Pet Transport from Portugal to Italy

Italy follows EU Regulation 2019/2035 for companion animals arriving from EU member states. Portuguese pets arriving in Rome or Milan need to show an EU Pet Passport from a DGAV-authorised vet, with a functioning ISO microchip and a current rabies vaccination.

Italian border officials may conduct a check at major airports. Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa both have veterinary inspection facilities. With a valid EU Pet Passport, the inspection is usually brief.

Italy also has national rules on dog breeds in public spaces – muzzle requirements and lead rules apply broadly. These are domestic regulations rather than border rules, but worth knowing before you arrive.

TAP Air Portugal’s direct routes from Lisbon to Rome and Milan make it the most natural choice for this journey. TAP accepts cabin pets (up to 8kg including carrier) and handles cargo for larger dogs.

ITA Airways, Italy’s national carrier, also operates direct services and accepts cabin pets at a slightly higher weight threshold on some flights (up to 10kg including carrier).

Vueling offers a wider spread of Italian destinations via Barcelona – useful if you are heading to somewhere other than Rome or Milan. It accepts cabin pets on most routes.

Italy is a mixed experience for pet owners. Dogs are welcomed in many restaurants (especially outdoor terraces), and the culture is generally dog-positive in smaller cities and the countryside.

In Milan and Rome, the practical reality is that public transport restrictions, traffic, and summer heat create some challenges for larger dogs. Smaller pets travelling cabin have an easier time.

Water for your pet on arrival is easy to find. Italy’s tap water is safe to drink in most cities, and public fountains (the famous nasoni in Rome) are reliable on summer days.