Countries:
Italy
Time to read: Approximately 3 minutes
The Ministry of Health is the Animal Quarantine Authority for the entry of dogs to Italy.
There are no separate Assistance Dog Travel Rules for Italy. Follow the Standard (pet) Dog links provided.
Contact the Ministry of Health
Please note that TravelPaws has had some difficulty getting in contact with the Ministry of Health. Try to contact them well in advance of your trip and if you do not hear back, we would suggest reaching out to your home Animal Quarantine Authority for assistance getting through to them.
Be prepared
- Confirm any specific requirements with all Animal Quarantine Authorities before booking your trip. This includes both entering/leaving any country and all airline/cruise line requirements.
- The Travel Process can take several months so leave plenty of planning time for your trip (except for valid EU Pet Passport travel).
Travel Rules for Standard (pet) Dogs
These links detail the process for Standard (pet) Dogs, which Assistance Dogs must also follow. Visiting these links will open another website.
Miscellaneous Information
Extra information that is specific to the region or country.
Italian Public Access Laws
Italy's Law No 37 of 1974 states that Guide Dogs are permitted on any means of public transport at no charge and that Handlers are permitted to access businesses open to the public with their Guide Dog.
Please note that the linked version of the law is in Italian. Those with a translator installed on their browser can translate it into the language of their choosing.
Muzzle Requirement
Please be advised that TravelPaws corresponded with the Ministry of Health in late 2023 who informed us that all dog handlers are required to have a muzzle available at all times, though there is no obligation for the dog to wear it unless instructed to (e.g. by a driver, train conductor or pilot). In our exchange, they defined a muzzle as "an arrangement of straps, etc. around the muzzle of an animal to prevent it from biting.” Although TravelPaws finds it astounding that this requirement also applies to Assistance Dogs, we do think it is worthwhile to train your dog to use a muzzle if you are planning to travel to Italy. If you have questions about this requirement, contact the Ministry of Health.
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