Since October 2, 2004, Regulation 998/2003/EC on veterinary requirements applicable to the introduction and transfers into the territory of the European Union of domestic animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) accompanying travelers and without commercial purposes has been in force.
According to the current provisions, for introductions from third countries, including Canada, each domestic animal is required to have a European veterinary certificate, the template of which was approved by Commission Decision 2004/203/EC of February 18, 2004, as amended.
As stipulated in the document, pets will have to:
(a) be identifiable by legible tattoo or microchip;
(b) be vaccinated against rabies with valid vaccinations.
Preventive treatments against ticks and echinococcus are not required for the introduction of pets (or domestic animals) into Italy from Canada.
For pets coming from Canada, Annex II, Part C of Regulation 998/2003/EC also stipulates that vaccination need not be accompanied by blood testing for titration of antibodies to rabies. In the initial stage of implementation of the new regulations, by way of derogation from the above, provision was made (Commission Decision 2004/301/EC of March 30, 2004) for the possibility of the introduction of animals bearing a veterinary certificate of a different format from the one in force, provided that the veterinary certificate attests to the same veterinary requirements as those laid down in Regulation 998/2003/EC, was issued before October 1, 2004, and is still valid.
More information can be found on the Italian Ministry of Health website.
You may bring a maximum of 5 pets, included in the following list, with you in Italy:
Birds (small, except parrots), dogs, cats, fish (small), ranids (common frogs), common reptiles, rodents (excluding rabbits and hares), lacertids (lizards and lizard) and testudinids (land tortoises).
Accompanied animals may be brought into Italy only with the owner and only if provided with a certificate attesting to the animal’s good health.
For more information on how to travel with accompanying animals, see the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website (link opens in a new tab) and the specific link for entry within the territory of the European Union.
Travelers may introduce into Italy no. 2 parrots of the larger species and no. 4 individuals of the smaller species, provided that they have a health certificate, issued by the Official Veterinary Service of the country of origin, certifying that they come from a place in which, for a radius of Km. 20, no cases of psittacosis have occurred in the last 12 months.
It should be remembered that in Italy it is mandatory to use:
– A suitable muzzle, for dogs walking in the streets or other place open to the public without a leash;
– A muzzle and leash, for dogs conducted in public places and public transportation (Article 83 of Presidential Decree 320/54 Veterinary Police Regulations).