Pets

Bringing your pets with you to Italy is definitely do-able!  There is no reason to leave fido and fluffy behind.  BUT it is quite a bit of leg-work and paperwork...so don't leave it to the last minute!  When you start arranging your travel with the Navy Travel office be sure to tell them how many animals you'll be moving with you.  You will have to pay for your pets to fly with you, whether on a military or commercial flight.  The fees vary, for our 14 pound kitty Delta Airlines charged us $125 for his flight in cabin (flying him as checked baggage would have cost us $200).  The AMC flight cost $112 for the kitty.  The fees will be paid to the airline when you check in.  

What your pet will need:

1 - International microchip - Done at your vet.  Keep paperwork and the tag, this will have to be shown upon arrival in Naples. 

2 - Current rabies shot - this needs to be done six months within your arrival but not within 30 days, so be sure to make this appointment on time. 

3 - International Health Certificate - This health certificate needs to be dated within 10 days of your arrival in Italy.  Plan to do this the LAST day you can, in case your flight gets delayed or re-booked so you aren't in a bind trying to fit in that 10 day window.  Make the appointment with your vet, be sure they are USDA approved, and tell them you are doing an International Health Certificate.  You will have to have your state veterinarian sign the certificate, you can find your state veterinarian HERE. 

It is also recommended that they have:

Flea and tick treatment - Your pet may not have fleas...but you never know about the pet in the carrier next to them.  Better to be safe than sorry. 

Up to date on all other shots - There is a vet on base in Naples but it isn't the easiest thing to make an appointment and most veterinarians out in town don't speak very much English. 

Bring with you:

Food - enough for the travel days and a few extra days just in case. 

Treats 

Dish for food & water - Each airline is different, some don't allow you to leave food/water with your pet, others do; check with your airline to find out their regulations. 

Leash/collar

Toys

Carrier - Rules change ALL THE TIME.  Check with your airline to be sure you have the right size/type of carrier.  The AMC flight requires hard sided carriers for pets to ride in cabin, but on Delta Airlines we were able to use a soft one. 

Ship before:

Litterbox & litter (or have your sponsor pick it up for you)

Extra food  - If you have a pet on a prescription food, it would be a good idea to ship some ahead of you.  You don't know what you'll be able to find it right away.  You an order most prescription pet food on Pet Food Direct. 

Pet Bed - If you have a picky/nervous animal, it may be nice for them to have something familiar when they arrive in Naples. 

When you arrive in Naples:
Check in with the Base Vet.  - If you ever plan on bringing your pet on base for anything...including housing, Carney Park, vet visits...they need to be registered with the base vet.  The Vet office is closed on Thursdays.