Travelling Animals

Non-E.U. Countries

Health and Safety Documents

When travelling with an animal to a non-European Union country, it is best to contact the veterinary service of the local health department in the area of residence in order to check out the procedures and certifications required by each country. Helpful information can be found on the website of the Ministry of Health – Centre for the prevention and control of disease.

For entry into Italy from non-European Union countries of an accompanied animal, it is necessary to have a certificate of origin and health. Dogs, cats and ferrets must have a specific health certificate (Decision of the Commission 2004/824/CE), filled in by the health authority holding jurisdiction. The documents must be presented to the customs officials at the border upon entry to the national territory.

For entry into Italy from non-European Union countries of an unaccompanied animal, it is necessary to have a certificate of origin and health, while dogs, cats and ferrets must have the specific health certificate envisaged by EU regulations (Decision of the Commission 2004/595/CE). In both cases, the Official Vet of the Designated Border Control Posts (BCPs) will be asked to intervene and issue the Documento Veterinario Comune di Entrata (DVCE), the veterinary document allowing entry into the country.

There are special restrictions for accompanied or unaccompanied birds arriving from other countries.