We're offering this guide for free to make sure you have the info necessary to take care of your fur babies!

Microchips, rabies timing, health certificates, transport, and everything in between — what you need to know to make it happen! 167 pages.

You'll still need to "checkout" through the store since that is the mechanism that allows us to push all future updates out to you. 

FAQs About the Guide

Is this a physical book or a digital download? This is a digital PDF guide — 167 pages, delivered instantly after purchase. There’s no physical copy to ship, so you’ll have it in minutes, not weeks.

Do I have to buy each future edition? No! Each future edition will be pushed out to all buyers of the guide once the new edition is published.

Can I print it? Yes! The guide is formatted to print beautifully at home or through a print shop — full table of contents, page numbers, a back cover, and every chapter opening on the right-hand side when printed double-sided, so it reads like a real printed booklet. Many pages (like the Paperwork Tracker and the budget worksheets) are designed specifically to be printed and filled in by hand.

What device can I read it on? Any device that opens a PDF — computer, tablet, or phone. We’d recommend a tablet or computer for the most comfortable reading experience, since it’s a detailed guide, but everything is fully readable on a phone too.

Does this cover both dogs and cats? Yes — the core paperwork path and travel rules apply to both, and we cover the differences where they matter. There’s also a full chapter dedicated to the harder cases: big dogs, restricted breeds, and flat-faced (snub-nosed) pets, where the standard advice runs out.

Is this only for people moving to Sicily, or does it apply to all of Italy? While our own story is in Sicily, the entry requirements are set at the EU and national level — the microchip, vaccine, and health certificate rules are the same whether you’re landing in Rome, Milan, or Palermo. Sicily is our home, but the guidance applies nationwide.

Is this only for people relocating permanently, or is it useful for travelers too? Both. The paperwork sequence applies to any trip from the U.S. to Italy with a pet — a summer stay needs the same certificate as a forever move. Movers get the full journey, through the Italian vet visit and the EU Pet Passport; travelers get everything they need for a safe round trip.

What’s actually included? 12 in-depth chapters, 4 appendices, 13 fillable Companion Resources (like the step-by-step Paperwork Tracker and the Pet Move Budget planner), real photos of the documents and equipment you’ll be looking for, honest cost planning for every option, a contingency playbook for when things go wrong, and a full Quick Reference Library tying everything together. You can see the complete breakdown in the free preview.

Can I see a sample before I buy? Yes — we offer a free preview with sample pages from the guide, including the table of contents so you can see everything that’s covered. Download the preview here.

Do I get updates if the guide changes? Pet import requirements can change over time — they’re set by government agencies on both sides of the ocean — and we’re committed to keeping this guide accurate. If we release a revised edition, you'll be notified by email.

What if I have trouble downloading or opening the file? Reach out to us directly at ciao@smallvillagesicily.com and we’ll get you sorted quickly.

Is this the only guide in the series? This is Volume 3 of the SVS Italy Companion Guides — Volume 1 (Accessing Medical Care in Italy) is available now and Volume 2 (Driving & Parking in Italy) is coming soon, with more volumes in the works, each focused on a different practical topic for life in Italy.