Moving to Italy with your exotic animal: the step-by-step guide

Italy follows international regulations such as the Washington Convention (CITES), which protects endangered species and imposes restrictions on the importation of certain animals for public health reasons. So, suppose you are moving to Italy with your exotic animal (in Italy, exotic animals include birds, reptiles, fish, and some species of small mammals). In that case, you must comply with specific national and European regulations.

As a resident of Italy and a veterinary medicine student, I’ve compiled all the steps you need to follow to enter Italy smoothly and without any problems.

You may also be interested in: Moving to Italy with your pet: the step-by-step procedures or Moving to Italy with your pet: everything you need to know about transport

Washington Convention (CITES) regulations

Italy, as a member country, applies this regulation to the possession, import, and export of exotic animals. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) classifies animals into three appendices:

• Appendix I: Highly endangered species, whose trade is prohibited (e.g., some species of sea turtles and primates)
• Appendix II: Species not yet at risk of extinction, but whose trade is regulated (e.g., many reptiles and parrots)
• Appendix III: Species protected only in certain countries, with variable restrictions

By clicking here, you can consult the official list and check whether you need a special certificate or if you can freely bring your exotic animal to Italy:

🔗https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php

Useful information on transporting exotic animals to Italy

Air transport

Many airlines allow the transport of exotic animals, but with specific restrictions. Generally, small animals (such as reptiles, birds, or small mammals) can travel in the pressurized cargo hold, but it is difficult to have them accepted in the cabin.

Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM, for example, offer specialized services, but I recommend checking in advance to avoid boarding issues at the airport. For example, even the cargo hold temperature can be a problem for tropical reptiles, which require a heated environment.

Some species require additional health certificates and a declaration of non-dangerousness.

Ground transport (car, train, bus)

• Train: Railway companies (such as Trenitalia) generally do not accept exotic animals, but special permits can be obtained for certain species
• Bus: Long-distance bus companies rarely accept exotic animals, unless they travel in specific carriers and with prior authorization

Sea transport

Some ferry companies allow the transport of exotic animals, but only in designated areas or in cabins with the owner. Again, you must contact the company in advance to ensure the transport is feasible.

Health and veterinary aspects to keep in mind

Unless a CITES compliance check is required, you need a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of departure. This certificate must confirm that the animal:

• Does not show signs of infectious diseases
• Has undergone the required sanitary treatments
• Is fit for travel

Italian health authorities require health checks and specific certificates for the following species (but I recommend consulting your veterinarian in your home country first, even if your animal is not on this list, to ensure there are no additional tests required):

• Parrots and tropical birds → Certificate confirming the absence of Chlamydia psittaci (Psittacosis).
• Bats and exotic mammals → Testing for rabies and other viral infections.
• Exotic rodents (e.g., prairie dogs, squirrels) → Testing for plague and hantavirus.
• Tropical amphibians and reptiles → Testing for Salmonella and fungal infections (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis for amphibians).

Microchip requirement (ISO 11784/11785, registered with the local ASL veterinary office in Italy). It’s mandatory for:

• Exotic mammals (primates, ferrets, large rodents)
• Certain reptiles and amphibians
• Large parrots and exotic birds

For animals that cannot be microchipped (e.g., fish, insects, small reptiles), you must have photographic documentation and a certificate of origin.

Important! If you are arriving from a non-EU country, contact the PCF (Border Control Posts) in advance to ask which documents are required.