Moving to Germany with a Pet: Documents, Vaccinations, and Importing Animals

You can bring a cat or dog to Germany, but you must comply with the rules before your trip. For non-commercial import, you typically need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, a health certificate for the animal, and, for some countries of origin, a rabies antibody test. If the documents are not in order, the animal may be detained at the border and placed in quarantine at the owner’s expense.

This article applies to the non-commercial import of cats and dogs, where the pet travels with its owner or an authorized person and is not intended for sale or transfer to another person. Under the standard non-commercial procedure, up to five animals may be imported. Similar EU rules apply to ferrets, but the main focus here is on cats and dogs.

A Quick Checklist Before Your Trip

Check whether your dog’s breed is permitted for import under federal state regulations.
Have the animal microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 microchip before the rabies vaccination.
Get a rabies vaccination and wait the required period after the initial vaccination.
Check whether the country of departure is a “listed” or “non-listed” third country.
If a rabies antibody titration test is required, have the blood sample taken within the specified timeframe and only at an accredited laboratory.
Obtain an EU pet passport if you are traveling from the EU, or an animal health certificate if you are traveling from a country outside the EU.
Prepare a written declaration of non-commercial import.
Coordinate the transport with the airline before purchasing a ticket or immediately after making a reservation.
Check the EU port of entry and transit rules.

Minimum Age of the Pet

In most practical scenarios, a cat or dog must be at least 15 weeks old to enter Germany. The reasoning is as follows: the initial rabies vaccination is administered no earlier than 12 weeks of age, and at least 21 days must pass after that for the vaccination to be considered valid.

It is prohibited to import puppies and kittens that are too young or lack a valid rabies vaccination into Germany. If you plan to move with a young animal, it is best to check the requirements with an official veterinarian and verify them against German regulations in advance, rather than relying solely on the date on your ticket.

Microchip: Which Standard Is Required?

The pet must be identified with a microchip that complies with ISO 11784 and can be read by an ISO 11785-compliant device. The main rule of thumb is that the microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination; otherwise, the vaccination may not be accepted for entry.

If an animal was marked with a tattoo before July 3, 2011, such a mark may be accepted if it is clear and legible. However, for most relocations, it is now easier and more reliable to use a microchip.

If the microchip is non-standard, check with the port of entry in advance to see if they can read it. The owner can bring a compatible scanner, but this is a risky option: if the number cannot be verified, the documents may not be accepted.

Rabies Vaccination

A valid rabies vaccination is required for entry. It is only recognized if administered after the animal has been identified by a microchip or an acceptable older tattoo.

The primary vaccination becomes valid 21 days after the vaccination series is completed. If a previous vaccination has expired and a new one is administered, it may be considered a primary vaccination, so the waiting period starts over. A booster administered without a gap in coverage generally does not require a new 21-day waiting period.

The validity period depends on the vaccine and the information in the documents. Before traveling, check that the date of entry falls within the vaccine’s validity period.

Documents: EU pet passport or animal health certificate

If a pet is traveling from another EU country, you usually need an EU pet passport issued by an authorized veterinarian. The passport is valid as long as the information regarding the microchip and rabies vaccination remains up to date.

If you are traveling from a country outside the EU, you need an animal health certificate for non-commercial import. It must be issued by an official veterinarian or an authorized veterinarian and subsequently certified by the competent authority of the country of departure. The certificate must include the owner’s information, a description of the animal, the microchip number, proof of rabies vaccination, and, if required, the results of an antibody test.

The certificate for entry into the EU is generally valid for 10 days from the date of issuance by an official veterinarian until the documentation and identification check at the point of entry. After such a check, it may be used for further travel within the EU for a limited period, but for travel to Germany, it is critical not to miss the first 10 days.

In addition to the certificate, the owner usually signs a declaration stating that the import is non-commercial: the animal is not being sold or transferred to another owner.

When Is a Rabies Antibody Test Required?

A rabies antibody titration test is not always required. It is required for entry from countries or territories that are not on the EU’s list of countries with recognized rabies control. You must check the country of origin and the transit route specifically.

If testing is required, the procedure is usually as follows:

First, the microchip.
Next, the rabies vaccination.
A blood sample is taken no earlier than 30 days after vaccination.
The analysis is performed by an approved laboratory.
The test result must show a titer of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
At least three months must have passed since the blood sample was taken before entering the EU.

An example of a country that requires a rabies test before traveling with pets to Europe.

Example of a positive result on a serological test for rabies.

The three-month period is often referred to as quarantine, but in practical terms, it is a waiting period prior to entry: the animal remains in the country of departure or at an authorized location and cannot enter the EU before the specified deadline. There may be exceptions for the pet’s re-entry from the EU if a test was performed prior to departure and recorded in the EU pet passport.

What Happens If You Break the Rules

If a pet arrives without the required documents, with an invalid vaccination, without a readable microchip, or without the necessary test results, German authorities may deny entry, send the animal back, place it in quarantine, or, in extreme cases, take more stringent measures in accordance with animal health regulations.

The owner usually bears the costs. The cost of quarantine, boarding, veterinary procedures, and return transportation depends on the city, shelter, airport, and specific situation. Therefore, it is best to check the exact amount with the port of entry or the local veterinary authority if there is any uncertainty regarding the documents.

Prohibited Dog Breeds

Germany restricts the import of dangerous dogs under federal law. Dogs of the following breeds, as well as their mixed breeds, may not be imported:

Pit Bull Terrier;
American Staffordshire Terrier;
Staffordshire Bull Terrier;
Bull Terrier.

Exceptions exist, but they are limited and require prior verification. Additionally, each federal state may have its own rules regarding the keeping of dangerous dogs: registration, muzzles, leashes, a certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis), behavior tests, higher taxes, or bans on certain breeds. If your dog resembles one of the listed breeds or is a mixed breed, obtain written clarification before your trip.

How to Prepare for a Flight with Your Pet

1. First, check the airline’s rules

Each airline has its own limits on weight, carrier size, the number of animals on board, and whether they are transported in the cabin, checked baggage, or cargo hold. It’s best to confirm your pet’s travel arrangements directly with the airline rather than assuming that a purchased ticket automatically resolves the issue.

Special restrictions apply to brachycephalic breeds due to the risk of respiratory problems during transport. Some airlines do not accept such animals in the passenger cabin or will only transport them via cargo service. Lufthansa Cargo offers the “Live Animals” service, but you should check the terms, routes, and availability before booking.

This is Bilbo, a puppy belonging to a reader from Brazil, who flew from Brazil to Germany in 2022.

2. Get your pet used to the carrier in advance

The carrier should become a familiar and calm place. Set it up at home in advance, place a familiar bedding or toy inside, feed the animal next to or inside the carrier, and gradually close the door for short periods of time. A few short car rides will help you understand how the animal handles motion and noise.

3. Check the requirements for the carrier

For the passenger cabin, the key considerations are the space under the seat, ventilation, and the total weight including the animal. For the cargo hold, a rigid carrier meeting IATA standards is usually required: the animal must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down in a natural position. An unsuitable carrier may not be accepted at check-in.

4. Plan for the airport inspection

At security screening, you may be asked to remove your pet from its carrier. A harness and leash are useful for cats and anxious dogs. At some airports, you can request a private screening room, but this is not guaranteed.

5. Do not administer medication without consulting a veterinarian

If your pet becomes very anxious, discuss your options with a veterinarian in advance. Do not use sedatives on the day of departure without consulting a veterinarian first: your pet’s reaction during the flight may differ from how it behaves at home, and some medications increase risks associated with changes in air pressure and stress.

6. Set up food and water

Avoid making sudden changes to your pet’s diet before the flight. The timing of the last feeding depends on the animal and the length of the trip, so it’s best to consult with a veterinarian. Pack a small supply of your pet’s usual food, a collapsible bowl, diapers, bags, and wet wipes for the trip.

7. Prepare for the Day of Departure

Some pets hide when they see suitcases. On the day of travel, keep your pet in a quiet, safe room so you don’t have to search for it before the taxi arrives. Documents, a leash, a carrier, and food should be gathered in advance.

8. Check Airports and Transit

Check whether airports have pet relief areas, whether you can take the animal out of its carrier, how the layover works, and whether the requirements change when transiting through a non-EU country or a country with a different veterinary status.

9. Prepare for inspection upon arrival

At the border, officials may check your documents, the microchip, and the animal’s condition. If your pet traveled as cargo, picking it up may take longer than the usual airport exit process. Find out in advance where the cargo terminal is located and what documents are required for pickup.

Pets on Trains in Germany

On Deutsche Bahn trains, small pets in a closed carrier are usually transported free of charge if the carrier fits as carry-on luggage. A dog not traveling in a carrier must be on a leash and wear a muzzle, and a separate ticket is required for large dogs.

For long-distance travel, the rules and ticket purchase depend on the type of train and fare. For regional and city transit systems, the conditions are set by local transit authorities, so a dog may travel for free in one city, while in another, a ticket or additional restrictions may be required.

Housing and Life After Moving

Before moving, check whether pets are allowed in your apartment. For dogs and cats, the landlord’s consent is often required, especially for long-term leases. The lease agreement may include specific rules regarding the animal’s size, noise, common areas, and liability for damage.

How much does it cost to bring a pet to Germany?

The cost depends heavily on the country of departure, the airline, the animal’s size, the need for antibody testing, the services of an official veterinarian, translation fees, cargo transportation, and the use of an agent, if any. For a single pet, costs can vary significantly.

You should budget for the following:

Cost	What it depends on
Microchip and Vaccination	Veterinary Fees and Country of Departure
Rabies antibody titration test	Not required for all countries; the laboratory and sample delivery are important
Animal health certificate	Official veterinarian’s fee and certification by the country’s authorities
Carrier	Size, IATA standard, cabin or cargo
Flight	Airline, route, weight, cargo or cabin
Agent/Freight Forwarder	Not always required; more common for cargo shipments
Customs and airport fees	Vary by airport and mode of transport
Quarantine or Holding	Only in case of issues with documentation or inspection

Past examples of costs are useful only as a rough guide. Before traveling, it’s best to check current rates with your veterinarian, the airline, and the airport.

FAQ

Does a pet need a passport to enter Germany?

When traveling from an EU country, you generally need an EU pet passport. When traveling from a non-EU country, you need an animal health certificate for non-commercial import. After moving to Germany, you can have your pet’s EU pet passport issued by an authorized veterinarian for future trips.

Does Germany require quarantine upon entry?

If all documents, the microchip, vaccinations, and, if necessary, antibody testing are in order, routine quarantine is usually not required. Quarantine is imposed as a measure in cases of noncompliance with requirements or if the animal’s status cannot be verified.

Is it possible to bring more than five pets?

The standard non-commercial procedure is designed for a maximum of five animals. Exceptions are possible, for example, for participation in competitions or exhibitions, provided additional conditions are met. In other cases, commercial rules may apply.

Can I fly with a brachycephalic dog?

It is sometimes possible, but the rules are strict and depend on the airline, season, route, and mode of transport. Check the conditions in advance and discuss the risks with your veterinarian.

What should you do if the country of departure is not on the list of rabies-free countries?

Plan your move well in advance. After vaccination, you must wait for the blood sample to be drawn, receive the results from an accredited laboratory, and wait three months before entering the EU.

Key Points

When moving to Germany with a pet, it’s best to plan based on the regulations rather than your ticket date. The most common problems arise from incorrect microchipping or vaccination procedures, a missed antibody test, entering the country too soon after vaccination, an unsuitable carrier, or breed restrictions. Check the official requirements of the BMEL/BMLEH, Customs, the airline, and the port of entry before purchasing your final tickets.