Is Germany a good place to travel or relocate to with cats and/or dogs?

Here are reviews and details to help you see if Germany is a good place to travel with your cats and/or dogs

Official EU government website on importing pets

Official government website on pets coming from the US to Germany

Entry Requirements from Non-high Rabies Country 

Also called “Part 1” and “Part 2” listed countries

Medical Requirements:

The anti-rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel.

You must wait 21 days for travel If the animal is being vaccinated against rabies for the first time or if the previous vaccination is no longer valid.

Documentation Required and how to get it:

You will need a health certificate prepared by a vet from the country of departure.

For pets coming from the US, that certificate has to be endorsed by a USDA Endorsement Office.  Before your pet can enter the European Union, an endorsement must be given by a veterinarian 10 days before its arrival.

You only need the EU pet passport if you’re traveling between EU countries. It’s easy, and all the information is listed there.

An EU pet passport is recommended for pets that will travel through the EU or will be repeat visitors. For future visits, health certificates can be replaced with the EU passport. 

There are some airlines that require a vet’s certificate showing the pet is healthy in order to fly.

Entry Requirements from High Rabies Country 

Also called “Unlisted Countries”

Medical Requirements:

The anti-rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of travel.

Have your pet’s blood sample (rabies titration) tested for rabies at an EU-authorized lab three months before you travel (list of rabies testing authorized laboratories on the Europa website). So long as the rabies vaccine is current, the test results will remain valid.

 Documentation Required and how to get it:

Obtain an official health certificate issued by a veterinarian in the country of departure. Look to see if the country you are coming from has timeline requirements.

Have a health certificate prepared by a vet from the country of departure. Depending on the country you are arriving from, you may be required to meet specific timelines.

An EU pet passport is recommended for pets that will travel through the EU or will be repeat visitors. For future visits, health certificates can be replaced with the EU passport for future visits.

There are some airlines that require a vet’s certificate showing the pet is healthy in order to fly.

Additional Considerations

Microchip Requirements:

(ISO) standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 microchips given before or at the time of the rabies vaccine.

Quarantine Requirements (if any):

NA other than exceptional circumstances

Breed Restrictions:

There are breed restrictions for class one: American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit-Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bullterrier

Class two owners must provide proof the animal is not aggressive by passing a temperament test. The results are registered with the Safety and Public Order Office.  Dogs have to be over 9 months. Breeds include: Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff/Italian Corso Dog), Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Mastino Napoletano, Mastin Espanol, Dogo Canario (Perro de Presa Canario), Rottweiler, Perro de Presa Mallorquin (Ca de Bou)

Number of pet restrictions:

5 pets per person

Other:

puppies and kittens have to be at least 15 weeks

Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US?

No

Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?

No

Are you flying to Germany?

Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide

Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety

This information was last updated January 2023. 
If you notice any errors or updates, please let us know by contacting us here.