Searching for a lost pet with a drone in Italy
Italy applies the EU open category, with registration on d-flight, a QR code on each drone and mandatory insurance. ENAC has no special rule for pet searches.
| Aviation authority | Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (ENAC) |
|---|---|
| Registration | Register as an operator if the drone weighs 250 g or more, or less if it has a camera (unless it is a toy). One number for all your drones, shown on each one and valid in every EASA country. On d-flight, which gives you a QR code for each drone; the basic subscription costs €7 a year. Register. |
| Test or certificate | ENAC A1/A3 certificate from 250 g. Not needed under 250 g, but registration, insurance and the zone checks still apply. |
| Maximum height | 120 m (400 ft) above the ground. |
| Line of sight | Always in sight with your own eyes. An observer standing next to you may help. |
| Night flights | Allowed with a green flashing light on the drone. |
| Remote ID | Required on class C1, C2 and C3 drones; not on C0 drones or drones without a class mark. |
| No-fly zones | d-flight |
| Controlled airspace | Open-category flights are banned in the d-flight safety zones around airports; flying there needs the specific category and clearance from ENAC or the Air Force. |
What matters for a search in Italy
- Third-party liability insurance is mandatory (toys are exempt).
- Parks are no-fly only when ENAC has approved and published their ban on d-flight.
- Registration is needed even under 250 g if the drone has a camera.
Before every search flight
- Check the no-fly zones for the exact area in d-flight.
- Ask the landowner if you take off from private land.
- Keep the drone in sight and below the height limit, away from people, roads and buildings.
- Let the owner of the animal know you are flying, and where.
Official sources
- www.enac.gov.it/sicurezza-aerea/droni/categoria-aperta-open-category/requisiti-generali-per-operare-nella
- www.enac.gov.it/sicurezza-aerea/droni/zone-geografiche-space/voli-con-droni-uas-limitazioni-riserve-dello
- www.enac.gov.it/sicurezza-aerea/droni/faq-droni
- www.d-flight.it/new_portal/en/tariffe
A summary to help you prepare a search, not legal advice. The official sources have the final word.
Reviewed on October 22, 2026.
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