Pet Travel & Moving to Germany with Animals

The movement of animals within the European Union (EU) and outside of the EU into Germany is strictly controlled and the situation differs according to an animal's country of origin. 

• Animals may also be brought into Germany and mainland Europe from non-EU countries on the EU-approved list without the need for quarantine provided they have the paperwork to prove that vaccinations are up to date
• Anyone travelling with pet dogs, cats or ferrets within the EU must have a European Union Pet Passport (EU Pet Passport) for each animal. This allows for qualifying domestic animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) to freely cross borders in Europe
• The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) provides for qualifying domestic pets to travel to and from mainland Europe and the UK and Ireland without undergoing quarantine

Brining other animals into Germany is subject to national legislation. 

Entering Germany with a Pet

The regulations in force exist mainly to control the movement of cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, ornamental fish, parrots and parakeets, carrier pigeons, some other bird species, and horses. Anyone with rare or unusual pets should seek advice from the German Embassy in their country of origin. Some species will be subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Owners should consult the CITES website in their home country or the German Embassy in their home country for their specific breed.

For those moving to Germany, pets are considered part of the import of personal items and as such the customs authorities allow their entry in to Germany subject to the relevant paperwork being in order. An individual may bring a limited number of animals with them (usually no more than three) strictly on the understanding that they are domestic pets and not for resale. Additional restrictions may apply to animals that are young and not yet vaccinated.

• For information from the Federal Ministry of Food Agriculture and Consumer Protection: Click here  
• The German Customs and Immigration site also has information on the regulations: Click here  

Note: Germany has stringent restrictions on the breeds of dogs allowed into the country. These decisions are made on a state-by-state basis and many are classified as "potentially dangerous". 

• For a list of prohibited dog breeds from the German Customs and Immigration website: Click here 

Moving Pets to Germany from within the European Union

European Union Pet Passport

The EU Pet Passport is a booklet, identical for all European countries, which contains obligatory information concerning an individual animal: identification number, proof of valid vaccine against the rabies virus. It may contain other non-obligatory information. It is valid for the lifetime of the pet. Each passport is numbered for identification purposes.

Animals travelling to Germany need to have:

• Identification by microchip 
• Valid vaccine against rabies 

These must be documented in the animal's EU Pet Passport which may also contain other health records. All vets should have the relevant information and be able to prepare an animal for travel.

There are additional requirements for animals travelling on the EU Pet Passport to Ireland, Sweden, Malta and the United Kingdom, and to Finland where animals must have proof of tapeworm (echinococcosis) treatment. Otherwise, they can be transported between Europe and the following non-mainland European areas: Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearics and to other countries with the same rabies status as the EU. Included are: Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State.

• For information on these places see the EUROPA website

Getting an EU Pet Passport

The passport may only be issued by a licenced vet and the passport and vaccinations should be kept current by the vet.

Before issuing it, the vet will confirm that the animal:

• is identified by a microchip 
• has valid vaccines against rabies 
• has had a blood test to confirm the vaccine is in the system 

Essentially, dogs and cats must be vaccinated against the rabies virus. This vaccination must have been given at least 30 days, but no more than 12 months before crossing the German border. Following these steps the vet can issue a certificate of health - the Pet Passport.

Other pets must have been examined by a vet recently (often within the last ten days) who has certified them to be in good health and free from disease.

Parrots, and parakeets especially, must not be intended for resale and must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate which is not more than ten days old and which states that they have been examined and found to be healthy and that no diseases communicable to parrots and parakeets have been officially notified in their flock of origin within the past 30 days.

• To download the certificate that needs to be filled in: Click here

Pet rabbits and rodents may move between EU countries without vaccination or quarantine.

• Comprehensive information in English from the German Embassy in London: Click here
• Information in English from the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, BMELV: Click here

Moving Pets to Germany from outside the EU

Animals must be identified and accompanied by official documentation along the lines of the EU Pet Passport. Other requirements differ depending on the exact country of origin. In most cases the German Embassy in the country of departure will give details of the requirements. 

Animals entering Germany from outside the EU must have been vaccinated against rabies if they are coming from a country on the approved European list. The US, Canada and Australia are all on this list.

• The full list of EU-approved countries can be viewed in English: Click here
• Canadian citizens see the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website: Click here

Cats and dogs coming from an unlisted and therefore unapproved country will need an additional blood test at least 30 days after their rabies vaccination and three months before travelling. The test must be undertaken by an EU approved laboratory. Quarantine may then not be required on arrival in Germany.

Similar requirements exist if an animal leaves Germany temporarily for an unapproved country and then returns again.

Pet rabbits and rodents coming from outside the EU must spend a period of six months in quarantine.

If coming from a non-EU country a vet in Germany will be able to issue an EU Pet Passport allowing the animal to travel elsewhere within the EU.  

Horses may be shipped internationally, but depending on the country of origin may require a period of quarantine on arrival and must be accompanied by their own paperwork in a similar way to the pet passport scheme. Horses in the UK have a horse passport which travels with them and allows for identification. Not all countries operate such a scheme. Again anyone wishing to import a horse into Germany should consult the German Embassy in their home country for the latest regulations.

Any animals coming from non-EU countries will need paperwork which contains vaccination and identity details. Again Embassies are a useful source of information and some even provide help with translations or standard letters. The vet in the country of origin needs to confirm in writing that the required vaccinations are up to date and that the animal is in good health. A German translation of this is needed.

Assistance/Guide Dogs

Germany is a member of the International Guide Dog Federation. Nevertheless, a guide dog must fulfil all the usual requirements regarding vaccination and identification before being allowed entry to Germany.

Dogs (and in particular assistance dogs) are welcomed in many places throughout Germany. 

Animals are not always allowed in rented accommodation although some landlords will make an exception for guide dogs.

Identification and Registration

Dogs must be registered once in Germany and a tax (Hundesteuer) must be paid. The cost of the tax varies between states and must be renewed annually. New arrivals should register their dog at the local town hall or communal office within 30 days of arrival in Germany. Cats do not need to be registered.

Crossing Borders & Returning Home

Travelling within the EU with pets who have passports is relatively straightforward. Trips to non-EU destinations are more complicated and are likely to involve extra cost. Animals will need to be examined on re-entry to the EU as if entering Germany for the first time.

UK citizens should be aware that travelling outside the EU shortly before returning home may cause problems. UK regulations are stringent and animals which have been outside the EU or the non-EU listed countries in the last six months may face a period of quarantine.

• Anyone planning to travel to the UK, Ireland, Sweden or Malta should consult the EU website for details of additional vaccinations and checks required for entry
• Citizens returning to the USA should consult their Department of Agriculture

Moving Pets between Germany and the UK & Ireland

Dogs, cats and ferrets may travel between from Germany to the UK and Ireland without quarantine, provided some (stringent) requirements are met. The system allowing travel is called the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).

DEFRA, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has comprehensive and up-to-date information on the website and can provide an information pack on request.

• DEFRA website: Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
• Pet Travel Scheme
  Tel: +44 845 933 5577
  e-mail
  Open: Mondays to Fridays 08:00-18:00 UK time

Entering the UK & Ireland

Before entering Britain or Ireland (or Sweden or Malta) from Germany or elsewhere in the EU, an animal must:

• Have an anti-rabies booster vaccination (the pet must be vaccinated by a vet)
• Have a blood test. A blood sample will be taken 30 days after the vaccination and will be sent to an approved laboratory to confirm the vaccination has been effective
• If the sample tests correct, the vet will sign the certificate
• If the sample tests negative, the vaccination and sampling process will be repeated until successful and there will be a six-month delay (see note below)
• Between 24 and 48 hours before departure from Germany the animal must be treated for ticks and tapeworm (echinococcosis). This treatment must be carried out by an authorised vet
• Have microchip identification, a tattoo is not acceptable
• Have a valid European Pet Passport completed with certificates and documentation of treatments

Note: A passport cannot be issued until six months after a satisfactory blood test. Once the vet has issued the pet's documentation and that six-month period has passed, the pet may enter the UK. The travel process is then much the same as above. The passport must be up to date and the rabies booster must be valid.

If the authorities are not satisfied with the animal on entry to the UK it may be held in quarantine until the relevant tests are passed.

Further information from:

• Irish Department of Agriculture website
• British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, DEFRA website

Pet Carriers & Travel Arrangements

An animal may cross several borders en route to its final destination and must be eligible to travel at all times. It must always be accompanied by the relevant paperwork. 

There are specialist companies dealing with the international movement of small and large animals.

There are approved routes and strict regulations relating to care of the animal during its journey. UK citizens should consult the Click here for details of approved ports and airports. Citizens entering Germany from outside the UK should consult their own customs department or ministry of agriculture for information.

As a general rule, an animal must travel in an approved container, which must be big enough for the animal to stand and to sit in during the journey. There must be adequate ventilation and journey times must be kept to a minimum. If the journey is going to last longer than a few hours, food and drink may be necessary. In very hot weather airlines may refuse to carry animals.

Ferry companies, trains and airlines will normally carry caged animals. Consult individual carriers for their conditions and cost of travel. Airlines will normally insist that animals travel in the hold (although if a container will fit under the seat they may allow them in the cabin). Ferry companies normally insist that animals remain below deck (for example in the car) during the crossing. Euro Tunnel allows pets to travel in cars as long as they have the required documentation.

Where animals are travelling apart from their owners their cages must be marked according to the requirements of the airline for identification purposes. Always ensure that documentation is enclosed in the relevant languages.

Inside Germany pets (dogs in particular) are often seen on public transport. The rail network, for example, sells reduced price tickets for them.

Further Information

• German Customs and Immigration: Information in English about the import of animals and restrictions on breeds. Plus useful links to other bodies such as the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz).
• Federal Ministry of Food Agriculture and Consumer Protection has the rules for pets entering the EU
• AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Pet Threats & Animal Dangers in Germany
• Europa: European Union website information on moving pet animals