Bringing a pet to Germany

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Germany enforces the EU Pet Travel Scheme without national deviations. Every dog entering the country must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by an official health certificate or EU pet passport. There is no routine quarantine for compliant pets, but animals with missing documentation or a failed required rabies titer test can be quarantined at the owner's expense or refused entry. Requirements differ by the origin country's rabies-risk status: pets from high-risk countries face additional titer-test and timing rules.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Germany.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or authorised private veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Germany does not ban any dog breeds at the federal level. However, some Bundesländer (e.g. Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia) maintain lists of 'dangerous dogs' (Kampfhunde) that require special permits, muzzles, or leashes in public. Breeds typically listed include Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and their crosses. Check the specific state's Hundeverordnung (dog ordinance) before travel. Additionally, many airlines refuse to carry brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers in cargo due to respiratory risk — check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

EU pet passport or equivalent official health certificate
Rabies vaccination certificate (date, vaccine batch, valid until)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 chip

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~€30–60, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, health certificate or pet passport ~€50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the German border veterinary authority.

For EU-equivalent territories (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, etc.), an EU pet passport issued in the origin country is accepted directly. No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine. The 21-day wait after rabies vaccination still applies — the pet must be at least 15 weeks old on arrival.

BMLEH Germany

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian or USDA/APHIS-endorsed veterinarian (or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Official veterinary health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
Rabies vaccination certificate (date, vaccine batch, valid until)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 chip
Proof of tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus multilocularis) if arriving from certain countries — check current list

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~€30–60, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, health certificate ~€100–250 (USDA endorsement fees vary), tapeworm treatment ~€20–40 if required. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the German border veterinary authority.

For non-EU low-risk countries (US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.), the pet must enter through a designated traveller's point of entry (e.g. Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport) and the health certificate must be endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority. Tapeworm treatment (praziquantel, 24–120 hours before arrival) is required for dogs arriving from certain countries — verify the current list. No titer test or quarantine for compliant pets.

BMLEH Germany

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country (endorsed by the national veterinary authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Breed restrictions

Documents checklist

Official veterinary health certificate (issued within 10 days of travel)
Rabies vaccination certificate (date, vaccine batch, valid until)
FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 chip
Proof of tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus multilocularis) 24–120 hours before arrival
Declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

Approximate ranges only: microchip ~€30–60, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, FAVN titer test ~€100–250 (plus shipping to EU lab), health certificate ~€100–250, tapeworm treatment ~€20–40. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the German border veterinary authority.

Pets from high-risk rabies countries must have a passing FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an EU-approved laboratory. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and the pet must wait 90 days after the test before entering Germany. If the titer test is not passed or not done, the pet may be quarantined at the owner's expense or refused entry. Entry must be through a designated traveller's point of entry. No import permit is required for non-commercial movement of up to 5 pets, but commercial imports (more than 5 pets or for sale) require additional certification.

BMLEH Germany

Frequently asked questions

You can bring up to 5 dogs (or cats or ferrets) per traveller without triggering commercial import rules. If you bring a 6th animal, the entire movement is treated as a commercial import, which requires additional veterinary certification, possible establishment registration, and compliance with intra-EU trade or third-country import rules. The 5-pet limit applies per traveller, not per vehicle or per family.

It depends on where you are travelling from. If your dog is coming from an EU-equivalent country (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) or a low-risk country (US, UK, Japan, Australia, etc.), no titer test is required — just a valid rabies vaccination at least 21 days old. If your dog is coming from a high-risk rabies country (Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a FAVN titer test from an EU-approved laboratory is mandatory, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and you must wait 90 days after the test before entering Germany.

No, there is no routine quarantine for dogs entering Germany if all documentation is correct. However, if your dog arrives without a valid rabies vaccination, without a required titer test, or with incomplete paperwork, the border veterinary authority may place the animal in quarantine at your expense or refuse entry. Quarantine costs can run €30–100 per day, and the duration depends on what is missing — often until the vaccination or titer test requirements are met.

Yes, if your dog is arriving from certain countries where Echinococcus multilocularis (fox tapeworm) is present. The treatment must be with praziquantel (or an equivalent approved drug) and administered by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival. The treatment must be recorded in the health certificate or pet passport. Check the current list of countries requiring tapeworm treatment on the BMEL website — it includes many low-risk and high-risk countries.

No. Germany does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the EU Pet Travel Scheme requirements. Your dog must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a valid health certificate or EU pet passport, regardless of whether it is a service animal. Some airlines may allow emotional support dogs in the cabin, but that is an airline policy — it does not override border import rules. Service dogs are generally treated the same as pets for import purposes, though some airlines waive cabin fees for trained service dogs.

If your dog's rabies vaccination expires before travel, the pet is considered unvaccinated. You must revaccinate and wait 21 days before entering Germany. If you are travelling from a high-risk country and the vaccination gap breaks the validity of a previous titer test, you may need to repeat the FAVN titer test and wait another 90 days. Keep vaccination records with exact dates and vaccine batch numbers — border vets check these carefully.

If you are travelling from a non-EU country (low-risk or high-risk), you must enter through a designated traveller's point of entry. In Germany, these include Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Munich Airport (MUC), Düsseldorf Airport (DUS), Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), and Hamburg Airport (HAM), among others. If you arrive at a non-designated point, you may be required to travel to a designated point for veterinary checks at your own expense. Check the current list on the BMEL website before booking your flight.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Germany.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or an authorised veterinarian for Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

EU pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian in the origin country (or an EU veterinary certificate if the pet is not travelling with the owner)
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination certificate showing a valid inactivated rabies vaccine (≥1 year validity) administered at least 21 days before travel

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30–50, EU pet passport ~€20–50, rabies vaccination ~€30–60, health certificate (if needed) ~€50–150. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the German competent authority (Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft, BMEL).

Andorra, San Marino, and Vatican City are treated as EU-equivalent for pet travel purposes. A cat with a valid EU pet passport issued in one of these territories can enter Germany without an EU veterinary certificate. The pet passport must be issued by an authorised veterinarian and include the microchip number, vaccination date, and vaccine batch details. No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine.

BMLEH Germany

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited veterinarian for the US, DEFRA-authorised veterinarian for the UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

EU veterinary certificate for non-commercial movement of pet animals (Annex IV, Regulation (EU) No 577/2013) issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination certificate showing a valid inactivated rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days before travel
Signed declaration that the movement is non-commercial (if applicable)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€30–60, EU veterinary certificate ~€100–200 (varies by country; USDA APHIS endorsement fee ~$38 for the US), possible courier fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the German competent authority (BMEL).

For cats from low-risk non-EU countries (e.g., US, UK, Japan, Australia), an EU veterinary certificate is required. The certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of entry into Germany. The rabies vaccination must be valid for the entire duration of travel. No titer test or quarantine is required for cats from these countries. The UK is treated as a third country for pet travel purposes post-Brexit; a GB pet passport is no longer valid for EU entry — an EU veterinary certificate is required.

BMLEH Germany

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Minimum age: 7 months

Documents checklist

EU veterinary certificate for non-commercial movement of pet animals (Annex IV, Regulation (EU) No 577/2013) issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel
Proof of microchip (ISO 11784/11785) implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination certificate showing a valid inactivated rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days before travel
FAVN/RFFIT rabies antibody titration test result from an EU-approved laboratory showing ≥0.5 IU/ml, with blood sample taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel
Signed declaration that the movement is non-commercial (if applicable)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€30–60, FAVN titer test ~€100–250 (plus shipping to EU-approved lab), EU veterinary certificate ~€100–200, possible courier fees. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the German competent authority (BMEL).

For cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test is mandatory. The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and the test must be performed at least 3 months before travel. The pet must be at least 7 months old at the time of travel (12 weeks for vaccination + 21 days wait + 3 months titer wait). No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. If the titer test is not done or fails, the pet may be quarantined or refused entry. Check the EU-approved laboratory list on the EU Commission website.

BMLEH Germany

Frequently asked questions

A single traveller may bring up to 5 pets (cats, dogs, ferrets) as a non-commercial movement. More than 5 is considered commercial and requires additional veterinary certification and possibly an import permit. Each pet must meet all entry requirements individually.

No. Germany does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from the standard pet import requirements. All cats, regardless of their role, must have a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and the appropriate health certificate or EU pet passport. The only exception is for guide dogs for the blind, which may have slightly relaxed rules in some EU countries, but Germany generally requires full compliance. Do not assume your cat can travel without paperwork because it is an assistance animal.

The FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) test measures rabies antibodies in the blood. It is required only for cats coming from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). The blood sample must be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and the test must be performed at an EU-approved laboratory. The result must show ≥0.5 IU/ml. You must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before entering Germany. The test is not required for cats from EU countries, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, or low-risk countries like the US, UK, Japan, or Australia.

No. Germany requires all cats entering the country to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. The microchip must be implanted before or at the same time as the rabies vaccination. If your cat was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination is not considered valid and your cat will need to be revaccinated. Tattoos are not accepted as identification for pets entering Germany from outside the EU, except for pets born before 3 July 2011 that have a clearly legible tattoo.

A kitten must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old to enter Germany from a low-risk or free country, because the rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks and then you must wait 21 days after vaccination. For high-risk countries, the minimum age is 7 months because of the additional 3-month wait after the titer test. Kittens younger than these ages cannot enter Germany under non-commercial rules.

No. Germany does not require an import permit for non-commercial movement of cats from any country, including high-risk countries, as long as all other requirements (microchip, rabies vaccination, titer test if applicable, health certificate) are met. The only exception is if you are bringing more than 5 pets, which is considered commercial and may require additional permits. Always check with the German competent authority (BMEL) for the latest rules.

If your cat's rabies vaccination has expired, it is considered unvaccinated. You must revaccinate your cat and wait 21 days before travel. For high-risk countries, you must also redo the FAVN titer test after the new vaccination and wait 3 months. If you arrive in Germany with an expired vaccination, your cat may be quarantined, returned to the origin country, or euthanised at the owner's expense. Ensure the vaccination is valid for the entire duration of travel.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Germany.

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or an EU-recognised equivalent) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

EU pet passport (or equivalent) showing ISO microchip and rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination certificate (date, vaccine batch, valid until)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel (if not using an EU pet passport)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, health certificate ~€50–150, EU pet passport ~€20–50. No titer test or quarantine costs apply in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the German competent authority (Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft or the local Veterinäramt).

For ferrets entering Germany from an EU-equivalent country (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City), the EU Pet Travel Scheme rules apply. Ferrets are not dogs or cats, so the EU pet passport is technically for dogs, cats and ferrets — it is valid for ferrets. No rabies titer test or quarantine is required. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination and travel at least 21 days after the primary vaccination. If the ferret was vaccinated before 12 weeks, the vaccination is invalid and must be repeated.

BMLEH Germany

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Not required

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country (endorsed by the competent authority, e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with microchip number)
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinarian
Proof of ISO microchip implantation (or a certificate if implanted before vaccination)
EU pet passport (if available) or equivalent third-country certificate

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, health certificate ~€100–200 (including government endorsement), possible courier fees. No titer test or quarantine costs apply in this tier. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the German competent authority (Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft or the local Veterinäramt).

For ferrets from low-risk third countries (e.g. USA, UK, Japan, Australia), Germany applies the EU Pet Travel Scheme non-commercial movement rules. The ferret must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at ≥12 weeks of age, and travel at least 21 days after the primary vaccination. No rabies titer test is required for ferrets from these countries. The health certificate must be issued by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Ferrets are not subject to the EU's tapeworm treatment requirement (that applies only to dogs).

BMLEH Germany

Microchip

Required

ISO 11784/11785

Rabies vaccine

Required

From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel

Rabies titer test (FAVN)

Required

Blood draw 90+ days before travel

Quarantine

None

Health certificate

Required

Official government veterinarian of the origin country (endorsed by the competent authority, e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival

Import permit

Not required

Documents checklist

Rabies vaccination certificate (valid, with microchip number)
FAVN/RFFIT rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory
Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinarian
Proof of ISO microchip implantation
EU pet passport (if available) or equivalent third-country certificate
Declaration of non-commercial movement (if applicable)

Rough budget

Rough estimates only: microchip ~€30–50, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, FAVN titer test ~€100–250 (plus shipping to EU-approved lab), health certificate ~€100–200, possible customs fees. No quarantine costs apply if all conditions are met. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the German competent authority (Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft or the local Veterinäramt).

For ferrets from high-risk third countries (e.g. Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), Germany requires a rabies titer test. The ferret must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at ≥12 weeks of age, then have a blood sample taken at least 30 days later for FAVN testing at an EU-approved laboratory. The ferret must wait 3 months (90 days) from the date of blood sampling before entering Germany. No quarantine is required if all conditions are met. If the ferret does not meet these requirements, it may be quarantined or returned at the owner's expense. Ferrets are not subject to the EU's tapeworm treatment requirement (that applies only to dogs).

BMLEH Germany

Frequently asked questions

Germany follows EU non-commercial movement rules, which allow up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) per traveller. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and you must meet additional requirements, including an import permit and compliance with commercial trade rules. For ferrets, the limit is 5 per person per trip.

No. Germany does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from the standard import requirements. Ferrets, regardless of their role, must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer test requirements as any other ferret entering the country. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the border rules remain unchanged.

A ferret must be at least 12 weeks old to receive a valid rabies vaccination, and then must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel. So the minimum age at entry is 15 weeks (12 weeks + 21 days). If the ferret was vaccinated before 12 weeks, the vaccination is invalid and must be repeated.

No. The USA is considered a low-risk country for rabies by Germany. Ferrets from the USA do not need a rabies titer test. They need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (given at ≥12 weeks, with a 21-day wait), and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel by a USDA APHIS-endorsed veterinarian.

No. Germany requires all ferrets entering the country to be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. If the ferret was vaccinated before being microchipped, the vaccination is not considered valid, and the ferret must be revaccinated after microchipping. There is no exception for ferrets.

If you are travelling from a high-risk country and your ferret does not have a valid titer test, it will not be allowed to enter Germany under non-commercial rules. It may be quarantined at your expense, returned to the origin country, or in some cases euthanised. If the titer test fails (result below 0.5 IU/ml), the ferret must be revaccinated and retested, and the 3-month waiting period restarts from the date of the new blood sample.

Yes, unless you have a valid EU pet passport. For ferrets from third countries, an official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian within 10 days of travel is required. The certificate must confirm the ferret's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and that the animal is healthy and fit to travel. For high-risk countries, the titer test result must also be recorded.

Good to know

Non-commercial movement of dogs, cats, and ferrets is capped at 5 animals per traveller; a 6th or more triggers commercial import rules. All pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter (12 weeks for rabies vaccination plus 21 days post-vaccination wait). The competent authority is the Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL), with border checks carried out by local veterinary offices (Veterinäramt) and customs.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Germany, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).