Bringing a Dog to Germany (2024)- Your Ultimate Guide
Find yourself relocating to Germany and need to bring the whole family along? Jonathan and I both had furry family members long before we decided to make the move overseas. So when it came time to make the move, bringing a dog to Germany from the USA was essential. But understanding the paperwork and health certificates for moving a dog abroad was complicated, to say the least. To help you navigate the rules of pet relocation to Germany, we’ve put together this ultimate guide. Let us help answer all of your questions on moving your pet from the US to Germany.
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Flying Your Pet from the US to Germany
Let’s be honest - it is good to be a pet in Germany. Take dogs, for example. It is extremely common for Germans to take their dogs everywhere - even inside stores and restaurants and on public transit. Don’t be surprised to see your colleague’s German Shepherd show up at a work meeting, or a bowl of water brought to your table for your Dachshund at a fancy restaurant.
If you’re planning on bringing your furry friend with you to Germany, there are a few important steps to keep in mind. Let’s start with a step-by-step overview on the process of flying dogs or cats to Germany.
Step 1: Prepare for Bringing your Dog to Germany
First things first - if you’re moving your pet from the US to Germany, you’re likely flying your furry friend on a commercial airline. However, the rules and regulations on taking dogs or cats to Germany depend largely on the size, breed, and length of the flight. Here are a few important items to keep in mind:
Make sure your dog is not a restricted breed. Did you know that each of Germany’s 16 states has its own laws concerning “dangerous dogs” that are not allowed? See our frequently asked questions below for more about “SoKa” (prohibited dog breeds). In addition, airlines also ban certain breeds that “have unique respiratory challenges due to the anatomy of their noses and throats, and are more prone to risk when under stress or exposed to other environmental changes.” (United Airlines) Essentially flat nosed dogs such as boxers and pugs are not allowed to fly.
Be prepared to pay: Generally speaking, long-haul transatlantic flights for a kenneled dog in the luggage hold will run you between $200 and $600 USD/direction. However, it is not uncommon for very large breeds, such as Great Danes to cost significantly more.
Review In-Cabin or Cargo Hold Airline Pet Restrictions: On flights of less than 10 hours, many airlines allow small cats or dogs in the cabin - but not all. For example, American Airlines outright bans in-cabin pets for transatlantic flights. However other airlines typically only allow one pet per passenger and a maximum of two pets in the entire cabin. Keep in mind, most airlines do not allow in-cabin pets in business class, first class sections, premium economy or in bulkhead/emergency rows. You’ll have to book an economy class ticket if you want your pet in the cabin. This policy actually has more to do with under-seat space than with “class”.
Non-Stop is Best. Between the 3-4 hours at the departure airport beforehand, the flight time to Germany and arrival sequence, your pet could be looking at 15 hours in their kennel. Thankfully, most airlines make sure that Fido is treated with first class attention, including first on, and first off the plane. However, for long-haul flights, a single non-stop flight is best and worth the extra expense.
Check the Weather Forecast. Most airlines restrict pet flights with forecasted temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary. Make sure to plan accordingly.
Step 2: Research Airline Compliant Pet Carriers
Once you’ve decided on the airline and the airline requirements for flying a pet abroad, you then need to do your research on airline compliant pet carriers.
If you plan on bringing your pet in the cabin of a plane, the container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation. We recommend carriers such as the Sherpa, Bergan, and SturdiBag pet carriers. These options are all airline compliant as long as the carrier is the proper size - however always contact your airline for their updated carrier requirements prior to travel.
If your furry friend will be riding in the cargo hold of the plane, you’ll need to invest in a suitable crate. The carrier must be large enough to allow your pet to stand and turn around. In addition, the container must have ventilation and room for movement. Label your pet’s kennel carefully and prominently so that it won’t get lost during transit and ensure that your furry friend has adequate food and water for the journey to Germany. We recommend containers such as the Petmate Sky Kennel for flying your pet to Germany. If you already have a crate, conversion kits like this include airline compliant bolts, secure water and food bowls, pee pads, pet information forms, and food storage bags for your furry friend.
Rules regarding approved types of containers for cats, dogs, ferrets, and birds flying in the cabin and as cargo were created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). We recommend that you read the IATA requirements before traveling with your pet.
Step 3: Make your Airline Reservation for your Dog
While you probably consider your furry friend as a family member - airlines consider them more like a type of luggage when it comes to ticketing and payment.
You will pay at the gate, not at the time of online ticketing, for flying your pet to Germany from the USA. However, you need to let the airline know that you will be bringing your pooch along well in advance. Germany limits the number of non-commercial animals which are allowed to immigrate on any one plane at a given time.
Call ahead to reserve your furry friend’s spot!
Step 4: Make Sure Your Dog has the Correct Micro-Chip
Before bringing a dog to Germany, you need to make sure that they can be identified by a microchip. This is very important as no other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip used should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. Most vets will know about this, but you should ask and make sure.
Make sure to do this PRIOR to the rabies shot!
At Frankfurt Airport with Java
Required Dog Vaccinations for Bringing a Dog to Germany
Speaking of shots and vaccinations, you will need to make sure that the type and timing of the vaccinations comply for bringing your dog to Germany. Here are the German dog vaccination requirements:
All pets must be vaccinated against rabies and have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the vet. The Rabies vaccine must be at least 30 days old at the time of the final health exam.
Pets may travel to Germany with a current one year vaccine (also known as a “primary” vaccine).
Pets may also travel to Germany with a 3 year vaccine that was administered less than a year ago (otherwise it may be considered a booster).
Other recommended vaccines include:
Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordetella.
Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).
These vaccinations should be valid at the time of arrival in Germany and administered no less than two weeks before your trip for maximum effectiveness.
Getting Your Dog’s USDA Health Certificate
You’re nearly ready to fly! The last step before leaving the United States is to get your pet a USDA Health Certificate. But be warned: with this important step, TIMING IS CRITICAL.
At the latest of 20 days prior to your travel, your USDA Accredited Veterinarian must issue (complete and sign) a USDA Health Certificate. This signed health certificate is then valid for a maximum of 10 days.
Within that 10 day period, you must then travel to your local APHIS office where it is then counter-signed and embossed/stamped). This step must occur within 10 days prior to entering the EU.
Note: APHIS endorsement is not required for a health certificate issued by a military veterinarian
This health certificate is valid for travel within the EU for up to 4 months from the date it is issued by the USDA Accredited Veterinarian as long as the rabies vaccine documented on it does not expire. If you plan on staying in Germany longer than 4 months, you will need to make an appointment with a veterinarian in Germany in order to comply with local vaccination rules and obtain an EU pet passport.
For information on fees associated with the Health Certificate endorsement, read more from the USDA.
The EU 5-Day Rule For Importing Pets to Europe
To prevent the illegal and unethical trade of animals, the European Union instated a 5 day rule . This stipulates that the owners of pets must either accompany their pets or travel within five days of the pet – either before or after.
If you are unable to travel within 5 days of your furry friend, your pet will be subject to different and more stringent requirements before they are allowed into Germany. You can read more about such requirements here.
Getting Your EU Dog Passport
As we mention above, you have a maximum of 4 months to make an appointment with a local veterinarian to obtain an EU pet passport. Yes, that’s right. Your family pet will have their very own passport just like you!
A European Union Pet Passport is required of all EU pet owners when traveling with their animals. Importantly, these passports include all important identifying and health information about your pet, such as:
Name and address of animal owner
Description of the animal (breed, sex, age, color)
Number of microchip
Date of the rabies vaccination, period of validity of the vaccination, type of vaccine, name of manufacturer and production number
Address and signature of the veterinarian.
The goal of the European Pet Travel Scheme is to standardize the medical proof that an animal has been properly vaccinated and treated for other conditions such as ticks and tapeworm. Furthermore, the pet passport has all up-to-date animal information should you require pet boarding in Germany.
EU Pet Passports can only be issued by an authorized EU veterinarian; so you won’t be able to get one in the US. Luckily, most veterinarians in European Union countries are authorized and able to issue pet passports (and speak English!).
Pet insurance in Germany
Last but not least, we strongly encourage you to take out a policy for pet liability insurance.
Read HERE our full write-up on why you need dog liability insurance.
Germany is notorious for their rules and regulations - and for lecturing others about rules and regulations should they break any of them. And although Germany is remarkably dog-friendly, they also place extreme importance on your dog’s behavior. For example, you should always keep a plastic bag with you when on excursions with your dog. Owners must ensure that the animal does not go potty on the pavement. In some cities, you could face a fine.
In addition, dogs must be kept on a 1 to 2 meter leash in certain areas, such as public parks and buildings or on public transport.
Go here to sign up for GETSAFE in just a few minutes.
Pet liability insurance is a special kind of insurance that is not so much about protecting your dog, as it is about protecting other people and their property from your dog. Because pet owners in Germany are legally responsible for the animal and its behavior, it is advisable to arrange a special personal liability policy for pet ownership.
If you’re interested in purchasing pet liability insurance in Germany, we strongly suggest taking out a policy through GetSafe.
Dogs are Welcomed in Most Establishments - unless you see this sign: "Dogs Must Stay Outside"
Dogs are welcomed in most establishments in Germany - unless you see this sign: "Dogs Must Stay Outside"
Frequently Asked Questions on Bringing a Dog to Germany
You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Check out our frequently asked questions on taking dogs to Germany below.
What dog breeds are banned in Germany?
Each of Germany’s 16 federal states have their own import requirements and regulations for approved dog breeds. These regulations are called SoKa (“Sogenannter Kampfhund”) and were created by the German government to restrict breeds they deem to be dangerous or aggressive (such as so-called Kampfhunde, “fighting dogs”). You can read more about restrictions on dog breeds from each federal state at this link here.
In addition, you are not allowed to import or bring in certain breeds, including pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, and other dogs which are descendents or mixed breeds from these dogs. If you are not sure about your breed of dog, it is wise to check in advance. You can read more about regulations on importing dogs from a non-EU state in English from the German Customs office (Zollamt).
Does Germany require a quarantine for dogs?
There is no quarantine for pets imported from the US to Germany. However, if you are unable to meet any of the health requirements for your pet, a quarantine up to several months (or an outright ban) may be imposed.
How many pets am I allowed to bring to Germany from the USA?
For non-commercial purposes, you may bring up to 5 animals with you to Germany. Once you exceed the 5 animal maximu, EU Trade regulations will apply.
Should I sedate my pet for airline travel?
No, never sedate your pet prior to air travel. We get it, our precious little JavaDog has major travel anxiety and the thought of her panicking during a long haul flight broke our hearts. However, even medication to help “take the edge off” can leave your furry friend in danger. Your dog or cat needs to be fully aware of themselves and their surroundings in order to stabilize themselves in case of turbulence. Furthermore, most commercial airlines will refuse to transport a sedated pet. Just don’t do it.
Helpful Links
Regulations in Import of Animals from the German Customs Office (Zollamt)
Requirements on pet crates and carriers for airline travel from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
