How to bring a pet into Germany and what to consider after moving

It’s best to plan ahead when moving to Germany with a dog, cat, or ferret: at the border, officials will check the animal’s identification, rabies vaccination, and documents. Once you’ve entered the country, you’ll face local requirements: registering your dog, paying the Hundesteuer, obtaining liability insurance, and getting your landlord’s approval for your pet.

Which animals are subject to the general import regulations

The standard EU rules for non-commercial travel to Germany primarily apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Non-commercial travel means that the animal is traveling with its owner or an authorized escort and is not intended for sale or transfer to a new owner.

Typically, you can bring up to five such animals per trip. Exceptions may apply for shows, competitions, and training sessions, but these must be supported by documentation.

Basic Requirements for Entry

Check four things before your trip.

Microchip. The animal must be identified by a microchip. An old, legible tattoo may be accepted only in limited cases if it was applied before July 3, 2011.
Rabies vaccination. The initial vaccination is not considered valid immediately: after completing the initial course, a specified waiting period must elapse, usually at least 21 days. The vaccination must be administered after microchipping or after reading an already implanted microchip.
Pet documentation. For travel within the EU, use the EU-Heimtierausweis, or European pet passport. For import from third countries, an official veterinary certificate is usually required, and in some cases, the owner must also provide a declaration stating that the trip is non-commercial.
Check the country of departure. Some countries require a blood test for rabies antibodies. This test should not be done right before the trip, but well in advance: EU regulations are tied to the timeframe between vaccination and the issuance of the accompanying certificate.

If your pet is traveling from a country with specific rabies requirements, planning can take several months. In such a situation, you cannot rely solely on a general list of documents: you need to check the rules specifically for the country of departure and your travel route.

What are the differences between travel from the EU and from third countries?

If the animal is traveling from another EU country

For a dog, cat, or ferret, you usually need an EU Pet Passport (EU-Heimtierausweis) with a microchip number and proof of a valid rabies vaccination. The passport must be issued by an authorized veterinarian.

If the animal is traveling from a country outside the EU

To enter Germany from a third country, you will most often need:

a microchip or an acceptable old tattoo;
a valid rabies vaccination;
a veterinary certificate in the prescribed format;
declaration of non-commercial movement;
if required - the results of a rabies antibody test;
Entry through an authorized border crossing, if required by the country of departure.

The validity period of the veterinary certificate for initial entry is limited, so you shouldn’t obtain it too early. If traveling by air, also check the airline’s rules in advance: they do not replace EU requirements, but may add their own conditions regarding carriers, weight, and transport in the cabin or cargo hold.

Pre-trip checklist

Check whether the country of departure is an EU country, a “listed third country,” or a country with additional rabies requirements.
Check that the microchip number is readable and matches the documents.
Make sure the rabies vaccination is valid as of the date of entry.
If an antibody test is required, allow time for the lab and any mandatory waiting periods.
Obtain the correct document: the EU Pet Passport for eligible cases or an official veterinary certificate for import from a third country.
Keep the original paper documents and copies of test results.
Check the requirements of the airline, rail carrier, or ferry company.

Hundesteuer: Dog Tax

In Germany, the tax applies to dogs, not all pets. The Hundesteuer is set not by the federal government, but by the city or municipality. Therefore, the amount depends on your place of residence, the number of dogs, and sometimes the breed category.

After moving, you usually need to register your dog with the local authorities. Check your city’s or municipality’s website for deadlines, forms, and the tax amount. There is usually no such tax for cats, aquarium fish, birds, and small pets.

Dog Liability Insurance

Hundehaftpflichtversicherung covers damage caused by a dog to other people, their animals, or their property. In some federal states, this insurance is mandatory for all dogs; in others, it’s required only for certain breeds or specific situations; and in some places, while not formally mandatory, it’s highly recommended in practice.

Even if the law in your state doesn’t require insurance, it’s often requested at training facilities, dog-sitting services, or when renting a home. Before purchasing a policy, check the coverage limit, deductible, breed exclusions, and whether the insurance is valid abroad.

Pets in a Rental Apartment

A complete ban on all pets in a lease agreement is usually problematic. Small animals that live in a cage, terrarium, or aquarium and do not disturb the neighbors can usually be kept without special permission. These include, for example, ornamental fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, or small birds.

The situation is different for dogs and cats: the landlord may require approval and will assess the specific circumstances. In practice, factors such as the animal’s size, breed, number of pets, condition of the apartment, noise levels, neighbors’ allergies, and house rules are taken into account.

To avoid conflicts right after moving, it’s best to:

Show the landlord which animal will be living in the apartment;
Provide proof of liability insurance if you’re bringing a dog;
Obtain written authorization;
Check the house rules to see if there are any restrictions.

If You Can No Longer Care for the Animal

You cannot abandon an animal on the street. If the owner can no longer care for the pet, they must find a new home for it in a responsible manner: through an animal shelter (Tierheim), reputable animal welfare organizations, or a private transfer with the necessary documentation. If an animal is found, you should usually contact the local animal shelter, the Ordnungsamt, the police, or the veterinary service, depending on the situation.

Common Mistakes

Getting a rabies vaccination before microchipping and then being surprised that it isn’t accepted for entry.
Note that a standard veterinary passport from a third country is equivalent to the EU Pet Passport.
Purchase your ticket before checking the airline’s rules for transporting animals.
Do not register your dog after moving to a new city.
Look for apartments with the phrase “no pets allowed” and avoid discussing a specific pet in advance.

In Brief

To enter Germany with a dog, cat, or ferret, you need identification, a valid rabies vaccination, and the proper documentation. For third countries, the rules are stricter: an antibody test and entry through a designated border control point may be required. After moving, dog owners must separately check the Hundesteuer (dog tax), local liability insurance requirements, and the terms of their rental agreement.