Germany

• Each pet shall be identified using a microchip.
• No other form of identification is acceptable.
• The microchip should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785.
• Germany currently accepts AVID 9 and AVID 10 in addition to ISO.
• The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered.
• All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the vet. The Rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old at the time of the final health exam.

Further details regarding the rabies vaccine:

• Pets may be transported to Germany with a current one-year vaccine (also known as a “primary” vaccine).
• Pets may be transported 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).

Pet relocation services to Germany can help you understand this timeline and help you start the process of transporting your pet to ensure a seamless move.

These should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than two weeks before export date for maximum effectiveness.

EU Health Certificate

Your dedicated relocation coordinator will provide you with an EU Health Certificate that your accredited veterinarian must fill out and sign in a different color ink than the certificate's printing, usually blue ink. This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the checks at the EU point of entry. If you plan to travel further within the EU, don't hesitate to contact us for additional guidance.

USDA Endorsements

To ensure compliance with the USDA regulations, the following forms must be sent to your local USDA for approval:

• Microchip Implantation Record
• Rabies Certificate
• EU Vet Health Certificate
• Airline Health Certificate

It's important to note that these forms should be readily available from your vet, but it's recommended to call ahead and confirm availability.

• Remember that your vet must complete the EU Health Certificate within ten days of departure.
• However, please note that this timeframe changes within the context of a commercial move, where additional requirements may apply.
• Read below for more information on the 5-day rule and commercial move requirements.

EU 5-Day Rule

If your dog or cat is being transported “non-commercially,” they must fly within five days of their owner. If you cannot meet this 5-Day Rule, the move can still be carried out, but it will be considered a commercial move, which increases costs and changes the EU import requirements and timeline. In such cases, you will need to meet stricter import requirements. 

Banned Breeds in Germany

Not all dog breeds are allowed in Germany. The following breeds (or a mix of one) are banned,even if they are family pets:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Rottweilers (not banned, but subject to a viciousness test)

Export and transit are not affected by this ban.

Unlisted Countries and Additional Requirements

If you come from an "unlisted country," your pet will need a rabies antibody test, also known as a titer. In this case, you must follow the below steps before arriving in Germany with your pet:

• Microchip and rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old before blood draw)
• Rabies antibody test performed by an accredited veterinarian and sent to an EU-approved laboratory.
• Before completing export paperwork, you must wait 90 days after the blood draw (assuming a passing result).

Find out if your origin country is listed here before choosing a pet relocation service to Germany.