Pets (Dogs) 🇩🇪 Germany
EU Pet Passport from EU; AHC from non-EU
Can I bring Pets (Dogs) into Germany?
EU Pet Passport from EU; AHC from non-EU
Personal pets
- EU Pet Passport or AHC
- Rabies vaccination
- Microchip
- Blood titer test (unlisted countries)
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Germany follows EU pet travel regulations. Dogs from EU countries need an EU Pet Passport with current rabies vaccination. Dogs from non-EU countries require a veterinary health certificate, rabies vaccination, and blood titer test (from non-listed countries). Microchip required (ISO 11784/11785). Enforcement in Germany carries fines from EUR 250 to EUR 5,000 under Abgabenordnung § 378; Zollverwaltungsgesetz (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).
PENALTIES
- Fine: 250–5000 EUR
- Civil penalty only
Leaving Germany with pets (dogs)
Dog export from Germany requires a veterinary export health certificate issued shortly before departure (typically within 10 days), an ISO microchip, and current rabies vaccination. The destination's import rules drive the real timeline: rabies-titre blood tests with waiting periods (up to 180 days for rabies-free jurisdictions such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan), import permits, and quarantine bookings must be arranged months ahead. Airlines add their own container (IATA Live Animals Regulations) and breed restrictions. Start with the destination's official import checklist and work backwards.
EU pets: straightforward with Pet Passport. Non-EU: blood test required 30 days post-vaccination, 3 months before travel.
Personal pets
- EU Pet Passport or AHC
- Rabies vaccination
- Microchip
- Blood titer test (unlisted countries)
EU Regulation 576/2013
This page covers destination customs rules in Germany. Whether you can carry pets (dogs) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Pets (Dogs) rules in other countries
Pets (Dogs)
🇦🇺 Australia
Minimum 10-day quarantine, extensive documentation
Pets (Dogs)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Pet passport or health certificate required
Pets (Dogs)
🇯🇵 Japan
180-day quarantine unless pre-qualified
Pets (Dogs)
🇸🇬 Singapore
AVS licence required, breed restrictions apply
Pets (Dogs)
🇺🇸 United States
CDC import rules tightened in 2024
Pets (Dogs)
🇨🇦 Canada
Valid rabies vaccination required