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Pets in transit thru Italy to the USA

25 10:07:25

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
We work in Nigeria and we are returning to the USA. We have a 2 year old Lhasa Apso that we bought here and will be taking with us. We are going to see friends in Italy for around two weeks on our way back to the USA,therefore our small pet will be in transit thru Rome. We are flying Lufthansa all the way. What do we need for our pet to go thru Rome? Will Lufthansa allow our small pet in the cabin?
Thanks very much!

ANSWER: What is the date of this excursion?  You might not be able to take the
dog to Italy.  EU countries have severe requirements.  Coming from a
country such as Nigeria, you will probably need to have the blood test
done re: titre status of rabies protection, then wait 3 months.
You should contact Italian embassy or consulate.  If you visit:
www.ipata.com   there is a pet shipper member in Italy.
There would be no problem transiting Italy on way to USA, only the fact
you wish to stop over there.  You may wish to ship dog right thru to
USA on Lufthansa.  Where in USA will you end up?
Let me know if I can help
Regards, Jerry Mishler

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks very much for your reply. The Italian consulate has no information available about this. We are planning to leave around June 20th and our end point in the US will be Dulles Airport ( VA). Our pet has had all the vaccinations required here and her vet said she is good to travel to the US when needed. As you might understand we would like to keep her with us while stopping in Rome. Rabies is almost non existent as far as we know (you do not even see dogs in tech street however you see bunchs of goats!). Based on your reply , looks like we are still on time to get the blood test and the 3 months in. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Dear Ricardo
Let's make this just as easy as possible for you....
Contact:  www.relocat.it    in-fo@relocat.it
They can tell you just what you need to do to spend time in Italy.
They are a VERY helpful company
The option is to send dog as cargo straight thru to Dulles on Luft
via Frankfurt.  To enter USA, no microchip is required.  It will be
required for a visit to Italy.  To enter US only a health cert issued
within 10 days of travel and a valid rabies vac.  If you stay over in
Italy, another health cert will need to be issued in Italy at time of
travel to USA.
If shipping direct to Dulles, I can pickup, clear customs and deliver
for you.  Or, you can have family or friends do this for you.
Stay in touch
Regards, Jerry