Essential Information for Pet (Dogs & Cats) Owners in Italy

Below you will find information on:

Veterinarians

• The Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero delle Salute) provides information on the regulation of vets and the procedure for obtaining prescription drugs for the pet: Click here (in Italian)
• For a mini directory of vets from the British Embassy: Click here (scroll to the page bottom) 

Animal Welfare Association

The ENPA (Ente Nazionale Protezione Animale) is the national organisation for animal protection. It is a non-profit, non-government organisation run entirely on charitable donations. They offer advice to pet owners and manage rescue centres across Italy.

• ENPA website
• Introduction in English: Click here 
• To find a local centre: Click here

Owning a Dog or Cat

When a dog is three months old it must be registered with the canine registry office (anagrafe canina) where the tattoo or microchip identification documents will be needed. Italian law states that the dog must be tattooed on its body as well as on its ear (note that tattooing is being phased out in favour of the microchip system, which will be compulsory by 2011). Only registered veterinarians may tattoo or microchip an animal. The vet will issue necessary identification papers. It is not compulsory for a cat to have an identification chip or tattoo but is a voluntary option for owners.

The new owner of a dog (by purchase or adoption) has 15 days to register with the canine registry office. 

All dogs must be kept on a lead in public places and dogs considered dangerous must also wear a muzzle. Dogs on public transport must be on a leash and muzzled.

Recommended Vaccinations

Always consult a vet for legal obligations and local threats. A vet will also be able to advise on treatment to prevent ticks and tapeworm.

• Dogs should be vaccinated against hepatitis, distemper and kennel cough
• Cats should be protected from feline gastro-enteritis and typhus

Pet Threats and Dangers

There are certain insects, diseases and practices that present a danger to animals in Italy. These pet threats tend to be regional so it's advisable to discuss the local dangers with a vet. However, here are some of the most significant threats.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a disease that mainly affects domestic dogs. It is carried by a small, yellow fly that resembles a mosquito and is around two to three millimeters long. Mediterranean countries, and Italy in particular, are severely affected by this disease. In the south of the country the problem has grown to endemic proportions.

Dogs can incubate Leishmaniasis for over a year before displaying symptoms, which vary from dog to dog. One clue is when the hair around a dog's eyes drops out and claws grow abnormally. Infected animals will lose weight, become anaemic and often display symptoms of renal failure. If medical help is not sought, the dog will die after several months.

Fly repellents which prevent the flies from biting are available (usually at a vet surgery) and should be used to protect against this disease from spring to autumn, when the risk is highest. Alternatively, keep dogs inside after dusk when the flies are most active. 

• For more information on this disease: Click here 

Ticks (zecche)

Ticks are external parasites that mainly affect dogs and cats. Animals are most at risk during the summer months when ticks latch on to dogs out walking in meadows, woods and rural areas, especially if there are sheep in the vicinity. The ears, neck and head of the animal are the most vulnerable areas. In the case of tick infestation, apply alcohol and wait for the tick to loosen its grip before using tweezers to pry the parasite off with a twisting action, very close to the skin. Never try to grab hold of the tick by its body; potentially poisonous contents of the tick's stomach may be injected into the dog.

Ticks are vectors of Lyme disease, Ehrlichia and other related illnesses. Ask a vet for advice on how to prevent ticks. Also try to avoid walking dogs in areas where ticks could be present.

Fleas (pulci)

These parasites affect domestic animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets. Fleas can transmit Dipylidium Caninum and flea bites can cause dermatitis when there is an allergic reaction to flea saliva. Flea treatments differ depending on the kind of pet owned. Ask a vet for recommendations.

Poisoning

Thousands of wild and domestic animals are killed every year in Italy by poisoned bait left in the countryside, woods and cities. Lazio has been particularly affected. The poison is intended for species that are considered a nuisance, such as magpies, and stray cats, but pet dogs often fall prey to this, as well as "truffle" dogs, poisoned by competing truffle pickers. Eating an animal that has died of poisoning can also prove fatal to pets. It is advisable to keep dogs on a lead when in the countryside and keep pet cats in the house.

Vipers

Although these snakes are "shy", care must still be taken when in the countryside with dogs or horses. A viper bite will cause dilated pupils, muscle spasms, respiratory difficulties, hypothermia and finally death. Bites can lead to sudden death if the bite has injected venom directly into a vein. Seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Hornets, bees and wasps

Several hornet stings can prove fatal to a domestic animal and nests must always be avoided. Stings may cause swelling of the affected area and possible anaphylactic shock. Have any hornets' nests removed immediately by professionals.

Pine Processionary caterpillars

These three to four centimetre-long caterpillars are brown and hairy. They are extremely dangerous as they "burn" the flesh of any animal, child or person that touches them. A small animal can even die from the burn on contact. They are especially present at the start of spring. If a pet comes in to contact with these caterpillars it is advisable to seek veterinary assistance immediately.

Scorpions

Italy does not have countless varieties of lethal scorpions. Italian scorpions rarely grow larger than five centimetres long and live in damp places as well as in walls and under rocks. Seek veterinary assistance in the case of a scorpion sting.

Sun and heat stroke

Sun stroke happens in animals that have suffered over exposure to the sun's rays, occurring most commonly if a dog has spent time on the beach. Heat stroke is caused when animals are exposed to high temperatures in closed environments such as cars. Obese and older animals are more prone to this condition and in certain cases it may prove fatal. If pets are suffering from heat stroke, immerse them in cold water as soon as possible.

Graminaceous plants

The spines of these plants can be dangerous to dogs and other domestic animals if they migrate into cavities such as the ears. The sharp spine can puncture skin, particularly the spaces between toes and folds in skin. Avoid walking dogs in areas where barley and other such plants grow and if a dog begins to sneeze rapidly or shake its heads, inspect the nasal cavity, toes, mouth and ears for spines.

ENPA has information about the various hazards a pet may encounter in Italy. 

• Click here (in Italian)

The Italian Ministry of Health has the following advice on animal health and diseases. 

• Click here (in Italian)

Pets Lost and Found

Dogs should either have a tattoo or a microchip registration so that the owners can be traced. 

A found dog should be taken to a refuge, police station or vet. The latter two are more likely to be able to read the chip/tattoo and return it to the owner. If the dog is not registered it faces being put down, as there are too many dogs to re-home.

• The ENPA has a lost and found website with pictures and locations of the animals: Click here

There is also an area for animals which have been lost (for owners trying to find them).

Dangerous Dogs

It is a requirement in Italy for dogs which are classified as "naturally aggressive breeds" to be kept on a lead in public areas and to wear a muzzle. Dangerous dogs must also be covered by Third party insurance. 

Dogs included in this classification are: 

• Pit Bull
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• Bull Mastiff
• Doberman 
• St Bernard 
• Newfoundland

People under 18 or anyone with a criminal record may not own a dangerous breed.

• For the law and a list of dangerous dogs: Click here (in Italian) 
• A full list of dangerous dog breeds from the Italian Ministry of Health: Click here (in Italian)

Animals in an Apartment 

Animals are permitted to live in shared blocks of flats as long as they are kept in their owner's space. In exceptional circumstances they can be removed; and they can be removed if the rental or purchase contract states that they are prohibited. The residents cannot remove an animal unless the committee reaches a unanimous vote.

Dogs and cats may travel in the lift or elevator as long as the regulations permit it to do so. The owner must also ensure that the pet does not damage or mess in the elevator. 

• For more information in Italian from ENPA: Click here (in Italian)

Pets on Public Transport

The ENPA has a website with information on pets and transport. Dogs riding on trains are expected to have a discounted ticket (at a cost of 60 percent of the standard fare) and dogs on busses should have a full priced ticket: 

Note: This can vary depending on the region and operator. 

• For more information, Click here (in Italian)
• For information on animals on trains from Trenitalia: Click here 

Dog Fouling

There is a fine payable for owners caught letting their dogs mess in public places. However as there are so many stray dogs in large cities it is difficult to enforce.

Further Information

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Pet Travel & Moving to Italy with Animals
• The threat of Leishmaniasis to humans from the World Health Organisation
• Poisonous snakes of Europe
• Wilderness Survival: Poisonous snakes

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