Pet import requirements for Germany
What Germany asks for before a dog or cat can enter — the microchip, the rabies work, the permit and the paperwork — and how far ahead you need to start. We handle all of it on a move we arrange.
Import rules change, and they change without notice. Last verified 2025-12-02 by the country-profile service Furry Freight uses; profile last updated 2025-12-02. Confirm every requirement with the authority named below, or with us on (424) 421-1650, before you book a flight or start any vet work.
Germany at a glance
| Requirement | For Germany |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Yes, all major systems can be checked by authorities |
| Rabies | According to EU standard |
| Rabies antibody test Required | According to EU standard Titer-Country List: https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/listing-territories-and-non-eu-countries_en Moves from Malaysia need a… |
| Import permit | Depending on breed |
| Quarantine | None on arrival |
| Minimum age to travel | Minimum - 15 Weeks |
| Customs clearance | Strongly advised |
| Agent at destination | A destination agent is required for Germany |
Where this fits in the timeline. The order matters more than the effort: a rabies vaccination given before the microchip was implanted does not count in most regimes, and a titer test drawn too early restarts a waiting period. On a move we handle, we check your pet's existing dates against these rules on the free consultation before anything is booked.
The detail
Highly Recommended. A destination agent is required for Germany. Germany, of ficially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. Have the HAWB issued to DUS, FRA, STR, MUC, BER, HAM, and 3 other listed airports unless the airline assigns a different live-animal station.
Import requirements
Minimum - 15 Weeks
According to EU standard.
Tax free possible. Depending on time being in Germany. Different paperwork is required.
Always to provide is a passport in copy of the pet owner and letter declaring why pet owner is moving and duration of stay in Germany (ideal if this document is written by employer of pet owner if it’s for a work assignment).
If the move is for personal reasons and not work related, a letter/statement must be provided with the reason for entry into Germany (even German citizens) also stating length of stay outside of Germany. Registration in Germany (if available), rental contract and personal flight ticket into Germany.
For military moves a copy of the ID card and military orders (PCS orders) are a must.
Standard procedure. Please have an in voice with value of animals and freight available. Customs will charge 19 % entry tax on total value. Value of the animals should be a real value.
no
Identification and microchip
Yes, all major systems can be checked by authorities.
Rabies and vaccinations
According to EU standard.
Tests and treatments
According to EU standard
Titer-Country List:
https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/listing-territories-and-non-eu-countries_en
Moves from Malaysia need a NIPAH Virus tests for dogs/cats/ferrets.
According to EU standard.
Health certificate and permits
According to EU standard.
Depending on breed. For “dangerous breeds,” the owner must apply to the responsible local authority. The list of dangerous breeds varies from state to state.
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_de.htm
Quarantine
No quarantine facilities available.
Only for birds on request.
Restrictions and banned breeds
Dog breeds: Alano, American Bulldog, (American) Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bandog, Bullmastiff, Bullterrier, Cane Corso/Cane Corso Italiano, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal, Kaukasischer Owtscharka, Mastiff, Mastín Español, Mastino Napoletano, Perro de Presa Canario, Perro de Presa Canario (Dogo Canario), Perro de Presa Mallorquin, Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bullterrier, Tosa Inu
For more in formation, please follow this link: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasseliste
Be careful with gnawers. Some breeds need an import permit.
Import of the following breeds into Germany is prohibited!
- Pitbull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire-Bullterrier
- Bullterrier
https://www.gesetze-im-in ternet.de/hundverbreinfg/BJNR053010001.html
§ 2 - In special cases, an exemption may be possible.
Exports and transits are not affected.
Customs, agents, and airports
Highly Recommended
A destination agent is required for Germany.
FRA, MUC, BER, HAM
Airports listed on this destination file: DUS, FRA, STR, MUC, BER, HAM, HAJ, QGV, CGN.
Entering Germany is like everywhere else in the EU. First veterinary clearance at the Border Inspection Post then customs clearance at customs. Vet hours are usually from 6:30 to 10:00pm on weekdays. Customs usually 24 hours. Last vet entry than can be made is latest 8:30pm. Pets can arrive on weekends and can be cleared.
Export notes
Requirements of the respective destination country. No export permit necessary. Only an export customs declaration (cargo) is required.
Other pets / CITES / extra rules
April-16-2018 - Pet Import FRA
Regional Meeting Presentation by Michael Laux, AnimalLogistics
Official contacts
Federal Cites Ministry:
Bundesamt für Naturschutz
Konstantinstr. 110
53179 Bonn
Telefon: +49 228 8491-0
Telefax: +49 228 8491-9999
E-Mail: info@bfn.de
Federal Customs Authority:
Generalzolldirektion
Am Propsthof 78 a
53121 Bonn
Federal Vet Ministry:
Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft
Rochusstraße 1
D-53123 Bonn
Telefon: +49 228 99 529 - 0
Fax: +49 228 99 529 - 4262
E-Mail: poststelle@bmel.bund.de
Current as of 2025
Disclaimer
Import rules change without much warning. Confirm every vaccine date, test, permit, and crate routing with the destination veterinary authority before you travel. This page is a planning brief for Furry Freight customers, last checked against the IPATA country profile dated 2025-12-02.
Next: measure your dog, find the kennel size, then get a free travel quote. Moving on military orders? PCS moves. Going to Hawaiʻi instead? Hawaiʻi has its own regime.
Other destinations: Albania · Andorra · Austria · all destinations
Questions about moving a pet to Germany
Does my dog or cat need a microchip for Germany?
Yes, all major systems can be checked by authorities
From the country profile, last verified 2025-12-02.
What rabies vaccination does Germany require?
According to EU standard
Is a rabies antibody (titer) test needed for Germany?
According to EU standard Titer-Country List: https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets/eu-legislation/listing-territories-and-non-eu-countries_en Moves from Malaysia need a…
A titer test is the single most common reason a move takes months rather than weeks, because the waiting period runs from the blood draw.
Do I need an import permit to bring a pet into Germany?
Depending on breed
Will my pet be quarantined on arrival in Germany?
None on arrival