Germany seems to be a hotspot for not only military but also corporate relocation. You’ve heard us say it before, but our pets are family and there’s no relocating without them in tow. Here are a few things to consider for pet transport to Germany.

Germany – EU

Germany is a part of what is known as the EU or European Union. The European Union consists of the following countries Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. If you are moving to Germany from another EU country and your pet has an EU pet passport, you’re good to go.

Pet Travel Requirements

When relocating your pets to Germany from the USA there are two important steps to consider.

1. ISO Compliant Microchip: All pets must be given an ISO compliant microchip prior to their rabies vaccination.
2. Rabies Vaccination: A rabies vaccination is the only required vaccination for importing pets into Germany. All pets have a waiting period of 21 days from the date of vaccination and arrival into Germany.

While not a requirement, it is always recommended to have your pets yearly vaccinations updated prior to travel. This includes the following:

Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP), and Bordetella

Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP)

Commercial vs. Non-Commercial

Pet travel to Germany is classified in two ways: commercial and non-commercial shipments.

For pet travel to be considered non-commercial they must meet the following requirements:

• Pet owner traveling within five days of pet.
• Pet is not to be sold or transferred to another owner upon arrival into Germany.
• The number of pets must not exceed five in a single move.

For pets traveling as non-commercial they will need to be seen by a USDA accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel to complete an export health exam and EU health certificate.

Pet transport that meets the following requirements is considered a commercial shipment:

• Pet owner is traveling more than five days after or before pet.
• Pet is traveling with the intention of being sold or transferred to another owner in Germany.
• The number of pets traveling with owner exceeds five.

Commercial movements require that pets be seen by a USDA accredited veterinarian within 48 hours of travel to complete their export health exam and EU health certificate.

Regardless of whether your pet is traveling as commercial or non-commercial, their health certificate MUST be endorsed by the USDA.

Please note that this is not a complete list of requirements so it is important to consult with a pet travel expert about your specific move to ensure your fur babies are fit for travel to Germany.

Banned Breeds in Germany

Sadly, some breeds are banned for import into Germany. This list includes Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, or any mixes of these breeds.

Rottweilers and other dangerous breeds might not be banned but are subject to a viciousness test.

World Pet Travel made the process of shipping our pets to Germany as smooth as it could’ve been. Though it was a little higher price wise, it comes with the quality of service. Clear communication, timely responses, making adjustments to match our needs, definitely great service overall.”

Barrow Family

Let our pet transportation team help you with your pet move overseas, whether to Germany or anywhere else life takes you.