🔄 Updated : June 19, 2026📊 Difficulty : Easy

Italy is an easy country to visit with a dog: the entry requirements are the simple, standard European Union rules, and the country has a reputation for being welcoming to animals. Here’s what to prepare before you leave.

Entry requirements

Requirement Details
💉 ISO microchip ISO 11784/11785 identification, implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination.
🦠 Valid rabies vaccination First vaccination from 12 weeks of age, followed by a 21-day wait.
📕 EU pet passport Issued by a veterinarian (identification + vaccination).

Italy applies the standard EU entry rules. If you’re arriving from outside the EU — from the US, UK, Canada or elsewhere — see our guide to traveling to the EU with a dog for how those rules apply to your situation.

🟠
Double-check. Each country may regulate certain so-called dangerous breeds (breed categories, muzzle, insurance) and access to beaches/transit. Check Italy’s local regulations before you go.

🧰 Our tools to plan your trip

Dog flight checker Can my dog fly? 62 airlines compared, by departure airport, destination and your dog's weight. Open the checker → IATA crate calculator IATA crate calculator The airline-approved crate size for your dog, using the official IATA formula. Calculate the size → Entry requirements by country Entry requirements checker Country-by-country entry rules: paperwork, vaccines, lead times and official sources. Check the rules →

Compare with other destinations using our dog entry requirements checker by country.

On the ground: cities, beaches and trains

Italy is fairly dog-friendly: many shops and restaurants accept leashed dogs, and dog beaches (spiagge per cani) exist along the coasts. Trenitalia trains admit small dogs in a carrier for free, and large dogs on a leash and muzzle with a dedicated ticket. In cities, a muzzle may be required in certain places or on certain transit systems: keep one in your bag.

How to get there with your dog

By plane, compare airlines in our flight checker; if you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe, Italy is also easy to reach by car and train.

➡️ Next step : your journey

  1. Put together your dog’s health paperwork
  2. Choose your mode of transport
  3. Prepare your dog for the trip

✈️ Which airlines fly to Italy? ITA Airways, Aegean Airlines, Aeromexico, Air Algérie, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air France, Air Transat — compare them in our dog flight checker.

Frequently asked questions

Are dogs allowed on trains in Italy?
Yes: small dogs travel free in a carrier, and large dogs are allowed on a leash and muzzle with a specific ticket.
Do I need a muzzle in Italy?
It isn’t systematically mandatory, but it can be required on certain transit systems or in some public places — better to have one with you.

Sources

European Commission — Traveling with pets in the EU, accessed June 2026. Rules can change: double-check before departure.