Bringing a dog from Canada to Italy: rules 2026
Taking a dog from Canada to Italy is a practical EU route for Canadian expats and travellers. Canada is EU-listed, so no titer test is required, and Italy has no additional restrictions beyond the standard EU entry requirements.
Destination requirements
- ISO microchip โ before the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination โ โฅ12 weeks; wait โฅ21 days.
- Titer test โ only from an โunlistedโ country (โฅ30 days after vaccination, โฅ90 days before travel, โฅ0.5 IU/ml). Not needed from the EU / listed countries.
- Certificate โ non-EU: EU Animal Health Certificate (10 days, authority-endorsed; USDA APHIS from the USA). EU / return: EU pet passport (valid for life while vaccinations stay current).
- Tapeworm treatment โ not required.
- Breeds โ no restrictions. Italy abolished its dangerous-breed list (Ordinanza 03.03.2009). No import ban.
- Quarantine โ none if met; enter via a designated point.
Official sources
- Ministero della Salute โ Viaggiare con animali โ
- European Commission โ Bringing a pet from a non-EU country โ
- USDA APHIS โ US to another country (export) โ
- โ ISO 11784/11785 microchipping before rabies vaccine timeline
- โ Rabies titer blood test (RNATT) & mandatory 90-day waiting period
- โ Airport transit zone regulations, international vet certificates & EU pet passport
โ Your Checklist is Ready!
We have reserved your guide. Download the PDF directly:
โ๏ธ IATA-Approved Pet Carriers & Spill-Proof Water Bowls
Important: airlines will deny boarding without an IATA-compliant crate or approved cabin carrier. Secure verified airline gear in advance:
IATA Airline-Approved Cabin Carrier
Fits under the seat on Turkish, FlyDubai, Lufthansa, Delta, Emirates. 3-sided mesh ventilation, waterproof bottom, safety leash ring.
Heavy-Duty IATA Live Animal Cargo Crate
Impact-resistant rigid shell, steel door with central squeeze latch, secured with metal nuts & bolts (plastic latches strictly banned).
No-Drip Water Bottle & Dual Kennel Bowl
External refill spout allows airline ground staff to replenish water without opening the crate door during flight connections.
Emergency Pet Relocation Kit ($19)
Complete digital relocation toolkit for emergency and planned travel with pets. Everything you need in one verified pack:
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๐งณ Essential Travel Services for Flying with Pets
FAQ
Do I need a titer test to bring a dog from Canada to Italy?
No. Canada is EU-listed โ no titer test required. The essentials are a microchip, rabies vaccination and a CFIA-endorsed EU AHC.
How do I get the EU AHC endorsed by CFIA?
Your Canadian vet issues the EU Animal Health Certificate, then the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) endorses it. Valid for 10 days to entry into Italy.
Are there breed restrictions in Italy?
Italy removed its national breed ban list in 2009, but some municipalities may still enforce local restrictions. Airlines may restrict brachycephalic dogs.
Is there quarantine in Italy for dogs from Canada?
No quarantine for compliant pets from Canada.