Moving to Sardinia isn’t just an adventure for you—it’s a big step for your furry (or feathered) friend too. If you’re planning to bring your pet along, there are some things you need to know to make the transition as smooth as possible. Sardinia is a pet-friendly place, but as with most things Italian, there’s some bureaucracy and a good dose of patience required.
Pet Passport & Microchip: The Basics
First things first: your pet will need a pet passport if you’re coming from outside of Italy. This is essentially their golden ticket to international travel, and it includes information about vaccinations, identification, and health status. A microchip is also mandatory; it needs to comply with ISO standards so it can be read by scanners here.
If you’re coming from an EU country, your life just got a little easier. The EU pet passport is widely recognized, and you won’t need additional paperwork. Coming from outside the EU? Be prepared for a few more hoops to jump through, including proof of rabies vaccination done at least 21 days before travel.
Transporting Your Pet: By Air or Sea?
There are two main ways to get your pet to Sardinia: by air or by ferry. Both have their own pros and cons.
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Flying: Most major airlines allow pets, either in the cabin (if they’re small enough) or in the hold. Be sure to check with the airline beforehand for their specific requirements. You’ll need a suitable carrier, and it’s a good idea to book well in advance as there are limited spots for pets on each flight.
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Ferry: If you’re coming from mainland Italy, you might consider taking the ferry. It’s a more relaxed option, and many ferries are well-equipped for pets. Some even have designated pet-friendly cabins, so your furry friend can stay with you instead of in the kennel area.
Settling In: Registering Your Pet
Once you’ve arrived, it’s time for the Italian paperwork. Your pet needs to be registered with the Anagrafe Animali d’Affezione, which is essentially the pet registry. If you’re planning to stay long-term, this is a legal requirement.
You’ll also want to find a good veterinarian (called a veterinario here) to do regular check-ups and handle any vaccinations. Most towns have at least one veterinary clinic, and in larger cities, you’ll find English-speaking vets if your Italian is still a work in progress.
Pet-Friendly Places: Beaches, Parks, and More
The good news? Sardinia loves pets! Many beaches allow dogs during the off-season, and there are even dedicated spiagge per cani (dog beaches) where your pup can run free. Cities like Cagliari and Olbia have plenty of parks, and you’ll often see locals out walking their dogs in the evenings—it’s practically a ritual.
That being said, always check for signs (divieto per cani) because not every beach or park allows pets, especially in the busy summer months (they can´t go on the beach in summer season from 8:00 till 20:00).
Final Thoughts
Bringing your pet to Sardinia is absolutely doable, but it does require some preparation. Between the paperwork, transport arrangements, and settling in, there’s a bit of legwork involved—but seeing your pet bask in the Sardinian sun makes it all worth it.
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