Is adoption always free?

From municipal shelters adoption is always free. Private animal welfare associations may ask for a contribution (usually €50-200) to partially cover the costs of microchipping, vaccinations, neutering and upkeep. It is not a purchase price for the animal.

Can I adopt if I live in a flat?

Yes. Many dogs and almost all cats adapt perfectly well to flat life. The shelter staff will help you choose an animal suited to your living conditions. For dogs, the size of the flat matters less than you might think: regular daily walks are what counts.

Can the condominium ban me from keeping animals?

No. The Court of Cassation has established that condominium rules cannot prevent residents from keeping pets (2021 ruling). However, rules can be set for the use of common areas (lead, muzzle, cleaning). When renting it depends on the contract: the landlord can include clauses prohibiting animals.

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Adopting an animal from a shelter: how to do it

In Italy there are approximately 350,000 dogs and 200,000 cats in shelters. Adopting an animal from a municipal shelter (or an animal welfare association) is free or low-cost: the animal is already microchipped, vaccinated and often neutered. Adoption requires signing a contract and entails legal responsibilities towards the animal.

Authority

Canile/Gattile Comunale di competenza

Time

30 min

Updated

May 2026

What you need

✓Valid identity document
✓Tax code
✓Adoption contract (provided by the shelter)
✓Any declaration from the landlord (if renting) authorising the animal's presence

Step-by-step procedure

Find the shelter and meet the animals

Visit the municipal shelter of your municipality (or nearby ones) or affiliated animal welfare ONLUS associations. You can find available animals on portals such as Zampa Amica, PetYourDog, or the shelter's website. Take time to get to know the animal: ask staff about its character, habits, compatibility with children or other animals. Visits are generally free and non-binding.

Some shelters have waiting lists for popular breeds. Consider adopting older or hard-to-place animals: they have the same need for affection.

Complete the adoption application and sign the contract

The shelter or association will ask you to complete a form with your personal details, housing situation (house/flat, garden, hours away from home), family composition. Once the adoption contract is signed, you become the legal owner/foster carer of the animal. The contract includes obligations: veterinary care, neutering (if not already done), prohibition on transfer to third parties without authorisation, possibility of follow-up visits from the shelter.

Post-adoption obligations: dog registry and responsibilities

For dogs: update the data in the regional dog registry within 30 days of adoption (the microchip is already registered; you just need to update the owner's details at your ASL or a contracted vet). Make sure vaccinations are up to date (especially rabies for dogs). For cats: registration in the registry is not mandatory in all regions but is recommended. Neuter the cat if not already done within 6 months of adoption (often required by the contract). Take out public liability insurance (RC) for dogs of breeds considered potentially dangerous.

Abandoning animals is a criminal offence in Italy (art. 727 of the Criminal Code), punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine of up to €10,000.

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Ministero della Salute — Anagrafe animali d'affezione

Ministero della Salute / ASL di competenza

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

Canile/Gattile Comunale di competenza

Phone

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.