required, a titration of antibodies against the rabies virus, does not need to be respected, for collecting the blood sample, the minimum period of three months, as indicated by the ‘ introduction from third countries, however this has provided the EU passport stating that the execution, with favorable results (title equal to or greater than 0.50 IU \ ml) of antibody titration occurred at a laboratory approved by the European Commission before the departure of the animal from Italy.
