Dogs In Italy

In Italy, a person’s best companion is a dog. They are heavily controlled since they are an essential element of Italian society. You must be aware of the procedures to follow and the guidelines to adhere to in order to fully appreciate your dog’s company as a (potential) dog owner. This guide will cover all the information you want regarding dogs in Italy.

Is Italy A Dog-Friendly Country?

Italy is one of the countries that welcome pets the most. All public areas, including cafés, shops, and transit, are pet-friendly. The authorities are far friendlier to cats and dogs than in the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom. Generally speaking, moving to Italy with your dog or cat should be a good experience. Your pet must be protected from a wide range of local diseases, pests, and traditions. As soon as you establish a base in Italy, it is advised to speak with your veterinarian about potential pet threats as they differ by area.

How To Bring Your Dog To Italy?

The process is straightforward if you are moving to Italy from an EU nation, Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, or Vatican City.

The following papers are required if you intend to relocate to Italy from an EU nation:

  • European pet passport, including information on the vaccination, the owner’s contact information, and a description of the animal.
  • Rabies vaccination that has been administered at least 21 days before the travel date.
  • Tattoo or microchip.

Pet Relocation From A Non-EU Nation To Italy

Italy’s legislation state that certain conditions must be met before bringing pets from outside of Europe (including the UK) into the country:

  • The animal must be at least three months old.
  • Before July 2011, your pet must have a microchip or a tattoo. Typically, microchips cost about €20.
  • Vaccinations are required for your pet following microchipping. 
  • If your pet has had a rabies vaccination for the first time, it must wait 21 days before traveling to Italy.
  • If your pet is from a nation where rabies is expected, you must wait 30 days after vaccination before administering a “titer test” on them. Your pet can enter Italy for three months following this test.
  • As long as the booster shot was given before the prior vaccination’s expiration date, there is no waiting period in the case of booster injections.
  • The name and phone number of the pet’s owner must be included on the pet cage’s label.
  • Allowing your pet to receive tick or echinococcus therapy is not required.

Ten days before entering Italy, you must complete a declaration form of non-commercial transport saying that you will not sell or transfer your pet if you are traveling with it or within five days of its transit. Your veterinarian must complete the declaration form as well as the health certificate. The veterinarian must have CFIA or USDA approval if you are traveling from the USA or Canada.

Your pet transfer will be regarded as a commercial move if you can’t go on the trip with your pet or if it’s within five days of that date. This implies that you will have to pay more and provide more documentation.

You may request an EU pet passport from a local vet in Italy if you want to take your pet on a trip across Europe.

Buying A Dog In Italy

It might be significantly more complicated than you imagine to walk into the local pet store and choose a dog to buy in Italy. Especially after 2020, when demand for pets and dogs in particular grew. The results are longer lines, more costs, and, regrettably, a larger black market.

Dogs In Italy 1

Where To Buy A Dog In Italy?

  • With A Registered Breeder

You may search for breeders nearby.

  • From A Pet Shelter

In Italy, several animal shelters rescue animals in need and search for suitable new homes.

  • Privately From Friends

Adopting a pet from friends who have a pregnant dog at home is the most straightforward and affordable option. Therefore, letting your coworkers and friends know you want a puppy never hurts.

Where Not To Buy A Dog In Italy?

Many websites and social media accounts sell pets, so they can’t all be terrible. However, we advise you to search for a dog on these platforms with extra care and diligence. You could see undernourished and frequently unwell illegally imported dogs, which were taken away from their mother barely a few weeks after they were born.

Suitable breeders are curious about you personally. Visitors are welcome to come and observe the pups, their mother, and the room where they are raised. They will also give you a purchase contract and a health & vaccination record, and the puppies will have received multiple deworming treatments.

Any too-good-to-be-true advertisements, lack of a breeding license, excessively low or excessively high prices, and shady dog delivery methods should all raise your suspicions.

What Dogs Are Banned In Italy?

Like the majority of European nations, Italy had a lengthy list of dog breeds that were prohibited. In Italy, 92 distinct dog breeds, including sociable species like Collies and Corgis, were prohibited until 2007. Seventeen breeds were dropped off the list of dangerous canines when new legislation was established in 2007. Dog breeds were on the new list, including the Tosa Inu, Pitbull, Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog, Brazillian Mastiff, and others.

No dog breeds are currently prohibited from entering Italy. But the following breeds are not permitted in the city of Venice:

  • Rottweiler
  • Doberman Pinscher

Owning A Dog In Italy

It is unquestionably a duty to own a dog in Italy, whether that obligation is societal, economic, or animal-related. Depending on your rental agreement, you may be able to keep a dog in the apartment where you now reside. We propose that even if your rental contract doesn’t stipulate pet ownership, you tell or ask your landlord for approval before obtaining a dog.

In general, dogs behave nicely. Italians want their dogs to behave respectfully, so make sure you properly teach your four-legged pet.

Dog Rules In Italy

Despite Italy being a very pet-friendly country, some rules must be observed. In most restaurants, dogs are welcome, although a leash must restrain them.

Here are some broad guidelines that each dog’s owner should follow:

  • In designated dog areas, dogs may be left unattended.
  • Owners must use a leash no longer than 1.50 meters when walking their dogs on the street.
  • Always keep a muzzle on you if someone or something else’s safety is in danger. It is required to be used on public transportation.
  • Keep a dog hygiene kit on you for proper excrement disposal.
  • You should bring some water to spray on the dog’s feces.
  • Only people who can handle the dog should walk it.
  • Knowing your dog’s physical and cultural traits is a requirement.

How Much Does It Cost To Have A Dog In italy?

Finding your ideal dog is the first step. Consider your living condition, the location, and how much time you can devote to caring for your dog realistically if you need clarification on what breed is ideal for you. Some dogs, especially smaller breeds like pugs or chihuahuas, might be content to spend the majority of the day indoors. The daily walks for other breeds, such as huskies or dalmatians, will need longer. After choosing the ideal breed, you must determine where to get it.

A breeder will often be the most expensive choice. The price of a puppy can range from €500 to €5000, depending on the breed. Remember that a purebred dog will always cost more than a mixed-breed one; for example, a Siberian Samoyed, a very uncommon purebred, may go as high as €11,500.

Adopting a shelter may save a creature in need and spend substantially less money—around €300. Adoption can have certain disadvantages, though. Rescue dogs can exhibit behavioral problems, which may need more expensive dog training costs. Or, as a result of his prior treatment, your dog can develop some unanticipated health issues.

Unexpected health problems.

Take into account these one-time initial costs you will inevitably have to pay:

  • Vaccinations—€24–€95
  • Microchip—€40–€50
  • Supplies (e.g., bowl, crate, leashes, toys, tags, etc.)—€50–€150
  • Initial supplies of dog food and treats—€30–€40
  • Neutering/spaying—€50–€390 for male puppies; €100–€560 for female puppies

Depending on where you live and the veterinarian you select, you should budget between €220-€800 for the first few weeks of dog ownership. The good news is that the monthly expenses will decrease after these one-time fees are paid. According to estimates, a new dog’s first year may cost twice as much as future years’ usual yearly expenses. Knowing that will help you make more precise plans and budgets.

After the initial fees, owning a pet comes with additional ongoing expenses. Prepare to include those in your budget for the remainder of your dog’s life.

How much does owning a dog cost annually? When we divide the recurring monthly expenses by twelve, it is simple to calculate the yearly costs of dog ownership. You will typically require the following:

  • Food and treats—€40–€80 depending on the size of your dog, food brand, etc. 
  • Training—€11–20 per hour, mostly in the first year
  • Routine vet care €50–€60 per visit
  • Toys and supplies—€10–€12
  • Teeth care and dental chews—€10–€15
  • Poop bags—€3–€10

Hidden Extras Of Dog Ownership 

Various unforeseen costs, such as grooming, travel, and dog walking, can occasionally appear. It’s simple to forget about them, but you should include them in your annual budget if you want to keep your furry friend secure, content, and well-cared for.

  • Grooming—€13–€60 per session
  • Dog sitter—from €8 per day
  • Pet boarding—from €10 per night 
  • Travel—a valid EU pet passport costs €70
  • Unexpected costs—Some pet health costs, such as those associated with allergies, injuries, ear, and dental care, may not be covered by regular checkups. The best way to prepare for these unforeseen expenses is to set aside a separate emergency fund. 

Conclusion

Being a dog owner might seem daunting, like many other things in Italy. It sounds more complicated than it is, though. We sincerely hope we can provide you with a summary and a better understanding, and we wish you many happy moments with your furry friend.