Maybe you’re going on vacation or moving to Italy. Or perhaps you’re going there for work. Either way, if you’re in the country for a while, it’s good to bring your furry friend. So here’s everything you need about flying with your dog to Italy.
First, Discuss Travel Plans With Your Dog’s Veterinarian
No matter why you want to bring your dog to Italy, you’ll want to check with your vet first. Before you make any flight plans, you’ll want to ensure that your dog is physically and mentally prepared for flight.
Also, there are many different requirements you’ll need to meet to get your dog on board the plane and into Italy. But, again, your vet will be able to help you meet those requirements.
In addition, your vet can assure you that it’s a good option for you and your furry friend to fly on an airplane and out of the country.
For instance, our vet can give them a good check-up to ensure they’re as healthy as they can be and can give them any shots or boosters they may need. In addition, they can help you get all the documents you’ll need to bring your dog with you.
Also, you can talk about your dog’s needs with your vet. For example, if your pup is prone to separation anxiety, you might decide to leave your dog behind with a trusted professional dog sitter or a family member.
On the other hand, if your dog has to go with you (maybe you’re moving or you’ll be in Italy for a few months), your vet can discuss how best to prepare your dog for the flight.
Finally, your vet can tell you the best ways to care for your dog before, during, and after the flight.
Requirements To Get Your Dog Into Italy
To get your dog into Italy, they need an EU pet passport.
If your dog already has a valid one, then that’s great. You won’t need to do much else. However, if you don’t have a valid passport or you don’t have one at all yet, there are a few things your dog will need to do to get one.
You’ll need to do the following:
- Get your dog microchipped (if they aren’t already)
- Give your dog the rabies vaccination
- Wait for 21 days
- Have a USDA APHIS veterinarian sign and endorse the health certificate
The microchip needs to be a 15-digit ISO-compliant number. Or, your dog can have a microchip tattoo if that’s easier for you.
Puppies under 15 weeks old will not be allowed into the EU if they have not been vaccinated with the rabies vaccine within 21 days of traveling.
Once you have all of that together, you’ll be able to get your pup a passport. Then, your doggo can enter Italy.
Luckily, your pup won’t need to be quarantined upon arrival as long as your doggo has a valid passport and they’re healthy.
How Your Dog Will Fly On The Airplane
When flying to Italy, your dog can travel in the cabin with you, or they can go in the cargo hold.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), your pet might be more comfortable in the cargo hold. It’s dim and quiet, so if your pup has anxiety, it might be more soothing for them to be in there.
However, the airlines do not take responsibility for the care and wellbeing of your pet before, during, and after the flight. So, you’ll need to fly with your dog at your own risk.
The cargo hold might be more soothing for them, but separation anxiety could further stress them if they have separation anxiety.
If you have a small dog breed, they’ll be able to go into the cabin with you. However, if you have a medium or large breed, you’ll have no choice but to have them go into the cargo hold.
On the other hand, if you have a certified service animal, then no matter how big or small they are, you can have them ride in the cabin with you. However, you’ll need to talk to the airline ahead of time to let them know and work it out.
Be sure to talk to your vet about the best options for your pup to fly.
Banned Dog Breeds In Italy
Italy doesn’t ban any dog breeds from coming into the country. However, some areas do ban certain “aggressive” breeds.
If you bring these breeds to any public place, they must be on a leash and muzzled.
These breeds include but aren’t limited to the Doberman Pinscher and the Rottweiler.
Your Dog’s Comfort Comes First
Flying on an airplane is scary for most humans, let alone dogs who don’t understand what a plane is, how it works, or where they’re going.
For instance, they may feel safer and more comfortable in the cargo hold, but if your dog has separation anxiety or is afraid to try new things, the dark cargo hold (and being away from you) may stress them further.
You’ll want to work with your vet to ensure that your dog is fully prepared.
So, here are some tips to ensure that your dog is prepared to fly:
- Purchase plane tickets that have as few layovers and connections as possible
- Choose arrival times to avoid extreme heat or cold
- Train your dog to get used to their carrier
- Discuss any anxiety needs with your vet beforehand
- If your dog goes into the cabin, check-in as late as possible
- If your dog goes into the cargo hold, check-in as early as possible
- Walk your dog before your flight and immediately after arrival
- Avoid food and drink a few hours before the flight
These tips will help reduce stress for your dog, and they’ll also keep them as healthy as possible.
Overall, you want to keep the flight as safe and positive as possible for your pup. First, however, you need to keep up with the country and state you’re entering and the airline’s requirements.
Should You Fly With Your Dog to Italy?
If your dog is healthy enough and meets all the requirements, it’ll be a fun trip. Italy doesn’t require as much as some other places, so bringing your furry friend along will be easy.
