PetTravelPass

Bringing a dog or cat from the United Arab Emirates to Italy

Under Italy's rules, pets from the United Arab Emirates are in the group “From a listed non-EU country”. A dog from the United Arab Emirates needs a microchip, a rabies vaccine and an official health certificate. There is no quarantine if every rule is met. There is no long waiting period, so a few weeks of preparation is usually enough.

About Italy: One set of rules for all 27 member states: microchip, rabies vaccine and a 21-day wait. Coming from a non-listed country adds a rabies blood test taken at least 90 days before the health certificate is issued, which is the main hurdle.

From a listed non-EU country Paperwork only

Titer test
Not required
Wait after blood test
—
Import permit
Not required
Quarantine
None if rules are met

No long wait: Rabies vaccine must be valid at entry: at least 21 days after the primary vaccination.

Step by step

  1. Microchip, then vaccinate

    Microchip first, then rabies vaccine at 12 weeks or older. Wait at least 21 days after the primary vaccination before entering.

  2. Get an EU animal health certificate

    An official/authorised vet issues the certificate (Implementing Reg. 2026/705 model) and the national authority endorses it. It must be used for the entry check within 10 days of issue (plus sea-journey time).

  3. Sign the owner declaration

    Attach a written declaration that the movement is non-commercial.

  4. Treat dogs for tapeworm if needed

    For Finland, Ireland, Malta or Northern Ireland, praziquantel 24-120 hours before entry, certified on the certificate.

  5. Enter at any border

    Pets from Annex I countries need not use a designated travellers' point of entry. A valid pet passport from an Annex I country can replace the health certificate.

Non-compliant pets may be returned, isolated under official control or, as a last resort, euthanised (national authority decides).

Good to know

Cats
Same as dogs, except cats need no tapeworm treatment.
How many pets
Max 5 dogs/cats/ferrets per vehicle (non-commercial). More only for competitions/shows/sporting events, pets over 6 months, with written proof of registration.
Parasite treatment
Dogs only: Echinococcus multilocularis (tapeworm) treatment with praziquantel 24-120 h before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta or Northern Ireland (also Norway); not needed when moving directly between these. None for cats.
Arrival
Within the EU: no border checks for pets beyond spot checks. From non-listed countries: must enter via a designated travellers' point of entry. From Annex I listed countries: any point of entry.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to bring a dog from the United Arab Emirates to Italy?

The United Arab Emirates counts as "From a listed non-EU country" for Italy. There is no rabies blood test or long wait. Rabies vaccine must be valid at entry: at least 21 days after the primary vaccination. Allow a few weeks for the vet visits and the health certificate.

Does my pet need a rabies titer test to travel from the United Arab Emirates to Italy?

No. Pets from the United Arab Emirates do not need a titer test for Italy if the other rules are met.

Will my pet be quarantined in Italy?

Not if every rule is met. Non-compliant pets may be returned, isolated under official control or, as a last resort, euthanised (national authority decides).

Do I need an import permit?

No import permit is needed for pets from the United Arab Emirates.

Are the rules the same for cats?

Same as dogs, except cats need no tapeworm treatment.

Sources

Checked against official sources on 2026-10-28. Full rules: European Union pet import rules.

More destinations from the United Arab Emirates

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