Before Leaving » Animals

Rules for the transport

  • Small animals
    Are allowed to travel in the aircraft cabin if they are in an adequate pet carrier with a waterproof and absorbent base (total weight not exceeding 8-10 kg). You must always make a booking beforehand and a supplementary fee applies.
  • Large animals
    These animals must be carried in the hold (pressurised, well-lit and heated). The animal must be in an adequate pet carrier. Booking should be made in advance, applying a supplementary fee.
  • Guide dogs
    Guide dogs can travel in the hold in an appropriate pet carrier or, if space allows, they can travel in the cabin if they are on a leash and wear a muzzle. Transportation of guide dogs is free of charge and there is no limit on the weight of the animal.
    The availability of space for the dog must be requested when making your booking.
    The dog’s owner must also make all the necessary arrangements for the provision of the items required for the dog to travel (muzzle and leash, or pet carrier).

Containers
At the ticket Office it's possible to purchase containers for pets in the following sizes:

  • For cabin transport small ATLAS 10 model measuring 26x30x48 (external) and 27x28x40 (internal);
  • For cargo hold transport medium 48x46x68 (external), 42x43x58 (internal) large 70x76x102 (external) 62x66x90 (internal).

Health documents

  • From E.U. and not-E.U. countries
    Dogs and cats brought into Italy must have a Certificate of Origin and Health and/or documentation regarding the animal. Documentation must include the identity of the animal and the vaccination dates for rabies vaccine, including the yearly booster shots and the vaccination dates for distemper. If the animal is less than 3 months old, it must not present any signs of infective diseases, must have been in captivity since birth and must not come from establishments that are subject to restrictive measures.
  • From E.U. countries and travelling with a passenger
    You can present your documentation to the Customs Officer in the Arrivals Area.
  • From not-E.U. countries and not travelling with the passenger
    The animal must be visited by the Official of the Frontier Inspection Point (located at the airport).
    The vet will check the animal and issue a certificate allowing the animal to enter the country. Small animals and pets travelling with their owner are exempt if there are not more that 5. This exemption does not apply to parrots and rabbits.
  • Travelling to E.U. countries
    There are the same rules indicated above for travel to Italy from E.U. countries apply (except for the U.K. where special regulations are in force).
  • Travelling to not-E.U. countries
    Procedures vary depending on the country. For detailed information you should contact your Travel Agent or the Airline Company. The necessary documentation is supplied by the Veterinary service at the ASL (local health agency).
  • Travelling within Italy
    When travelling to Sardinia you must have documentation attesting to rabies vaccination. The vaccination must have taken place at least 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to travelling (documentation issued by the relevant ASL office);
    When travelling to Sicily you must present the animal’s health documents that indicated what vaccinations the animal has had.

Special Cases
Birds, fishes, frogs, and land turtles can only be brought into Italy if they have a certificate of origin issued in the country of origin.
Protected species (parrots, sea turtles, some fish, etc.) must be accompanied by a CITES certificate (authorization to export the animal).

Metromare
Passengers with Reduced Mobility