US → Italy · small dog in the cabin
Flying to Italy with your dog from the US: the 2026 rules
Flying to Italy with a small dog in the cabin? The paperwork changed this year. Here is what changed, the steps in order, and where to read each rule for yourself.
What changed in 2026
The EU moved its pet travel rules to a new law
Since 22 April 2026, bringing a pet dog into the EU, Italy included, falls under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. The older law, Regulation (EU) No 576/2013, covered pet travel until 21 April 2026. A guide that still cites 576/2013 was written before the change.
Source: EUR-Lex: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 · checked
USDA uses a new EU health certificate
USDA APHIS says new EU health certificates for pet dogs took effect on 1 October 2026, because of this year's EU changes. If your vet has an EU form saved from an earlier trip, ask them to use the current one.
Source: USDA APHIS: Take a pet from the US to another country (choose Italy) · checked
The steps, in order
These are the steps for a pet dog flying from the US to Italy with you. Your checklist puts a date on each one, worked back from your flight, and the emailed plan says what to do and links the official page it came from.
Before you fly
- Microchip, before the rabies shot
- Rabies vaccination, with time to take effect
- Check your airline's in-cabin pet policy
- Vet visit: EU health certificate
- USDA endorsement, within 10 days of landing
- Sign the owner's declaration
When you land
- On landing: report to officials at the point of entry
Coming home
- CDC Dog Import Form, before your flight home
Two things people often pay for that our sources say this trip does not need: a rabies blood test, when your dog comes from the US, and tick or worm treatment for Italy. Your plan links the source for both.
Check these with your vet or USDA APHIS
Travelling with a young puppy
We haven't sourced Italy's rules for young puppies yet, so we make no claim about them. Confirm with your vet and USDA APHIS before you book.
The flight home
Your checklist includes the CDC step for flying back. Any other US rules for the return we haven't sourced yet, so confirm them with your vet and USDA APHIS.
FREE · SENT TO YOUR INBOX
Get every step dated for your trip to Italy.
Tell us when you fly. We'll email your plan: the deadline for each step, what to do, and the official page it came from, with the date we checked it.
Rather see the steps first? Build my Rome checklist
Questions
Did the rules for taking a dog to Italy change in 2026?
Yes. The EU's pet travel rules moved to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, which applies from 22 April 2026. USDA APHIS says new EU health certificates for pet dogs took effect on 1 October 2026. Ask your vet to use the current form.
Can my small dog fly in the cabin to Italy?
That's up to your airline. Carrier size, weight limits and pet fees differ from one airline to the next, so read your airline's pet page before you book and add your dog to the reservation.
Does my dog need a rabies blood test for Italy?
Not when your dog is coming from the US, according to the European Commission. Your emailed plan links the exact page.
What about puppies, or the flight home?
We haven't sourced Italy's young-puppy rules or the full US return rules yet, so we make no claim about them. Confirm with your vet and USDA APHIS.
Is this official advice?
No. Pupperwork is a planning tool. Your veterinarian and the government authorities issue and sign the actual documents. Always confirm with the official sources before you travel.