Shipping Pets

Pet Documentation & Travel

Traveling with pets requires preplanning and can be expensive. Communicate your needs with your sponsor; experiences vary by season, route, and airline.

As of January 1, 2024, military Service members may be reimbursed up to $550 for one pet (cat or dog) for CONUS PCS and up to $2,000 for moves to or from OCONUS locations to cover transportation costs.

From another EU country: Pet passport and current rabies vaccine required.

Flying from the United States:

• 15‑digit microchip (dogs and cats)
• Current rabies vaccine (if overdue or first vaccine, it must be given at least 31 days prior to travel)
• Health certificate from a military or USDA‑certified veterinarian, dated within 10 days of arrival in Italy and signed in blue ink
• USDA certification is required if issued by a civilian veterinarian
• Original copies only (airlines will not accept black‑and‑white copies); carry multiple copies of the original paperwork
• For the latest health requirements, visit https://www.travel.dod.mil/About/News/Health-and-Safety/

Tip: A complete Leptospirosis vaccination series is recommended upon arrival in Italy (or prior to arrival). Leptospirosis is endemic to northern Italy and associated with standing water.

Pet Travel & Restrictions

• Breeds: Check airline restrictions and any military exemptions.
• Kennels: Use airline‑approved, hard cages with screw‑bolt closures; ventilation on all sides; room to stand, turn, and lie down; and attached water/food dishes. Refer to IATA guidelines for sizing; some breeds/sizes require custom crates.
• Temperature: Airlines may embargo pets as checked/cargo if temperatures are too hot/cold at departure or arrival locations. Always have a backup plan.
• Airports & Layovers: Avoid layovers in the UK (quarantine) and Munich (no pet transfers). If flying through Germany, route via Frankfurt. Ask the CTO about options into Verona or Milan Malpensa. Large pets may not be able to fly into Venice (VCE).

Commercial Travel Office (CTO)

The CTO does not book pet flights, but can book you on a pet‑friendly flight with a contracted carrier or other U.S. flag carrier. Research dates and carriers that can fly your pet, then bring options (including breed, sex, age, crate dimensions, and combined pet+crate weight) to the CTO.

Before your CTO visit:

1. Use https://www.gsa.gov/ to identify the contracted airline to Venice (VCE).
2. Review airline pet policies and military exceptions.
3. Call airlines to confirm pet space; note flight numbers and dates.

After your CTO visit:

• Confirm the pet booking directly with the airline in the weeks/days before departure (reservations can be lost).
• Flight day: Arrive extra early to pay and check in pets. Carry all documents; one copy remains with you and one with the kennel.
• Plan B: Be prepared to change flights or have a friend on standby in case of temperature embargoes.
• Arrival in Italy: If your pet is over 3 kg (~6.6 lbs) or the crate does not fit on/between bus seats, arrange separate transport.

Shipping Pets: Lodging & Kennels

Pets are accepted at the Mountain View Lodge (on‑base TLF) in designated pet rooms by reservation. If on‑base rooms are available, you must stay on base; statements of non‑availability are not issued for choosing to stay off base due to pets. There are multiple local boarding facilities—coordinate with your sponsor for recommendations.

Aviano Veterinary Clinic (VTF)

The Aviano Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF) is located in Building 1410 on the Flightline in Area F. You can contact the clinic at DSN 632-8485, off base at +39 0434-30-8485, or via email at usaf.aviano.31-mdg.mbx.vet-clinic@health.mil. The clinic provides routine veterinary care for pets owned by military and DoD families stationed at Aviano.

Pet Passport

Travel within the European Union requires a valid pet passport. Instructions can be downloaded from the 31 FSS website (https://31fss.com/traveling-with-pets/). Before scheduling an appointment, contact the Aviano Veterinary Clinic to request the necessary paperwork and ensure you have the proper documents in order for a pet passport appointment.

Italian Dog Laws

Newcomers: Owning a Dog in Italy

The Aviano community is no longer able to use animal shelters as an option for rehoming pets. If you must part with your pet, rehoming with a new family is mandatory, along with completing the required transfer of ownership documentation. Abandonment is strictly prohibited and not tolerated.

Emergency Care

The Aviano Veterinary Treatment Facility is not an emergency clinic and does not provide after-hours care. Families should make arrangements in advance for emergency veterinary services with local off-base providers in the surrounding area.

Pets are accepted at the Mountain View Lodge (on‑base TLF) in designated pet rooms by reservation. If on‑base rooms are available, you must stay on base; statements of non‑availability are not issued for choosing to stay off base due to pets. There are multiple local boarding facilities—coordinate with your sponsor for recommendations.