Professional veterinarian examining German Shepherd dog in clinic (liudmilachernetska (123RF))
If you’ve brought your furry friend to Italy, you must register them at the Naples Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) during check-in. The VTF offers routine care and vaccinations for the pets of personnel stationed at Naples.
Naples Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF): Support Site Bldg. 2088 | DSN: 314-629-7918, Comm: 081-811-7913 | Email: usn.naples.navhospnaplesit.mbx.vet-clinic@mail.mil
Register your pet at the veterinary clinic within 30 days of arrival or adoption.
Register your pet in the Italian ASL system and get a pet passport within six months of arrival or adoption.
The VTF does not have emergency pet services. It’s necessary to establish contact with a local Italian veterinarian for chronic pet issues, emergencies, EU pet passports and health certificates required by airlines.
Microchip: All pets must be microchipped within 30 days of arrival, if not microchipped already.
Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis has a heavy presence in Italy and, without proper vaccination, it may cause kidney failure in pets.
Rabies: Both dogs and cats must get an annual rabies vaccination. Pets are required to wear their rabies tags at all times to serve as a visual marker of vaccination status.
Heartworm, flea and tick: Ensure your pets are on heartworm preventative medicine as well as flea and tick control medicine year-round. Flea/tick preventative medicines include either monthly topical products containing permethrin, or collars containing deltamethrin or flumethrin changed out every six months.
Italian ASL registration: All pets are required to be registered in the Italian ASL system. Call or visit the VTF for details on this process.
EU Pet Passport: A European pet passport is used for pet health records and is required for your pet to travel within the EU. You can get a pet passport during your ASL registration.
Dogs may not be chained for longer than eight hours and must not be unattended.
Dogs may not be left in a kennel or crate.
Dogs kept on balconies, in basements or in garages must be able to enter the house on their own.
Shelter, food and water must always be provided for your pet.
While driving, pets cannot interfere with the driver.
Dogs must be walked: twice daily for apartment residents, once daily for homes with small yards. If the yard is 120 square meters or larger, walking requirements are waved.
Dog leashes must be less than five feet long. Dog walkers must clean up after their dog and keep a muzzle on hand.
Feral cats are protected by Italian law, so consider keeping your house cat inside.
Dogs, cats and ferrets must have a 15-digit ISO-compliant international microchip.
Choke chains, pinch collars and shock collars are illegal in Italy and punishable with fines.
The EU Pet Passport must be kept with your pet when traveling throughout Europe.
The passport must list the pet’s microchip number that is registered with the installation veterinarian.
The passport must indicate a valid rabies vaccination is up to date.
Most countries require muzzles to be carried for dogs, especially on public transportation.
