In a cozy living room filled with afternoon sunlight, a playful beagle curiously interacts with a fluffy white cat, while their human friend happily holds the feline (oksix (123RF))
Pets newly arrived or adopted must be registered at the installation’s veterinary clinic within five days of arrival and then be registered with the local Italian system. Contact the VTF for details on this process.
Sigonella Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF)
NAS I, Bldg. 318 | +39 095-56-4258
Though the NAS Sigonella veterinarian primarily serves the military working dogs, they do perform limited veterinary services for NAS Sigonella personnel. Call to see availability; otherwise, you are encouraged to utilize off-base vet clinics.
Emergency and specialty treatments for your pet will need to be done at an Italian veterinarian. It is important to register with an Italian veterinary clinic for health issues that go beyond what the base vet clinic can treat and when mission requirements limit base VTF appointments.
Contact the base VTF for a list of local Italian veterinarians.
Microchip: All pets must have a 15-digit international microchip.
Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis vaccinations are highly recommended. Leptospirosis has a heavy presence in Italy and without proper vaccination, it can cause kidney failure in pets.
Rabies: Both dogs and cats must get an annual rabies vaccination. Pets are required to wear their rabies tag 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 and tick preventative medicines include either monthly topical products containing permethrin, or collars containing deltamethrin or flumethrin changed out every six months.
EU Pet Passport: This 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 registration with the local Italian system.
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 waived.
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.
