On post, USAG Italy installations conform to the Army's Policy for Domestic Animals.

U.S. Service Members (SMs), residents, employees, contractors, or visitors may not bring onto any U.S. Army-operated installation any dog of a breed (including mixed breeds) deemed aggressive, dangerous, or potentially dangerous.

Restricted Breeds

For the purposes of this policy, restricted breeds include:

  • Pit Bulls (American Staffordshire Bull Terriers or English Staffordshire Bull Terriers)
  • Rottweilers
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Chows
  • Wolf hybrids

This prohibition also extends to any other dog that demonstrates a propensity for dominant or aggressive/dangerous behavior.

Prohibited Exotic, Wild, and Farm Species

Bringing any exotic, wild, or farm species onto USAG Italy installations for non-official purposes is strictly unauthorized. Prohibited species include, but are not limited to:

  • Exotic Animals, Fish, and Reptiles: Alligators, electric eels, monkeys, piranhas, pufferfish, sharks, and snakes.
  • Wild Animals and Birds: Ferrets, foxes, hedgehogs, raccoons, rats, skunks, squirrels, owls, ostriches, and falcons.
  • Farm Animals and Fowl: Pot-bellied pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and geese.
 

Italian Host Nation Pet Regulations

While on post you must follow Army regulations, living in the local community means you must also strictly adhere to Italian national and local animal welfare laws.

General Care and Welfare Laws
  • Breed restrictions: Italy has no nationwide restricted or banned dog breeds.
  • Leash laws: Pets must be kept on a leash at all times during walks in public areas.
  • Basic needs: Owners must provide adequate shelter, and pets must always have continuous access to fresh food and water.
  • Unattended pets: Pets may not be tied up and left unattended.
  • Indoor cat recommendation: It is highly recommended that cats be kept indoors at all times to protect them from weather extremes, infectious diseases, and malicious acts.
Microchips and Registration
  • Mandatory microchipping: Dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be microchipped.
  • ULSS Registration: A pet can only be legally identified and tracked if its microchip number is registered with the local Italian health authority, the ULSS office (Unità Locale Socio Sanitaria).
  • EU Pet Passports: If your pet already has an official EU Pet Passport, their microchip is automatically registered in the system.
Mandatory Vaccinations and Health Care

Requirement

Details

Rabies Vaccination

Required annually for both dogs and cats. A 3-year rabies vaccination is also accepted, provided it is documented as valid.

Rabies Tags

Visible rabies tags should be kept on your pet's collar at all times.

Climate Parasite Control

Due to local climate conditions, pets must be kept on heartworm prevention as well as flea and tick control medicine year-round.

 

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Leptospirosis: It is strongly recommended that you schedule your pet for a leptospirosis vaccination immediately upon arrival. The bacteria that causes this disease is highly prevalent in Italy’s environment and poses a significant health risk to unprotected pets.

Pet registration and pet passport

In accordance with host nation law, all pets must be registered within 10 days of arrival in Italy.

Tuscan Dog Registry requirement

Italian law dictates specific registration mandates depending on your pet's species:

  • Dogs: If staying in Italy longer than 90 days, all dogs must be registered at the Tuscan Dog Registry/USL (local Pisa Health Department #5).
  • Cats & Ferrets: Official registration with the Tuscan registry is not legally required for cats or ferrets.

On-Post Veterinary Services Notice 
Camp Darby does NOT provide on-installation veterinary services. New arrivals should select a local host nation veterinarian shortly after arrival. For your convenience, there are several highly qualified Italian veterinarians in the immediate local area who speak fluent English. PLEASE NOTE: Appointment slots fill up quickly. It is highly recommended that you contact your desired local veterinarian in advance — ideally before you arrive — to secure an appointment.

The European Union (EU) Pet Passport 
While cats and ferrets do not require local registry, it is highly advantageous to obtain an official EU Pet Passport for all animals as soon as possible. An EU Pet Passport functions as an official, universally recognized health record. You will need to present this passport in order to:

  • Travel with your pet inside and outside the European Union.
  • Depart Italy permanently (or secure a Local Export Document).
  • Utilize local off-post boarding kennels, pet grooming facilities, or pet hotels.
  • Enroll your pet in local training lessons or classes.

You should apply for your pet’s EU passport as soon as you transition out of temporary lodging and secure a physical permanent housing address.

To receive step-by-step guidance or initiate the paperwork, please contact the Vicenza Veterinary Clinic: 

Call +39 0444-61-9160 or email usarmy.usag-italy.phc-europe.mbx.vtf-vicenza@health.mil

Community Resources & Social Media Notice

Connecting with other pet owners can make your transition smoother, but it is important to know which sources are vetted. Check out the Darby Pet Lovers Facebook page to connect with the local community, get updates, and find trusted regional pet information. (There are several unofficial Facebook pages maintained independently by USAG Italy community pet owners. Please note that USAG Italy does not manage, endorse, or assume responsibility for the accuracy of information posted on unofficial social media sites.)