usda pet travel to germany

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Do you plan to travel with your pet(s) from the United States to Germany and need specific information about regulations and procedures? Below you will find basic information about various possible Scenarios.

These COVID-19 travel restrictions are subject to change without notice.

With a view to the complexity of travel regulations with pets, German Missions in the U.S. cannot give binding information. This notwithstanding, the following information with links and addresses may be helpful for planning purposes:

• Every animal needs to be identified by a clearly readable tattoo or a microchip (this has been mandatory for newly identified animals since July 3, 2011).
• Proof of valid immunization against rabies must be furnished in the animal health certificate. The period of validity of the immunization is based on the information provided by the manufacturer. A primary vaccination must be administered at least 21 days prior to crossing the border. The pet has to be microchipped before the rabies vaccination.
• Entry is conditional on the animal being accompanied by a person. The accompanying person must provide a written declaration stating that the animal is not being moved for purposes of sale or a change of ownership.
• The aforementioned conditions governing entry must be documented in an animal health certificate issued by an officially authorized veterinarian. In addition, the traveler must carry supporting documents such as a vaccination certificate.

Current regulations and further information can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture

and on the EU website .

The Veterinary Border Inspection Office of the State of Hesse at Frankfurt Airport provides information and assistance as well.

Further information about live animal export requirements, including a list of local veterinary service centers and an FAQs section, can be found on the USDA website

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What do I need to do to travel with my pet to a foreign country?

Jun 1, 2023 • knowledge, information.

Getting your pet’s required paperwork to travel overseas can be a lengthy process, taking weeks and sometimes months. We recommend starting as soon as possible!

• Step 1: Visit our APHIS Pet Travel website for import and export information.
• Step 2: Research your destination country’s entry requirements. Select the specific country with our export pet tool located at the bottom of the Pet Export  p age. Step-by-step instructions are provided. Please read the instructions fully and carefully. Many steps must be done within a certain time frame of travel.  
• Step 3: Determine the type of health certificate required and download the appropriate form(s).
• In most cases, an accredited veterinarian will need to examine your pet, verify vaccines, and complete, sign, and date the health certificate.
• Step 4: If your family veterinarian is a USDA-accredited vet, they can complete the paperwork. If they are not, you can use our ‘Locate an Accredited Veterinarian’ tool to find an accredited vet in your area. 
• Once your paperwork is complete, USDA endorsement may be required. Your endorsement office may be out of State so factor in appropriate time to submit your paperwork. Endorsement is often required within a certain number of days of the travel date. We cannot overstate the importance of reading the country-specific instructions carefully and understanding the required timeline when preparing your pet’s paperwork for overseas travel.
• Step 5:  You can find contact information for your State’s Endorsement office here . Country guidelines will specify if a digital endorsement is acceptable or if a hard copy is required.
• Step 6:  Check with your airline or shipping line for their requirements. Airlines and shipping lines have their own policies for transporting pets so ensure you are aware of their requirements as well. 
• Other factors to consider: Some countries require an isolation or quarantine period, lasting from weeks to months, before an animal is eligible for entry into that country. If this pertains to your destination country, you will need to plan accordingly.  If you are traveling with a dog to a high-risk country for dog rabies, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you will need to take additional steps to bring your dog back into the United States. For a list of countries click here , and for additional information click here .

For information on exporting non-pet animals, such as livestock, consult our  Live Animal Exports website . After following all these steps, if you still have questions, you can call our Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Customer Service Call Center at 1-844-820-2234 Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET or email us at [email protected] .  

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• How do I obtain a health certificate for my animal/pet?
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Navigating Pet Travel? Let APHIS Help.

When planning an international trip, we often want to bring the whole family – including our pets .  But, did you know taking Fido or Fluffy can be a complex, multistep process that requires advance planning and preparation?  To help make this process go smoothly, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has a few simple steps to follow – and a comprehensive website to walk you through the process.

First. Advance preparation is key.  Each country has different animal health requirements that travelers must meet so it’s important to start the process early. Our website covers the requirements for more than 130 countries.  Check the APHIS Pet Travel Website for your destination country’s entry requirements. 

Second.  You will need a health certificate.  Almost all countries require a USDA-accredited veterinarian to issue (complete, sign, and date) an international health certificate within a certain number of days prior to your departure to confirm the health of your pet.  So, as soon as you know where you will be traveling with your pet, contact a local USDA accredited veterinarian to assist you with the process.  With 68,000 private, accredited veterinarians nationwide, it’s likely your vet might be one or can refer you to one. Accredited veterinarians work cooperatively with APHIS to protect U.S. animal health and can certify that your pet is healthy and able to travel.

Third.  Getting the health certificate endorsed.  After the health certificate is issued by a USDA accredited veterinarian, it will typically need to be endorsed (signed and “stamped”) by your local APHIS office .  This can be done by mail or, in some cases, in person.  APHIS Service Centers are set up to process your health certificate as quickly as possible – but keep in mind, we process many certificates each year so be sure to leave plenty of time for us to complete this process.  Endorsement fees for pet health certificates starts at $38, but will cost more if the destination country requires Federal review of test results.  Check the APHIS website here for additional information on endorsement fees. 

Lastly, don’t forget to check with your airline carrier to see if they have additional requirements to transport your pet.  Make sure you know how to collect your pet at the port of entry upon arrival in your destination country.  It’s also important to remember that various U.S agencies regulate the entry of your pet back into the United States – plan ahead and check those requirements on the website before you go.

We know navigating various country requirements for international pet travel can be challenging, and that’s why we’re here to help.  If you have any questions about the process at any step along the way, please contact the APHIS Customer Service Call Center at 844-820-2234 or your local APHIS Service Center for more information.

Bon Voyage , Fido and Fluffy!

Bringing Pets To: Germany

Are you transporting your dog or cat to Germany? You've come to the right place! There are many considerations when it comes to pet transport to Germany to ensure your trip or move goes smoothly. Connect with our experts and see how we can make this portion of your pet relocation to Germany as stress-free as possible so that you can focus on your human move.

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What to Know Before Transporting Dogs and Cats to Germany

Microchip and vaccinations.

Make sure your pet meets these basic requirements so you can begin the import process.

Import Documentation

The EU requires endorsed import documentation that your veterinarian must complete.

The 5-Day Rule (and more)

Have you heard about the EU 5-Day Rule? Learn about this and other factors that could affect your move.

Germany Pet Import Requirements and Timeline

Time frame: we recommend starting at least 30 days ahead

All dogs and cats transported to and entering Germany must be microchipped and vaccinated according to German requirements. Read more below for specific details and requirements. 

How to start the process of moving your pet to Germany

• Each pet shall be identified using a microchip.
• No other form of identification is acceptable.
• The microchip should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785.
• Germany currently accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 in addition to ISO.
• The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered.
• All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the vet. The Rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old at the time of the final health exam.

Further details regarding the rabies vaccine:

• Pets may be transported to Germany with a current one-year vaccine (also known as a “primary” vaccine).
• Pets may be transported to Germany with a 3-year vaccine that was administered less than a year ago (otherwise it may be considered a booster).

Other recommended vaccines include:

• Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordetella.
• Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

Pet relocation services to Germany can help you understand this timeline and help you start the process of transporting your pet to ensure a seamless move.

These should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than two weeks before export date for maximum effectiveness.

Time frame: Within 10 days prior to departure (non-commercial)

• During this step, we provide detailed templates to your veterinarian and offer guidance to ensure all required forms are completed correctly for German Import Requirements.

If you have any questions or concerns about the process, our team of experts is always available to assist you. We have years of experience with pet transport to Germany and can help you navigate everything from German pet import requirements to finding an accredited veterinarian.

Proper paperwork prevents hangups at customs

EU Health Certificate

Your dedicated relocation coordinator will provide you with an EU Health Certificate that your accredited veterinarian must fill out and sign in a different color ink than the certificate's printing, usually blue ink. This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the checks at the EU point of entry. If you plan to travel further within the EU, don't hesitate to contact us for additional guidance.

USDA Endorsements

To ensure compliance with the USDA regulations, the following forms must be sent to your local USDA for approval:

• Microchip Implantation Record
• Rabies Certificate
• EU Vet Health Certificate
• Airline Health Certificate

It's important to note that these forms should be readily available from your vet, but it's recommended to call ahead and confirm availability.

• Remember that your vet must complete the EU Health Certificate within ten days of departure.
• However, please note that this timeframe changes within the context of a commercial move, where additional requirements may apply.
• Read below for more information on the 5-day rule and commercial move requirements.

Important information to keep your move on track.

Since Germany is an EU country, make sure you know the regulations unique to the EU!

What to know about about commercial moves and breed bans

EU 5-Day Rule

If your dog or cat is being transported “non-commercially,” they must fly within five days of their owner. If you cannot meet this 5-Day Rule, the move can still be carried out, but it will be considered a commercial move, which increases costs and changes the EU import requirements and timeline. In such cases, you will need to meet stricter import requirements. 

Banned Breeds in Germany

Not all dog breeds are allowed in Germany. The following breeds (or a mix of one) are banned,even if they are family pets:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Rottweilers (not banned, but subject to a viciousness test)

Export and transit are not affected by this ban.

Unlisted Countries and Additional Requirements

If you come from an "unlisted country," your pet will need a rabies antibody test, also known as a titer. In this case, you must follow the below steps before arriving in Germany with your pet:

• Microchip and rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old before blood draw)
• Rabies antibody test performed by an accredited veterinarian and sent to an EU-approved laboratory.
• Before completing export paperwork, you must wait 90 days after the blood draw (assuming a passing result).

Find out if your origin country is listed here before choosing a pet relocation service to Germany.

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Table of contents

Pet import rules and requirements in germany.

Attention: The information provided is a general guideline and may not reflect the current requirements. Before traveling to Germany, please contact the appropriate authorities.

Necessary Rules and Requirements for Pet Shipping Germany

1) Microchip: All pets must have a microchip implanted for identification prior to the administration of the rabies vaccine. In Germany, the identification microchip must comply with the Annex A, ISO Standard 11785, AVID 9 or AVID 10.

2) Rabies Vaccination and Certificate: All pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 says prior to the final health exam. A Rabies Vaccination Certificate is required as proof of vaccination and must be signed by the vet who administered the vaccine.

3) It is advisable that all pets are fully vaccinated no less than two weeks before export for maximum effectiveness; for example:a) Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordatella.b) Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

4) EU Health Certificate: A standard EU Health Certificate will be provided by your PetRelocation Specialist to be filled out and signed by your accredited veterinarian in a different colour than the certificated printing, which primarily uses blue ink. The EU Certificate is valid for 10 days from time of issue by your veterinarian until your border check at an EU entry point in Germany. After entry through Germany, this certificate will allow for further movement within the EU for a total of 4 months from the date of issue or until the date of expiration of the rabies vaccine, whichever is first in time.

5) In addition, USDA Endorsement is required for the following forms:a) Microchip Implantation Recordb) Rabies Certificatec) Vet Letterd) EU Health Vet CertificateThese documents must be sent to your local USDA for a stamp of approval. Please contact your PetRelocation Specialist to learn about the best way to acquire the USDA stamp of approval for endorsement.

6) International Health Certificate: This Certificate must be completed within 10 days of departure to Germany. Depending on the particulars of your pet relocation and specific health certificate being used (i.e. APHIS Form 7001), an additional USDA endorsement may be required on the health certificate. Although your veterinarian should be stocked with International Health Certificates, it is advisable to call ahead and confirm.

7) All the documents listed above must travel with your pet to Germany.

8) In order for your pet to successfully clear customs, the following documents must additionally be provided upon the pets arrival:a) A copy of the pet owner’s passportb) A signed letter of transfer from your company on letterheadc) A copy of your residency card (if available)d) A copy of your e-ticket or boarding pass for your flight (if available)

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Home > Pet Passports > Germany Pet Passport & Import Regulations

Germany Pet Passport & Import Regulations

Notice: the eu commission has classified the united kingdom as a part 2 listed third country. (more information here on this classification) if you are planning to travel to germany from the united kingdom, a titer test will not be required; however, uk pet passports will not be accepted. a different health certificate will be required. see step #5..

There will be no quarantine for your pet as long as the following regulations are met. Unless otherwise stated, the regulations below apply to domestic dogs, cats and ferrets including service and emotional support dogs and cats. Owners of other pets should refer to item 12.

Pet Microchip

The first step to prepare your dog, cat or ferret to enter Germany is to have your pet microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15 digit pet microchip .

If your pet currently has a microchip that is not ISO 11784/11785 compliant, then you have 3 choices:

• You can bring your own microchip scanner .
• You can contact the officials at the Border Inspection Post where you will enter the EU and inquire as to whether they have scanners that can read your pet's chip.
• If your pet's current microchip can still be read, your veterinarian can implant compliant chip. The number and implant dates of both microchips must be documented on the EU Health Certificate (see step #5).

A tattoo is an acceptable form of identification as long as it was given prior to July 3, 2011, is clearly visible and your pet was vaccinated for rabies after the tattoo was applied.

Rabies Vaccination

All dogs, cats and ferrets must have proof of a current rabies vaccination administered after a microchip was implanted to enter Germany.

The first rabies vaccination after the microchip is implanted is called the primary vaccination and it should be a one year vaccine unless manufacturer specifications permit its use as a primary vaccination. If your pet's previous rabies vaccination had expired before being revaccinated, the next vaccination becomes the primary vaccination.

All vaccinations that are administered after the primary vaccination are called booster vaccinations.

If your pet is entering Germany from a rabies-free (click here) or rabies-controlled country (click here) , the primary rabies vaccination must be administered no sooner than 21 days before entering Germany.

There is no waiting period after booster vaccinations as long as:

• the previous vaccination was administered after a microchip was implanted AND
• the booster vaccination was administered before the previous vaccination had expired.

Germany does honor the 3 year rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets; however, it should only be administered as a booster, not as a primary vaccination. You can speak to your veterinarian about this.

Once your pet has entered Germany, a 21 day waiting period is not required for subsequent visits, provided rabies boosters are kept up to date, and the other entry requirements are met.

If your pet is entering Germany from a high-rabies country, it must wait for a minimum of 30 days after the primary or booster vaccination before receiving a rabies titer test (see step #3).

Rabies Titer Test

If your pet is entering Germany from a high-rabies country (click here) , your pet must be microchipped, then vaccinated for rabies (in that order). After waiting a minimum of 30 days after the primary or booster vaccination, a rabies titer test (FAVN) must be administered. (Have your veterinarian scan your pet's microchip prior to the titer test.)

Samples must be processed at approved laboratories. Assuming test results are within acceptable limits, your pet can enter Germany no sooner than 3 calendar months after the date the blood was drawn and avoid quarantine. This step is not required unless entering Germany from a high-rabies country (click here) .

Tapeworm Treatment - Dogs Only

A tapeworm treatment is not required when entering Germany from any country.

Pet Health Certificate

The type of health certificate required for your pet depends on whether or not your pet's transport is accompanied OR it involves a purchase, sale or transfer of ownership. Choose from two options below.

Non-Commercial Transport: the owner or a legal representative of the owner is traveling with or within 5 days of the pet AND the transport does not involve purchase, sale or transfer of ownership.

Non-commercial transport to germany from a country outside of the eu:.

Regulations in steps 1 and 2 apply. If entering Germany from a high-rabies country, step 3 applies as well.

A licensed veterinarian in the originating country must complete the non-commercial EU health certificate for Germany . Endorsement by a government veterinarian must occur within 10 days of arrival.

If your pet is traveling from the United States, the veterinarian must be accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the health certificate must be endorsed by a State USDA office unless the certificate is completed by a military Veterinary Corps Officer or GS-0701 series civilian government veterinarian employed by the military.

If your pet is traveling from Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency must endorse forms issued by Canadian veterinarians.

If traveling to Germany from another country, then the forms must be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals.

This form is good for transports of 5 or less dogs, cats or ferrets. (see item 6 if you are traveling with more than 5 pets.) The form is good for 4 months of travel within the EU as long as the rabies vaccination documented on it does not expire.

You or your representative must sign a Declaration of Non-Commercial Transport stating that your pet's transport does not involve the sale or transfer of ownership of your pet.

Non-Commercial Transport to Germany from another EU Member State:

Regulations in steps 1 and 2 apply.

Have your veterinarian update an EU Pet Passport for your pet. A non-commercial EU health certificate is not required for pets traveling to Germany from another EU Member State unless a rabies booster was administered by a veterinarian outside of the EU at any time after your pet received its microchip.

Commercial Transport: the owner or a legal representative of the owner is not traveling with or within 5 days of the pet OR the purpose of the transport involves a sale or transfer of ownership OR more than 5 dogs, cats or ferrets are traveling with or without their owner.

Traveling to germany from a rabies-free or rabies-controlled country outside the eu:.

All dogs, cats and ferrets may enter Germany commercially from EU countries, rabies-free or rabies-controlled countries. Dogs, cats and ferrets from other countries may only enter Germany with or within 5 days of their owners or their owner's representative. In this case, non-commercial rules would apply.

A licensed veterinarian in the originating country must complete the commercial EU health certificate for Germany . The certificate must be issued and endorsed within 48 hours of travel.

If your pet is traveling from the United States, the certificate must be endorsed by the local USDA office unless the certificate is completed by a military Veterinary Corps Officer or GS-0701 series civilian government veterinarian employed by the military.

If your pet is traveling from Canada, the form must be endorsed by the local CFIA office.

If your pet is traveling to Germany from another country, then the forms must be endorsed by the government agency responsible for the import and export of animals.

This form is good for transports of 5 or less dogs, cats or ferrets. (see item 5 if you are traveling with more than 5 pets). It is valid for 4 months of travel within the EU as long as your pet's rabies vaccination does not expire.

Your pet must enter through an approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) at an international airport in Köln Bonn, Berlin Tegel, Frankfurt Main, Hahn, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt-Hahn, Hannover-Langenhagen, Leipzig-Halle, Berlin Schönefeld and Stuttgart Airports. Notice must be given 24 hours prior to arrival. 

Commercial Transport to Germany from another EU Member State:

Your pet must travel from a licensed premises which is registered with the governing authority in your EU country responsible for the import and export of animals.

Your veterinarian must obtain and update an EU Pet Passport for your pet.

Your pet's veterinarian must issue an Intratrade health certificate completed within 48 hours of entry.

Your pet's transport must be entered into the TRACES system.

Traveling with more than 5 pets

If you are traveling with 6 or more cats, dogs or ferrets, in order to transport them under non-commercial regulations, they must be 6 months or older and attending or training for a competition, show or sporting event. If this is not the case, your pets must meet the requirements for commercial transport. (see step #5)

Entering Germany from Malaysia & Australia

If your pet is entering Germany from peninsular Malaysia, the following conditions must be met:

1. Your pet has had no contact with pigs during at least the past 60 days prior to export. 2. Your pet has not lived in a place where cases of Nipah disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days. 3. Your pet has been tested with negative a result to an IgG capture ELISA test carried out in a laboratory approved for testing for Nipah disease viruses within 10 days of export.

Cats may only enter Germany from Australia under the condition that they have not lived in areas where cases of Hendra disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days.

Entering Germany by Air

Accompanied pets entering by air from all non-EU countries except Andorra, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and the Vatican City State must do so at Border Inspection Posts at the following airports: Berlin, Munich, Shoenfeld, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Hannover, Koln, Hahn, Leipzig-Halle.

Pets should enter Germany directly or transit through another EU Member State. If your pet transits through a high-rabies country, then a Transit Declaration will be required stating that your pet has had no contact with rabies-carrying animals and remained secured within the airplane or airport.

All domestic dogs and cats must be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry to Germany. If your dog or cat is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at your expense.

Puppies and Kittens

Puppies and kittens may only be imported into Germany or pass through Germany in transit with adequate vaccine protection against rabies.

The earliest age that rabies vaccination can be administered is 12 weeks of age. Entry will not be permitted until at least 21 days have passed after rabies vaccination if entering from another EU country or rabies-controlled country. Puppies and kittens entering from high-rabies countries cannot do so until they are at least 7 months of age.

Banned Breeds

Germany bans the import or transit of certain dog breeds and their crosses: Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier.

There are a few exceptions to this ban. If your dog is staying in Germany for less than 4 weeks, it is exempted from these regulations. Additionally, exemptions apply for dogs of these breeds that have previously lived in Germany and are being returned to Germany. Security or watch dogs, dogs providing service for the disabled and dogs of the rescue and civil protection services are also exempted. Documentation must be provided to substantiate the exemption.

Additional breeds can be restricted according to the regulations of the Federal land in which they will be establishing residence. Specific backup regarding your dog's breed should be available. (pedigree, results of character evaluations, service certificate, etc.)

If your dog will be residing in any of the following Federal Lands, then locally competent authorities of the Land in which the dog is intended to be kept permanently will need to issue permission for its import in advance.

If your dog will be residing in the Federal land of Baden-Württemberg, then these breeds are considered as dangerous: Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Bordeaux Dogge, Fila Brasilero, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Mastiff and Tosa Inu.

If your dog will be residing in the Federal land of Bavaria, then these breeds are considered as dangerous: Bandog, Tosa Inu, Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Perro de Presa Canario (Dogo Canario) and Perro de Presa Mallorquin.

If your dog will be residing in the Federal land of Berlin, then these breeds are considered as dangerous: Tosa Inu, Alano, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Perro de Presa Canario (Dogo Canario) and Perro de Presa Mallorquin.

If your dog will be residing in the Federal land of Hamburg, then these breeds are considered as dangerous: Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler and Tosa Inu.

If your dog will be residing in the Federal land of Hesse, then these breeds are considered as dangerous: American Bulldog, Dogo Argentiono, Kangal Dog (Karabash), Caucasian Shepherd Dog and Rottweiler.

Exporting Pets Living in Germany

All dogs, cats and ferrets leaving Germany for another EU Member State must be microchipped, vaccinated for rabies (in that order) and wait 21 days before leaving the country.  If you are planning to take your pet on a trip to a country with a high incidence of rabies , your veterinarian should do a Blood Titer Test before you leave Germany if you intend to return. Export permits may be required for non-accompanied transports.

Other Animals

There are no rabies requirements for other species of rodents, rabbits, ornamental fish, intervebrates, amphibians and reptiles imported to Germany from other EU states as well as Andorra, Switzerland, Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway and San Marino.

Up to 3 guinea pigs or hamsters can be imported into Germany with their owner. A health certificate is recommended.

Birds being imported from rabies-controlled countries under non-commercial regulations must accompany their owners. There must not be more than 5 birds in a transport.

Birds that have not been vaccinated against Avian Influenza may either:

Be subjected to quarantine for at least 10 days in the country of origin. Samples must be taken from the birds no earlier than on the third day of isolation. These samples must be tested for the detection of H5N1 antigen or genome with negative results.

In the case of specific countries of origin, 30 days of isolatation in the originating country before traveling or at an approved facility in Germany instead of placing them in quarantine for 10 days and taking blood samples.

Birds that have been vaccinated with an H5 vaccine on at least 2 occasions, with the last vaccination being administered at least 60 days and no more than 6 months prior to importation, will avoid all quarantine.

Your bird must be accompanied by an Annex II heatlh certificate issued by a licensed vet and endorsed by the agency responsible for the import and export of animals within 10 days of travel.

Birds entering Germany from another EU country must be accompanied by a health certificate.

If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, and especially if it is a turtle or parrot, you should verify that it is not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).  You will need to apply for additional permits if this is the case. Over 180 countries participate and enforce CITES regulations.

• Search CITES database .
• Read More about CITES

Need More Information?

To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given country may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to make arrangements to put your pet into quarantine at your expense, return your pet to the country of origin, or euthanize your pet. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following the rules of the country you are visiting.

Further detail on import permits, costs, tests and procedures are available at minimal cost at PetTravelStore.com . We also stock all the equipment and accessories you will need for traveling with your pet. Same day shipping Monday through Friday until 4:00 PM EST.

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Please note that the accuracy of comments made from Facebook users other than Pet Travel have not been verified. We do not endorse any person or company that may offer transport services through posts to this webpage.

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Moving a Pet to Germany

Rules and regulations for international pet shipping, blood tests, import permit, health certificates, photo of pet, banned breeds, age restrictions.

• Microchip for Pet Travel to Germany
• Quarantine for Pet Travel to Germany
• Area Specific Information

Pet Carrier Measurement Guide

Ultimate guide to moving pets, international airline pet policies, top destinations in germany.

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What Pet Travel Documents Are Needed to Travel to Germany?

The German Federal Customs Service (known as “ZOLL”) is responsible for regulating pet importation. As with every other country, the rules for moving to Germany with a pet depend on where you’re living now. For example, if you and your dog or cat (or ferret) are coming from another European Union country and your pet already has an EU Pet Passport , you’re good to go.

You can read those rules in detail here if you currently live in a non-EU country. As an overview, however, you’ll find everything you need to know below. Germany’s regulations are not complex compared to many other countries.

Originals of all documents must travel with your pet.

Rabies Vaccinations

Rabies is the only immunization required for dogs, cats, and ferrets to enter Germany. To be considered valid, the rabies vaccine must be administered after or at the same time your pet is microchipped. The vaccination must be greater than 21 days old and less than one year old at the time of travel. 

To enter Germany, your pet’s microchip must be ISO-compliant. If your pet has a microchip that was implanted prior to rabies vaccination, they will not need to be re-vaccinated but will need to get a second, ISO-compliant microchip. All paperwork must show both microchip numbers.

The first rabies vaccination given after implantation of a microchip (or at the same time) is considered the “primary” vaccination. This definition also applies to a vaccination given after an earlier rabies vaccine has expired. All pets must wait at least 21 days between the current rabies vaccination date and their arrival in Germany.

Other Vaccinations Pets are not required to be vaccinated for anything other than rabies. However, the following vaccines are recommended to be valid when your pet enters Germany and should be given at least 2 weeks before your pet departs:

• Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP), and Bordetella
• Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP)

If you are moving from a non-listed country (where rabies is a known problem or not reliably controlled), your pet will also require a rabies titer blood test. The blood test must:

• Be completed by a government-approved veterinarian
• Be sent to an approved laboratory
• Be completed at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 3 months prior to travel

Dogs, cats, and ferrets do not need an import permit to enter Germany.

The health certificate must be completed within 10 days prior to your pet’s departure.

Pet photos are not required. If someone asks, though, we suspect you’ll have plenty available on your phone to show them!

What Are the Pet Restrictions for Germany?

When it comes to banned dog breeds , Germany’s regulations do become complicated. Countrywide, except for documented service dogs, you may not import any dog that is a purebred or mix of Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Bull Terrier. Beyond that, however, each of the country’s federal Lands (equivalent to states in the US) can enact their own restrictions.

Dogs considered dangerous by federal Land:

• Baden-Württemberg - Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Bordeaux Dogge, Fila Brasilero, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Mastiff, Tosa Inu
• Bavaria - Bandog, Tosa Inu, Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Perro de Presa Canario (Dogo Canario), Perro de Presa Mallorquin

Brandenburg - Tosa Inu, Alano, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Perro de Presa Canario (Dogo Canario), Perro de Presa Mallorquin

• Hamburg - Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu
• Hesse - American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Kangal Dog (Karabash), Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler

If your dog is on the restricted list for the Land where you will be living, you may be able to obtain prior written permission from local authorities to import your pet after all.

Germany does not allow pets not vaccinated against rabies to enter the country. Puppies cannot be vaccinated until they are 12 weeks old, and the vaccine must be given at least 21 days prior to entry. Therefore, puppies must be at least 15 weeks old for import. If you are coming from a non-listed country as described above, the minimum age for import is 7 months due to additional time required for the blood titer test following rabies vaccination.

Do I Need a Microchip for My Pet to Travel to Germany?

Every pet entering Germany must be implanted with a microchip that is A 15-digit ISO standard or 9-digit AVID compliant.  

Pets must be microchipped before the rabies vaccination is administered.

If your pet has an older microchip, it may be possible to carry a chip reader with you, but your vet can easily and safely implant your pet with a second, ISO-compatible chip. Note that pets with two microchips must show the number and date of implantation for BOTH chips on all documents.

We strongly urge pet parents to also register their pet’s microchip with Global Pet Register .  Other registries are country-specific; GPR is the only pet recovery database that works around the world.

What Are the Quarantine Requirements for a Pet Traveling to Germany?

As long as your pet meets all the requirements and has the proper documentation, they will not face quarantine. However, a lack of adequate paperwork can result in quarantine, deportation, or worse.

Are There Any Area Specific Pet Requirements in Germany?

As noted above under Banned Breeds, each Land within Germany can set its own rules for pets living within their jurisdiction. Checking in advance about rules for pet import, licensing, etc. will help avoid surprises and make your move go more smoothly.

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Our Germany pet shipping services include:

• Door-to-door transport
• Assistance with health certificates, import certificates, and other travel documents needed for animal transport to Germany (outlined above)
• USDA endorsement and consular legalization (when needed) of all relevant documents where required
• Airline-approved flight kennels provided with personalized labels, identification and emergency notification instructions
• Customs clearance and delivery to your home
• Local pet taxi service to and from the airport, your home, veterinarian, kennel, or groomer – available in major German cities as well as their surrounding areas
• Travel consultation and flight reservations

We will inform you of your pet's full itinerary before the trip and we will update you as your pet travels  to Germany .

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