Moving your pet to Italy

At Bearsbys we appreciate how important your pet is to you. If you've decided to move abroad it's likely you will be taking your pet(s) with you and as a valued customer Bearsbys try to support you in all aspects of your move.

Since there are many aspects in sending a pet overseas we suggest that you speak to one of our specialist partners who are experts in this field, Par Air Services who have been sending pets overseas since 1953.

All animals are shipped by the quickest and most direct routes assuring the maximum safety and comfort.

Par Air have kennelling facilities to board your animal prior to departure. Daily visits are made by a veterinary surgeon who will undertake any veterinary formalities that are required for the country of importation.

Specialist travel containers are made specific to your pet. The collection of your pet can be made throughout most of the UK and it can be sent door to door to most worldwide destinations.

Par Air are able to offer insurance cover on your animal whilst in transit; giving cover from your door and up to 24 hours after arrival at destination.

In order to move your pet with you to Italy it must have been microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine must have been received at least 21 days before departure to Italy. Pets must have been issued with an EU Pet Passport in accordance to European Regulation 998/2003, which will be issued by your local vet.
  • A non-commercial importer may bring up to five pets into Italy, any more than five is treated as a commercial import
  • If the rabies vaccination was the animal's first vaccine then it must wait for 21 days before entering the country
  • There is no time delay with booster injections; providing there is proof that the booster was administered before the last vaccine had expired
  • An animal must be over three months old to enter Italian territory.
Getting an EU Pet Passport
Only a licensed vet may issue the passport, and vaccinations should be kept current by the vet.

Before issuing it, the vet will confirm that the animal:

  • Is identified by a micro chip in the neck or tattoo in the ear
  • Has valid vaccines against rabies.
  • Has had a blood test to confirm the vaccine is in the system

Following these steps the vet can issue a certificate of health - the Pet Passport.

Travelling with Guide Dogs
Guide dogs for the blind entering Italy must adhere to the same requirements as other domestic pets above. Once in Italy the service dog has unhindered access to all public buildings, shops and may travel unrestricted on all public transport.