How to Move Your Pet to Germany: A Guide for Pet Parents

What Do You Need to Transport Your Pet to Germany?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel

Moving your pet to Germany can be a smooth process with the right knowledge and preparation. Our expert guide covers topics from health certifications to travel tips, ensuring your pet’s safe arrival into Germany.

Please note that pet import requirements can vary depending on your country of origin. For instance, if you're moving from a high-risk rabies country to Germany, a FAVN-OIE Rabies Titre Test is required, while this test is not necessary when moving from a low-risk rabies country to Germany.

For detailed information on guidelines for importing pets from non-EU countries, visit here.

If you’re traveling from another EU country, your pet will need a pet passport, which is required for dogs, cats, and ferrets.


Important Notes on Pet Travel Timelines



What Is Needed To Transport Your Pet To Germany?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel



Moving your pet to Germany can be a smooth process with the right knowledge and preparation. Our expert guide covers topics from health certifications to travel tips, ensuring your pet’s safe arrival into Germany.

Please note that pet import requirements can vary depending on your country of origin. For instance, if you're moving from high-risk rabies country to Germany, a FAVN-OIE Rabies Titre Test is required, while this test is not necessary when moving from a low-risk rabies country to Germany.

For detailed information on guidelines for importing pets from non-EU countries, visit here.

If you’re traveling from another EU country, your pet will need a pet passport, which is required for dogs, cats, and ferrets.


Important Notes on Pet Travel Timelines


The time required for your pet to meet health requirements for travel depends on your location. For example, relocating a pet from a high-risk rabies country can take up to 3-4 months, while moving a pet from a low-risk rabies country typically takes 4-6 weeks of preparation before entry.

It's important to plan your pet's move several months in advance to ensure you can secure your desired travel date.

Happy dog sitting in a red car, ready for transportation, with a joyful expression, symbolizing safe and comfortable pet travel.
Happy dog sitting in a red car, ready for transportation, with a joyful expression, symbolizing safe and comfortable pet travel.

What Are Germany's Pet Restrictions?


The following dog breeds (both pure-bred and cross-bred) are not allowed to enter Germany:
Alano, American Bulldog, Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bandog, Bullmastiff, Bullterrier, Cane Corso, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal, Kaukasischer Owtscharka, Mastiff, Mastín Español, Mastino Napoletano, Perro de Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bullterrier, Tosa Inu.


Should I Keep My Pet's Original Health Documents When Moving to Germany?


Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!!



Health Requirements For Pet's To Enter Germany 


Microchip


Microchip Timing: Your pet's microchip must be implanted before receiving their most recent vaccinations.


ISO-Compliant Microchip: Ensure your pet is identified with a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip.


Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.


Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.


A cat and dog sitting calmly at the vet's office, being examined before travel, symbolizing pre-travel health checks for pets.

A cat and dog sitting calmly at the vet's office, being examined before travel, symbolizing pre-travel health checks for pets.

What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?

Rabies Vaccine

The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old and valid for one year at the time of entry into Germany. This vaccine must either be administered at the same time as your pet's 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip or after the microchip is implanted, depending on your country of origin.

If your pet was microchipped after their most recent rabies vaccine, they may need to receive another rabies vaccine to meet Germany's entry requirements.


Additional Vaccines


While general vaccinations are not mandatory for pets traveling to Germany, they are strongly recommended to be administered at least 14 days before your pet’s journey to ensure their health and safety during travel.

For Dogs:

  • DHPP+L: Protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.
  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough): Should be given within the last 6 months.

For Cats:

  • FVRCP: Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia.

These optional vaccines help protect your pet from common diseases, ensuring a safer travel experience.


Blood Test 

If your country of origin is not listed, or its rabies status is uncertain or high-risk, additional requirements will apply.


  • A government-accredited veterinarian must collect a blood sample 30 days or more after your pet’s most recent rabies vaccination and send it to an approved laboratory for testing.
  • The test results must show a titre level of 0.5 IU/mL or higher for your pet to be eligible for entry into Germany.
  • Your pet will be eligible to enter Germany 3 months from the date the blood sample is taken, provided the result is successful.

NOTE: It can take 4-6+ WEEKS to receive the rabies titre test results back from the laboratory.




Document Requirements For Pet's To Enter Germany 


Health Certificate


A government-accredited veterinarian must examine your pet and complete the EU Annex IV Health Certificate within 7 to 10 days of your pet’s intended departure, depending on your country of origin. If your pet is not traveling within 5 days of your planned journey to Germany, the documentation coordination timeline will need to be adjusted.


Additional Document Requirements

A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.

The additional documents required for your pet’s relocation depend on your country of origin. For example:

  • If you are moving from Singapore, you will need a copy of your dog’s valid AVS Dog License (dogs only), which is required for export out of Singapore.

A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.


FAQ: Moving Your Pet To Germany 




PawPrint City Guides For Popular Cities in Germany 


Planning pet transport to Germany? Explore our PawPrint Guide for safe, pet-friendly services, including veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet shops!


Frankfurt, Germany
Berlin, Germany
Ludwigshafen, Germany
Munich, Germany



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