How to Travel With a Dog to Germany

As part of the European Union, Germany follows the pet travel and import regulations of the EU member states. Requirements for entry vary depending on where the dog is is coming from, whether the animal is arriving in Germany for commercial or non-commercial purposes, whether the animal will go through customs of another country while in transit, how old the dog is and what breed it is.

Instructions

How to Travel with a Dog to Germany from a Non-EU Member State

1

Call the nearest Germany embassy or consulate to inquire about any recent changes in pet travel policy. Check whether your dog is considered a "dangerous dog" by German Customs and Immigration. Pitbull terriers, Staffordshire terriers, and several other breeds may not be allowed to enter the country. Some exceptions apply for travelers planning to stay in Germany for four weeks or less.

2

Determine whether you will be traveling with your dog from a country deemed to have a favorable situation in regard to rabies or an unfavorable situation in regard to rabies according to EU regulations. You can find out this classification from the Europa Animal Health and Welfare website.

3

Ensure your pet's rabies vaccinations are up to date. For dogs traveling from countries with a favorable rabies situation, proof of vaccination is usually the only medical requirement. For dogs traveling from other countries, a blood test taken three months before entry to Germany may be required.

4

Arrange for your pet to be identified via tattoo (valid for travel in Germany and other EU member states until July 3, 2011) or microchip.

5

Print out a bilingual veterinary certificate and have it filled out by your veterinarian to show proof of rabies vaccination and proof of pet identification. US travelers should forward the form to a USDA/APHIS office for verification.

6

Consider your travel arrangements. If your dog will stop in transit in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Sweden or Finland while en route to Germany, additional tests and documentation may be required such as anti-tapeworm treatment or additional blood titres to prove rabies immunity.

7

Contact the airline to inquire about specific regulations and requirements for travel with dogs if you plan to fly with your pet. Airlines usually require an International Health Certificate issued within 10 days of the departure date.

How to Travel With a Dog to Germany From an EU Member State

8

Contact the nearest Germany embassy or consulate to inquire about any recent changes in pet travel policy or additional requirements.

9

Obtain travel identification for your dog by getting an ISO 15-digit electronic micro-chip. The micro-chips are electronic transponders. No dogs will be allowed to move between EU countries after July 3, 2011 without the transponders. Until that point, a clearly readable tattoo can be used for identification purposes.

10

Visit your veterinarian and obtain a pet passport. In order to travel to Germany, your dog will need documentation of a valid rabies vaccination.

11

Consider your travel arrangements. If your dog will stop in transit in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Malta, Sweden or Finland while en route to Germany, additional tests and documentation may be required such as anti-tapeworm treatment or additional blood titres to prove rabies immunity.

12

Contact the airline to inquire about specific regulations and requirements for travel with dogs if you plan to fly with your pet. Airlines usually require an International Health Certificate issued within 10 days of the departure date.