Germany
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, lies in Central Europe between the Baltic and North Sea to the north and the Alps to the south, bordering Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. As an EU member state, it follows the EU’s harmonized framework for pet entry, with additional federal and state-level breed restrictions.
At a Glance
Germany, as an EU member state, requires an EU Health Certificate and rabies vaccination for pet entry. No blood test or quarantine is required for pets arriving from EU or low-risk rabies countries.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test
High-risk origins only
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Import Permit
Required for some breeds
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Min. Age
15 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Min. Prep Time
3–4 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter, accounting for the 21-day wait after rabies vaccination. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need significantly more time due to the additional titer test and waiting period.
Microchip Before Vaccination
The ISO-compliant microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is given, per EU standard.
Rabies Vaccination
Required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets, per EU standard, with a 21-day wait before travel.
Rabies Titer Test — High-Risk Origins Only
Required only if the pet is travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country, per EU standard. Pets from Malaysia also require a Nipah virus test.
EU Health Certificate
Required for pets entering the EU from outside, per EU standard.
EU Pet Passport — For Onward Travel
Not used for the initial entry into the EU. Once the pet is in Germany, an authorised veterinarian can issue an EU Pet Passport, which then replaces the Health Certificate for any further travel within EU member states.
Customs Broker & Destination Agent
A customs broker is highly recommended. A destination agent is required to handle the arrival process.
Number of Pets
A maximum of 5 pets per person under the non-commercial route. Travelling with 6 or more pets, or without the owner travelling within 5 days of the pet, classifies the move as commercial and requires the commercial health certificate instead.
Prohibited Breeds
Import into Germany is banned outright for Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bullterriers, and Bullterriers. Exemptions are possible only in special cases via application to the responsible authority. Exports and transits through Germany are not affected.
Import Permit — Restricted Breeds
A longer list of breeds considered “dangerous” — including the Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Dobermann, Rottweiler, Mastiff types, and several others — requires an import permit from the responsible local authority before entry. The exact list of restricted breeds varies by federal state.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
This is the standard timeline for most origins and unrestricted breeds. Pets travelling from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test step, and restricted breeds need an import permit before travel — see Key Requirements above.
1
Microchip Implanted
Before rabies vaccination
2
Rabies Vaccination
At least 21 days before travel
3
Titer Test (high-risk origins only)
30 days after vaccination; 3-month wait before entry
4
EU Health Certificate Issued
Within 10 days before travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EU Pet Passport to travel to Germany?
Not for the initial trip. Pets entering the EU from outside need an EU Health Certificate. The EU Pet Passport is only issued once your pet is already in the EU, and is used for travel between EU countries afterward.
Is there quarantine in Germany?
No quarantine required for compliant pets travelling within the EU framework.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter Germany?
Only if travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. A certified agent can confirm your origin country’s status →
Do requirements differ depending on where my pet is travelling from?
Yes. Pets from EU countries or countries the EU considers low-risk for rabies only need standard vaccination and a health certificate, with no blood test and no quarantine. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test at least 30 days after vaccination, plus a 3-month wait before entry — adding significant time to preparation.
Are certain dog breeds banned from entering Germany?
Yes — Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bullterriers, and Bullterriers cannot be imported into Germany, with exemptions only in special cases. A separate, longer list of breeds considered “dangerous” requires an import permit rather than an outright ban — the exact list varies by federal state.
Do I need an import permit for my dog’s breed?
It depends on the breed. Breeds on Germany’s restricted list need an import permit from the local authority before entry, and the list differs by state. Check your specific destination state and breed with a certified pet relocation specialist before travel.
Which major airports have direct flights to Germany?
Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg all serve as recommended entry airports, with direct connections from many origins worldwide. Routing options depend on your departure country — check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to Germany?
Get a free personalised quote →
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.