Taking Your Dog to Italy From the UK in 2026: AHC, Rabies and Travel Rules
Updated: 1 day ago
Italy is a popular destination for UK pet owners travelling by road or air. For most non-commercial journeys from Great Britain into the EU, your dog will need the standard EU pet travel requirements in place before you leave.
Microchip and rabies vaccination
Your dog must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. The microchip must be implanted or read before the vaccination used for travel. After a first rabies vaccination, you must normally wait at least 21 full days before entering the EU.
Do I need an Animal Health Certificate for Italy?
For most GB-resident owners starting a new journey from Great Britain to Italy, yes. The AHC must be issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days before EU entry.
Driving to Italy through France
If you drive via France, the AHC is used to enter the EU at your first EU entry point and then supports onward movement to Italy while valid. Make sure the certificate details match your actual route and travel dates.
Does Italy require the special tapeworm treatment?
The specific 24 to 120 hour Echinococcus treatment required for some destinations is not normally required simply for entry into Italy, although your full itinerary should always be checked.
Arrange your AHC before you travel
The Pet Passport Co. offers home visits and collection point appointments across multiple UK regions, with AHCs from £129 and repeat certificates from £119.
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