Moving your pets to Italy from the UK is entirely possible with the right preparation, but small mistakes in paperwork or timing can disrupt your plans.
If you’re planning a permanent move or extended stay in Italy, bringing your pet along is often non-negotiable. The good news is that the process is straightforward once you understand the rules. The key is to stay organised, work closely with your vet and allow enough time before departure to meet all requirements.
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What to prepare when moving your pets to Italy from the UK
The most important document you’ll need is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This must be issued by an official vet and confirms that your pet is microchipped and has a valid rabies vaccination.
According to UK government guidance, pets must be at least 12 weeks old before receiving a rabies vaccine, and there is a mandatory waiting period before travel. You can usually travel with up to five pets.
Timing is critical. The AHC is only valid for four months for onward travel within the EU, but it must be used within 10 days for entry into Italy. If you get the timing wrong, you may need to repeat the process and pay for another certificate.
It’s also worth noting that your pet should usually travel within five days of you to qualify as a non-commercial move. If they arrive earlier or later than this window, the process becomes more complex and costly, as it’s treated as a commercial movement with additional certification required.
To avoid delays or refused entry, check that you have the following in place:
- Microchip (must be in place before vaccination)
- Rabies vaccination (valid and up to date)
- Animal Health Certificate issued by an official vet Travel within 10 days of certificate issue
Travelling to Italy with pets by car or plane
If you’re driving to Italy, ferries and the Channel Tunnel offer pet-friendly options. However, most ferry operators require pets to remain in your vehicle during the crossing. This means you’ll need to think carefully about temperature, airflow and your pet’s comfort, particularly in warmer months.
Flying is another option, but it comes with more restrictions. Most low-cost airlines do not accept pets at all. Full-service airlines are more flexible, usually allowing small animals in the cabin if they meet weight and carrier requirements. Larger pets typically travel in the hold, which is temperature-controlled but can still be stressful for some animals.
Whichever route you choose, it’s worth checking each carrier’s rules well in advance, as policies vary significantly.
Health considerations once you arrive in Italy
Once you’re settled in Italy, your pet will face different environmental risks compared to the UK. One of the most common is Leishmaniasis, a disease spread by sand flies that are present in many parts of the country.
Local vets often recommend preventative measures such as insect-repellent collars, spot-on treatments and annual blood tests. These steps are widely considered standard care, particularly in central and southern regions where the risk is higher.
Registering with a local vet soon after arrival will help you stay on top of vaccinations and region-specific health advice.
Final thoughts on moving your pets to Italy from the UK
Relocating with your pet takes planning, but it’s far from complicated once you understand the steps. Focus on getting the paperwork right, choose the least stressful travel option for your animal and plan ahead for health care once you arrive.
With the right approach, your pet can settle into life in Italy just as comfortably as you do.
Frequently asked questions about moving pets to Italy
Yes, you can move to Italy with your pets from the UK, provided you meet the entry requirements. This includes microchipping, a valid rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate issued shortly before travel.
Costs vary depending on how you travel. An Animal Health Certificate typically costs between £100 and £300 per pet. Ferry crossings with a pet can add £20 to £100, while flights can range from £50 for cabin travel to several hundred pounds for pets travelling in the hold.
EU pet passports issued in Great Britain are no longer valid for travel to the EU, however, they may be reintroduced in the next couple of years. For now, you will need an Animal Health Certificate for each trip from the UK to Italy.
