How to Move Your Pet to Germany: A Guide for Pet Parents
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.
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.
What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?
Rabies VaccineThe 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
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.
FAQ: Moving Your Pet To Germany
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