Pet Info

Bringing Pets
You may now bring your pet to Italy with you on Air Mobility Command (AMC) flights on a space available basis. There is an excess baggage fee and only a limited number of pets may be shipped on each flight. AMC will not ship any pet over 100 pounds. Be sure to inform PSD that you will be traveling with a pet. There is a limit of two pets for each family, dogs and cats only, and you must provide the proper travel containers. Please check with your local AMC terminal to confirm the information for your travel arrangements. If you are flying commercially, it's important to contact the airline on which you'll be traveling to Italy, for specific requirements for pet travel. Some airlines, for instance, require that pet carriers have ventilation holes on all sides, so you may need to drill holes through the back of the carrier. Also, some airlines allow only one pet per carrier. It is strongly recommended to call ahead to avoid unexpected surprises.


Transportation to Sicily

Dogs and cats must have a valid international Veterinary Health Certificate (completed by a USDA accredited veterinarian), a valid rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days before entering Italy, and a tattoo or ISO compatible microchip.  The cage or carrier must be labeled with owner’s name and inbound Italian address and contact number.  Animals must be at least three months old to enter Italy.  Contact your airline for their additional requirements and regulations. More information from USDA here: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-italy

There is no quarantine for importation of dogs and cats to Italy.

Veterinary Services

The Veterinary Treatment Facility is located on NAS I. The local DSN is 314-624-4258, and commercial number is +39-095-56-4258. Pets must be registered within five days of arrival. Pets do not need to be present for registration, but please bring their medical records.  The VTF offers basic services including vaccinations, minor sick calls, and preventive surgeries. Further information for the VTF can be found at https://mrc-europe.army.mil/Public-Health-Command-Europe/-Programs-Services/-Veterinary-Services-Treatment-Facilities/Sigonella-Veterinary-Treatment-Facility/.

Leaving Sicily

Dogs and cats need a Pet Export/Health Certificate completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian.  For those flying on commercial airlines, these certificates must be obtained at an Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL - Italian government veterinary clinic).  For those who will fly on a military flight, the certificate can be obtained through either the Sigonella VTF or the ASL clinic.  Pets must have up-to-date rabies shot that is at least 30 days old.

Helpful Links

General Department of Defense Animal Import/Export Requirements: https://veteranpcs.com/blog/military-transition-help/navigating-your-pcs-move-with-pets-a-comprehensive-guide/

Italy pet travel FAQs: https://it.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/rome/sections-offices/foreign-agricultural-service/pet-travel-faqs-italy-u-s/#:~:text=The%20Italian%20Government%20requires%20that%20all%20cats%20and,check%20the%20validity%20of%20the%20vaccination%20against%20rabies.

PCSing from Japan: http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog/index.html

PCSIng from Hawaii: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page/

PCSing from Korea: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving-pcs/plan-to-move/moving-with-pets/

Many military veterinary clinics also have Facebook pages which can be great resources when planning an upcoming PCS.