Pets — vaccinations, parasite control and registration
A list of checks and obligations with their cadence, ready to add to your agenda.
For owners of a dog, cat or ferret in Europe. Covers rabies vaccination and the EU pet passport for travel, core vaccine boosters, parasite treatments, microchip registration and the veterinary check-up. It does NOT cover breeder obligations, commercial animal transport, exotic pets or the specific prophylaxis required by individual third countries.
Questions about this product?
Ask what is in the manuals, how often the maintenance is due and what it takes to do it.
What it already has at hand
- No manual on this page
- 6 planned checks, the most frequent every month since the last job
Planned checks
Informative summary verified on 11/09/2026. It does not replace legal advice: the regulation cited prevails. If you spot an error, report it.
Some checks are only mandatory in certain countries: pick yours and the list follows.
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Check the EU pet passport before travelling
Before each trip check that the passport shows the correct microchip number, a still-valid rabies vaccination and, for some destinations, the parasite treatment recorded by a vet. Proof is the passport itself, which does not expire but must be kept up to date. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States on a non-commercial basis: the passport must be issued by a vet authorised by the competent authority, and passports in the old format issued before 29 December 2014 remain valid for the animal's lifetime.
continuous check, confirm every 12 monthsLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6, Art. 21 and Art. 44; Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Register the pet with a microchip
Have the transponder (microchip) implanted by a vet and register the animal in the companion animal register within the deadline set by the region or country; it is a one-off duty, to be updated on every change of owner or address. Proof is the registration certificate. Compulsory for dogs throughout Italy, with deadlines and penalties set by regional law, typically within 60 days of birth or 10 to 30 days of taking possession, while for cats registration is compulsory only in some regions and the microchip remains necessary in any case to obtain the EU pet passport.
every 2 months from installationLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 17 and Annex II (identification by transponder); IT: L. 281/1991 e leggi regionali sull'anagrafe caninaEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 04
Renew the rabies vaccination
Have the vet give the rabies booster within the validity period stated by the vaccine manufacturer and have the date and batch recorded in the EU pet passport; if a booster is missed, validity lapses and a new primary vaccination with a 21-day wait is needed. Proof is the passport page filled in and signed by the vet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States or returning from third countries: in Italy the vaccination is also required to enter some regions and to take part in shows, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old and the microchip must be implanted before the vaccination.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6 and Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 05
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 06
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Check the EU pet passport before travelling
Before each trip check that the passport shows the correct microchip number, a still-valid rabies vaccination and, for some destinations, the parasite treatment recorded by a vet. Proof is the passport itself, which does not expire but must be kept up to date. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States on a non-commercial basis: the passport must be issued by a vet authorised by the competent authority, and passports in the old format issued before 29 December 2014 remain valid for the animal's lifetime.
continuous check, confirm every 12 monthsLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6, Art. 21 and Art. 44; Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Register the pet with a microchip
Have the transponder (microchip) implanted by a vet and register the animal in the companion animal register within the deadline set by the region or country; it is a one-off duty, to be updated on every change of owner or address. Proof is the registration certificate. Compulsory for dogs throughout Italy, with deadlines and penalties set by regional law, typically within 60 days of birth or 10 to 30 days of taking possession, while for cats registration is compulsory only in some regions and the microchip remains necessary in any case to obtain the EU pet passport.
every 2 months from installationLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 17 and Annex II (identification by transponder); IT: L. 281/1991 e leggi regionali sull'anagrafe caninaEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 04
Renew the rabies vaccination
Have the vet give the rabies booster within the validity period stated by the vaccine manufacturer and have the date and batch recorded in the EU pet passport; if a booster is missed, validity lapses and a new primary vaccination with a 21-day wait is needed. Proof is the passport page filled in and signed by the vet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States or returning from third countries: in Italy the vaccination is also required to enter some regions and to take part in shows, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old and the microchip must be implanted before the vaccination.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6 and Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 05
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 06
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Check the EU pet passport before travelling
Before each trip check that the passport shows the correct microchip number, a still-valid rabies vaccination and, for some destinations, the parasite treatment recorded by a vet. Proof is the passport itself, which does not expire but must be kept up to date. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States on a non-commercial basis: the passport must be issued by a vet authorised by the competent authority, and passports in the old format issued before 29 December 2014 remain valid for the animal's lifetime.
continuous check, confirm every 12 monthsLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6, Art. 21 and Art. 44; Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Register the pet with a microchip
Have the transponder (microchip) implanted by a vet and register the animal in the companion animal register within the deadline set by the region or country; it is a one-off duty, to be updated on every change of owner or address. Proof is the registration certificate. Compulsory for dogs throughout Italy, with deadlines and penalties set by regional law, typically within 60 days of birth or 10 to 30 days of taking possession, while for cats registration is compulsory only in some regions and the microchip remains necessary in any case to obtain the EU pet passport.
every 2 months from installationLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 17 and Annex II (identification by transponder); IT: L. 281/1991 e leggi regionali sull'anagrafe caninaEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 04
Renew the rabies vaccination
Have the vet give the rabies booster within the validity period stated by the vaccine manufacturer and have the date and batch recorded in the EU pet passport; if a booster is missed, validity lapses and a new primary vaccination with a 21-day wait is needed. Proof is the passport page filled in and signed by the vet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States or returning from third countries: in Italy the vaccination is also required to enter some regions and to take part in shows, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old and the microchip must be implanted before the vaccination.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6 and Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 05
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 06
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 03
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Check the EU pet passport before travelling
Before each trip check that the passport shows the correct microchip number, a still-valid rabies vaccination and, for some destinations, the parasite treatment recorded by a vet. Proof is the passport itself, which does not expire but must be kept up to date. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States on a non-commercial basis: the passport must be issued by a vet authorised by the competent authority, and passports in the old format issued before 29 December 2014 remain valid for the animal's lifetime.
continuous check, confirm every 12 monthsLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6, Art. 21 and Art. 44; Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Register the pet with a microchip
Have the transponder (microchip) implanted by a vet and register the animal in the companion animal register within the deadline set by the region or country; it is a one-off duty, to be updated on every change of owner or address. Proof is the registration certificate. Compulsory for dogs throughout Italy, with deadlines and penalties set by regional law, typically within 60 days of birth or 10 to 30 days of taking possession, while for cats registration is compulsory only in some regions and the microchip remains necessary in any case to obtain the EU pet passport.
every 2 months from installationLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 17 and Annex II (identification by transponder); IT: L. 281/1991 e leggi regionali sull'anagrafe caninaEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 04
Renew the rabies vaccination
Have the vet give the rabies booster within the validity period stated by the vaccine manufacturer and have the date and batch recorded in the EU pet passport; if a booster is missed, validity lapses and a new primary vaccination with a 21-day wait is needed. Proof is the passport page filled in and signed by the vet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States or returning from third countries: in Italy the vaccination is also required to enter some regions and to take part in shows, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old and the microchip must be implanted before the vaccination.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6 and Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 05
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 06
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 03
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Check the EU pet passport before travelling
Before each trip check that the passport shows the correct microchip number, a still-valid rabies vaccination and, for some destinations, the parasite treatment recorded by a vet. Proof is the passport itself, which does not expire but must be kept up to date. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States on a non-commercial basis: the passport must be issued by a vet authorised by the competent authority, and passports in the old format issued before 29 December 2014 remain valid for the animal's lifetime.
continuous check, confirm every 12 monthsLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6, Art. 21 and Art. 44; Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Register the pet with a microchip
Have the transponder (microchip) implanted by a vet and register the animal in the companion animal register within the deadline set by the region or country; it is a one-off duty, to be updated on every change of owner or address. Proof is the registration certificate. Compulsory for dogs throughout Italy, with deadlines and penalties set by regional law, typically within 60 days of birth or 10 to 30 days of taking possession, while for cats registration is compulsory only in some regions and the microchip remains necessary in any case to obtain the EU pet passport.
every 2 months from installationLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 17 and Annex II (identification by transponder); IT: L. 281/1991 e leggi regionali sull'anagrafe caninaEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 04
Renew the rabies vaccination
Have the vet give the rabies booster within the validity period stated by the vaccine manufacturer and have the date and batch recorded in the EU pet passport; if a booster is missed, validity lapses and a new primary vaccination with a 21-day wait is needed. Proof is the passport page filled in and signed by the vet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States or returning from third countries: in Italy the vaccination is also required to enter some regions and to take part in shows, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old and the microchip must be implanted before the vaccination.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6 and Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 05
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 06
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Check the EU pet passport before travelling
Before each trip check that the passport shows the correct microchip number, a still-valid rabies vaccination and, for some destinations, the parasite treatment recorded by a vet. Proof is the passport itself, which does not expire but must be kept up to date. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States on a non-commercial basis: the passport must be issued by a vet authorised by the competent authority, and passports in the old format issued before 29 December 2014 remain valid for the animal's lifetime.
continuous check, confirm every 12 monthsLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6, Art. 21 and Art. 44; Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 03
Register the pet with a microchip
Have the transponder (microchip) implanted by a vet and register the animal in the companion animal register within the deadline set by the region or country; it is a one-off duty, to be updated on every change of owner or address. Proof is the registration certificate. Compulsory for dogs throughout Italy, with deadlines and penalties set by regional law, typically within 60 days of birth or 10 to 30 days of taking possession, while for cats registration is compulsory only in some regions and the microchip remains necessary in any case to obtain the EU pet passport.
every 2 months from installationLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 17 and Annex II (identification by transponder); IT: L. 281/1991 e leggi regionali sull'anagrafe caninaEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 04
Renew the rabies vaccination
Have the vet give the rabies booster within the validity period stated by the vaccine manufacturer and have the date and batch recorded in the EU pet passport; if a booster is missed, validity lapses and a new primary vaccination with a 21-day wait is needed. Proof is the passport page filled in and signed by the vet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets moving between Member States or returning from third countries: in Italy the vaccination is also required to enter some regions and to take part in shows, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old and the microchip must be implanted before the vaccination.
every 12 months since the last jobLegal obligationRegulation (EU) No 576/2013 Art. 6 and Annex IIIEuropean Union onlySourceverified on 11/09/2026 - 05
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 06
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 03
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
- 01
Renew the parasite treatment
Give the flea and tick treatment and, where indicated, the heartworm prophylaxis, according to the dosing of the product chosen: spot-on, collar or tablet. Proof is the receipt or the pack with the batch number together with the note in the health booklet. Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets: the monthly interval fits the most common spot-ons and tablets, collars last 4 to 8 months and some tablets 12 weeks, while heartworm prophylaxis is seasonal, typically April to November, in the endemic areas of northern Italy and southern Europe. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every month since the last jobRecommendedFoglietto illustrativo del medicinale veterinario autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6Source - 02
Do the veterinary check-up
Take the animal to the vet for a general check of weight, teeth, skin and heart and, in older animals, for blood and urine tests; it is also the moment to update vaccines and parasite treatments. Proof is the visit record in the health booklet. Applies to all pets: for dogs and cats over 7 or 8 years old vets generally recommend two check-ups a year. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 12 months since the last inspectionRecommendedNessun obbligo di cadenza; raccomandazione clinica. Obbligo generale di cura ex artt. 727 e 544-ter c.p. (IT); Convenzione europea per la protezione degli animali da compagnia (STE n. 125)Source - 03
Give the core vaccine boosters
Agree a booster plan for the core vaccines with the vet: in dogs distemper, infectious hepatitis and parvovirus, in cats panleukopenia, calicivirus and herpesvirus. After the primary course boosters are usually every three years, with some components yearly; proof is the vaccination page of the health booklet or passport. Applies to dogs and cats: non-core components such as leptospirosis in dogs, feline leukaemia in cats and kennel cough are usually boosted yearly and the choice depends on the animal's lifestyle. Cadence to be confirmed on the cited source.
every 36 months since the last jobRecommendedLinee guida WSAVA sulla vaccinazione di cani e gatti; foglietto illustrativo del vaccino autorizzato ai sensi del Regolamento (UE) 2019/6 sui medicinali veterinariSource
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