Eleven pets fly from California to Rome on one nonstop flight

In early September, a family from Southern California completed a move that would have seemed like a logistical nightmare just a few years ago. Four dogs and seven cats traveled together from Los Angeles to Rome on a single ITA Airways nonstop flight. Every one of those dogs weighed more than 70 pounds, including a Rhodesian Ridgeback and two German Shepherds. They all flew in the cargo hold in extra-large kennels, and every single one arrived safely at their new home in Italy.

The sheer scale of this operation highlights the complexity of moving such a large group of animals across the Atlantic. Coordinating the health certificates, microchip verifications, and breed-specific regulations for four large dogs and seven cats is a monumental task. The family had to ensure that every document was in order well before the flight date to avoid any last-minute issues at the airport. This level of preparation is essential when dealing with multiple species and sizes simultaneously, as each animal has unique needs that must be addressed before departure.

This specific journey is not an isolated anecdote. It is the headline story of a broader trend that pet relocation specialists are tracking closely. Starwood Pet Travel, which coordinated this move, reports that inquiries to move animals to Italy have hit a historic high. The demand is so strong that the number of requests in 2026 has already exceeded the total volume for all of last year. This shift is driven by a simple change in air travel: the availability of direct routes.

The Numbers Behind the Pet Boom

The data from Starwood Pet Travel paints a clear picture of accelerating interest. Between January 1 and September 28, 2026, Italy relocation inquiries rose by 34% compared to the same period last year. To put that growth into perspective, the current volume is more than two and a half times the level seen in 2022. The momentum has not slowed as the year progressed. In fact, demand accelerated through the summer, with inquiries from July through late September up 79% over the same stretch in 2025.

Rome is the primary magnet for these travelers, followed by Milan and Naples. Both Rome and Milan have already surpassed their full-year totals from 2025. This is a significant statistical achievement with nearly three months of the year still remaining. It suggests that the trend is not a temporary spike but a sustained increase in families choosing to keep their entire households together during international moves.

The consistency of this growth across multiple Italian cities indicates a deep-rooted preference for the region among American pet owners. The preference for Rome and Milan is likely tied to the robust pet-friendly infrastructure and the availability of specialized veterinary care in these urban centers. Families are finding that the quality of life for their animals in these cities is comparable to, or even better than, what they experienced in the United States. This perception reinforces the decision to relocate and contributes to the sustained high volume of inquiries.

Why Nonstop Flights Changed Everything

For large dogs that cannot ride in the cabin, the logistics of transatlantic travel have historically been a source of immense stress. Connecting flights mean more time in transit, more handling of kennels, and higher risks of delays or lost connections. The introduction of nonstop service between major US hubs and Rome has removed these friction points. Starwood now books pets on ITA Airways nonstop flights from New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles into Rome Fiumicino. This direct route allows for a streamlined process from check-in to delivery.

The Los Angeles to Rome route is particularly significant for this demographic. The family mentioned earlier originally received a quote that routed their pets through Frankfurt. Starwood switched them to the nonstop option, which drastically reduced the time their animals spent in transit. The flight landed in Rome late the next morning, and the pets cleared the EU veterinary check at Fiumicino. Starwood's partner in Italy then delivered all eleven animals to the family's new home that same day. This efficiency is what makes the move feasible for families with multiple large animals.

The reduction in transit time is not just a convenience but a critical welfare factor for large breeds. A Rhodesian Ridgeback or a German Shepherd is more vulnerable to heat stress and anxiety when confined in a cargo hold for extended periods. By eliminating the layover, the animals spend less time in the uncontrolled environment of the airport tarmac and connecting gates. This direct approach minimizes the physical toll on the pets and ensures they arrive in a stable condition, ready for a quick inspection and immediate delivery to their owners.

The Logistics of Moving a Pack

Moving four large dogs and seven cats simultaneously requires precise coordination. The dogs traveled in the cargo hold, which is standard for breeds of that size. The cats, being smaller, would typically have different handling requirements, but grouping them on the same flight simplifies the paperwork and tracking. The key factor here is the EU veterinary check at the destination. This process is rigorous and cannot be rushed. Having the animals arrive on a direct flight ensures they are fresh and less stressed when they undergo inspection.

The delivery to the final home is the last critical step. In this case, a local partner in Italy handled the final mile. This ensures that the pets go directly from the airport to their owners, avoiding any time in a temporary facility. For a family with eleven pets, this direct handoff is essential for the animals' well-being. It minimizes the disruption to their routine and reduces the anxiety associated with a major life change.

The coordination between the US-based agent and the Italian partner is a seamless operation that relies on shared digital platforms for real-time updates. Every kennel is tagged with specific identification, and the driver is briefed on the temperament and needs of each animal before the flight lands. This level of detail ensures that the transition from the plane to the car is smooth and that the animals are not subjected to unnecessary handling or confusion. The final delivery becomes a moment of relief for both the pets and their owners, marking the successful completion of a complex journey.

What This Means for Future Travelers

The surge in demand indicates a cultural shift in how families view relocation. Pets are no longer seen as a logistical hurdle to be solved with a crate and a hope for a good connection. They are central to the family unit, and the availability of direct flights has made it possible to maintain that unity. This trend is likely to continue as more airlines expand their nonstop networks across the Atlantic. The convenience of a single ticket and a single arrival time is a powerful draw for pet owners.

As we move further into 2026, expect more families to make the leap to Europe, driven by the same factors that motivated the Southern California family. The combination of record demand and improved airline infrastructure creates a perfect storm for pet relocations. The key takeaway is that the era of complicated, multi-leg pet travel is ending, replaced by a smoother, more direct experience that prioritizes the welfare of the animals.

This evolution in pet travel also signals a broader acceptance of animals as full members of the household in international contexts. Airlines and ground handlers are adapting their services to reflect this reality, offering more specialized support for multi-pet moves. The success of the Southern California family’s journey serves as a model for how these services can be delivered with both efficiency and care. As the infrastructure continues to improve, the barrier to entry for families wanting to move their pets to Europe will continue to lower.