Pet travel to Germany is subject to the rules of the European Union Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), making travelling with a pet cat or dog to Germany from another European Union (EU) country very simple. An EU Pet Passport can be used to enter Germany with your cat, dog or ferret. No need to panic if you reside in a non-EU country as the requirements for entering Germany with a pet cat or dog are clearly stipulated for countries outside the EU too. So if you’re taking your dog to Germany for a holiday soon, read on!
Pet travel to Germany from another EU country
In order to travel from another EU member state to Germany , your cat, dog or ferret must have:
- A working Microchip (in line with the technical requirements of Annex II of the EU Regulation on the movement of pets), or has a clearly readable tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011
- been vaccinated against Rabies
- a valid EU issued Pet Passport
Pet travel to Germany from a non-EU country
With a few exceptions, your pet dog or cat can travel with you to Germany from a non-EU country if they have:
- A working Microchip (in line with the technical requirements of Annex II of the EU Regulation on the movement of pets), or has a clearly readable tattoo if applied before 3 July 2011
- been vaccinated against Rabies
- Animal Health Certificate, or a Pet Passport that was issued by an EU member state
You can also use a Pet Passport issued in one of the following countries to travel to Germany:
- Andorra
- Switzerland
- Faroe Islands
- Gibraltar
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Monaco
- Norway
- San Marino
- Vatican City State
So, if you have previously obtained a Pet Passport issued by an EU member state, or one of the above named countries, this can be used to travel to Germany with your cat, dog or ferret. Otherwise, an Animal Health Certificate is required.
Travelling to Germany with more than 5 pets
Under the rules of the EU Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), you can enter Germany with up to 5 pets as long as each pet meets the stated requirements for travel. If you are travelling to Germany with more than five pets (dogs, cats or ferrets) you must provide proof that:
- they are participating in a competition, exhibition or sporting event (by providing for example a registration document) and
- they are more than 6 months old
Pet-Friendly travel options to Germany by plane, train & ferry
Available options for travel to Germany with a cat, dog or ferret depend on your country of origin. However, you’ll be pleased to know that pet transport methods to Germany are widely available, including airlines, ferry companies and train services.
Travelling from the United Kingdom to Germany with a pet
As the United Kingdom (UK) is no longer part of the European Union (EU) following Brexit, the regulations for taking a cat, dog or ferret from the UK (Scotland, England, Wales & Northern Ireland) to Germany changed. This resulted in separate rules for the countries that form Great Britain (Scotland, England & Wales) and Northern Ireland (NI). Pet travel regulations were differentiated between Scotland, England & Wales and the EU and Northern Ireland in order to avoid a ‘hard’ border post-Brexit between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Some of the airlines, ferry companies and trains offering pet friendly routes directly to, or close to Germany from the United Kingdom include:
Taking a pet to Germany from Scotland, England or Wales
- You must have your dog, cat or ferret microchipped.
- Vaccinate your dog, cat or ferret against rabies – your pet must be at least 12 weeks old before they can be vaccinated.
- Wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.
- Visit your vet to get an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for your pet, no more than 10 days before travel to the EU.
- Remember that if you’re taking your dog to Germany, on your return to the UK your pooch will need a Tapeworm Treatment 1 to 5 days before arriving on UK soil. Your vet must enter full details on the AHC following treatment.
Taking a pet to Germany from Northern Ireland (NI)
For the reasons previously mentioned, NI is subject to the same Pet Travel Scheme rules as other EU countries due to its shared border with the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state.
Pets travelling without their owner
As a rule, pets must travel with their owners to Germany; however, you may give written permission to another person to accompany your cat, dog or ferret for you. In this case, you must be reunited your pet within 5 days of their relocation.
Remember to leave a review if you’ve holidayed in Germany with your pet!
