“I spent 3 hours on hold with the airline before I figured this out.”
Meet all guides →
Can You Bring Your Pet to Germany?
Yes, you can import both dogs and cats into Germany. As an EU member state, Germany accepts the EU Pet Passport for intra-EU arrivals and follows standardized EU pet import regulations. If you're coming from outside the EU, additional documentation is required, but the process is straightforward when you follow the rules.
The key to a smooth import is planning ahead. Germany's veterinary authorities require specific documentation, vaccinations, and microchipping—all of which take time to arrange. This guide walks you through every step.
Critical Requirements at a Glance
- Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 standard, implanted before rabies vaccination
- Rabies vaccination: Required; must be at least 21 days old before travel
- Health certificate: Valid for 10 days from issue date
- EU Pet Passport: Accepted for intra-EU arrivals
- Veterinary inspection: Required at port of entry
- Breed restrictions: Dogs only—certain pit bull-type breeds are banned
- Quarantine: Not required if all documentation is in order
Breed Restrictions for Dogs
Germany has specific breed restrictions for dogs. The following breeds are banned from import:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
If your dog is one of these breeds, it cannot be imported into Germany. Cats have no breed restrictions.
Step-by-Step Timeline: Working Backwards from Departure
4–6 Months Before Travel
Schedule a pre-travel vet consultation. Your veterinarian needs to confirm your pet is healthy enough to travel and discuss the vaccination timeline. If your pet is younger than 12 weeks, you'll need to delay travel until they're old enough for rabies vaccination.
Contact Germany's local Veterinäramt (Veterinary Office) in the Bundesland (state) where you'll be settling. They handle authorization and can answer state-specific questions. Advance notification of your entry point is required.
3–4 Months Before Travel
Get your pet microchipped. The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 standard. This is the critical first step—the rabies vaccination is only valid if the microchip is implanted before vaccination. Schedule this appointment and allow 1–2 weeks for healing before vaccination.
2–3 Months Before Travel
Administer the rabies vaccination. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old. The vaccine must be given after the microchip is in place. Mark the date on your calendar—you'll need to wait at least 21 days after this vaccination before traveling.
If your pet has never been vaccinated against rabies before, this is the primary vaccination. Booster vaccinations are also required; confirm the booster schedule with your vet.
The rabies vaccine must not be more than 12 months old at the time of travel.
1–2 Months Before Travel
Consider a rabies titer test (optional but recommended). Germany does not require a titer test, but if you're traveling from a region with high rabies risk or want extra assurance, your vet can perform one. If you choose to do a titer test, it must be done at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and must show a minimum level of 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be performed by an approved laboratory.
Arrange tapeworm treatment (if required). Tapeworm treatment is not mandatory for Germany, but if your vet recommends it, it must be administered between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival and documented by your veterinarian.
10 Days Before Travel
Obtain the health certificate. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to issue an official health certificate. This certificate:
- Must be issued by a government veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for US residents, APHA for UK residents)
- Is valid for only 10 days from the date of issue
- Must be an original document (not a copy)
- Confirms your pet's microchip number, vaccination status, and health
Do not obtain this certificate more than 10 days before departure. Timing is critical.
5–7 Days Before Travel
Confirm your airline's pet policy. Different airlines have different rules for pet transport. Check with your carrier—whether that's Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, or another airline—to confirm pet documentation requirements and any additional fees.
Notify Germany's Veterinäramt of your arrival. Contact the local Veterinary Office in your destination Bundesland with your flight details, pet information, and expected arrival time. This is a legal requirement.
Day of Travel
Bring all original documents. Pack your pet's microchip documentation, health certificate, vaccination records, and EU Pet Passport (if applicable) in a folder you can access easily. These will be checked at the port of entry.
Expect a veterinary inspection. Upon arrival in Germany, your pet will undergo a veterinary inspection at the airport, seaport, or land border crossing. This is standard procedure and typically takes 15–30 minutes. The inspector will verify your documentation and confirm your pet's health status.
Documents Checklist
Before you travel, ensure you have:
- Microchip implantation certificate (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
- Rabies vaccination certificate (dated at least 21 days before travel, not more than 12 months old)
- Booster vaccination records (if applicable)
- Original health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
- EU Pet Passport (if traveling from within the EU)
- Tapeworm treatment documentation (if administered)
- Rabies titer test results (if performed)
- Proof of notification to local Veterinäramt
- Airline pet documentation and receipt
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Vaccinating before microchipping: If the rabies vaccine is given before the microchip is implanted, the vaccination is invalid. You'll have to start over. Always microchip first.
- Obtaining the health certificate too early: It's only valid for 10 days. If you get it 15 days before travel, it will be expired on arrival. Time it carefully.
- Traveling too soon after vaccination: The rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old. Traveling earlier means your pet's vaccination won't be recognized.
- Forgetting to notify the Veterinäramt: This is a legal requirement. Failure to notify can result in delays or complications at the border.
- Assuming all airlines accept pets: Not all carriers allow pets in the cabin or cargo hold. Confirm with your airline well in advance.
- Importing a banned breed: If your dog is an American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or Bull Terrier, it cannot enter Germany. Check before booking travel.
Quarantine & Port of Entry
Good news: quarantine is not required if your pet has all the correct documentation (valid microchip, current rabies vaccination, and health certificate). You can take your pet home immediately after the veterinary inspection at the port of entry.
Your pet can enter through any major airport, seaport, or land border crossing in Germany. However, you must notify the local Veterinäramt in advance of which entry point you'll be using.
After Arrival in Germany
Once you've cleared customs and the veterinary inspection, register your pet with the local animal registry (Tierregister) in your Bundesland. This is typically handled through your local Veterinäramt or municipality office.
Schedule a follow-up appointment with a German veterinarian to establish ongoing care and confirm booster vaccination schedules under German law.
Need Help Planning Your Move?
Pet import rules can be complex, and requirements vary by your country of origin. Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—we'll create a custom timeline based on your pet's age, vaccination history, and departure country.
Data note: This guide is based on official German veterinary regulations and EU pet travel rules, auto-verified as of April 2026. For the most current requirements, contact your local Veterinäramt or Germany's Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 23, 2026