Official Import Rules
- Since 22 April 2026, a new EU regulation (Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131) applies to private pet travel into and within the EU, bringing stricter identity and document checks and improved traceability aimed at preventing illegal pet trade, in addition to the existing microchip, rabies vaccination and certificate requirements.
- Germany additionally restricts the import of certain dog breeds under federal law.
Approved Entry Points
- Dogs, cats and ferrets arriving in Germany from a third country generally must enter via a specific authorised entry point, where customs or the official veterinary service carry out document and identity checks.
- This requirement does not apply if you are arriving from Andorra, Switzerland, the Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, or Vatican City.
- Check that your intended airport or border crossing is an approved entry point before you book travel.
Maximum Pets Per Traveller
- A single traveller may normally bring a maximum of five pets (dogs, cats and ferrets combined) into Germany under private, non-commercial travel rules.
- This limit can be exceeded only if all the animals are over six months old and the trip is to take part in a competition, exhibition, sporting event, or related training.
- Written proof of registration for that event must be available for inspection at the border.
- Outside of this exception, bringing more than five animals, or any change of ownership during the trip, means the movement is treated as a commercial import with additional requirements.
Free route planner
Turn these rules into your dog's step-by-step planCabin/cargo call, breed check, crate size and paperwork timing.Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip fitted before the rabies vaccination. The microchip number must match every certificate.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination must be valid before travel. Most routes require at least 21 days after a primary vaccination.
Health certificate or pet passport
Use an EU pet passport where accepted, or a government-endorsed animal health certificate for this route.
Rabies titer test
A rabies antibody blood test is only required for dogs travelling from certain non-EU countries not recognised as low-risk for rabies; dogs coming from the EU or from a recognised low-risk third country (such as the US, Canada, UK, Australia or Japan) do not need this test. Check your specific country of departure before assuming this step applies to you.
Travel day
Carry originals, confirm airline pet acceptance, and keep the official authority page saved offline.
Breed & Public-Space Rules
Breed restrictions
Federal law prohibits importing Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Bull Terriers (and crosses) into Germany. Individual Bundesländer maintain additional 'Listenhunde' with muzzle, leash and temperament-test requirements — Bavaria and Hamburg are the strictest. The banned breeds may still enter Germany in specific circumstances: if the owner's stay in Germany will not exceed four weeks (mainly for tourists), if the dog is being brought back into Germany as part of the existing resident dog population after time abroad, or if it is a service, guide, rescue, or disaster-relief dog. In every case the handler must be able to produce supporting documents such as pedigree papers, vaccination records, or a temperament-test certificate.
Muzzle & leash laws
Varies by state; listed breeds typically require muzzle and lead in public. Many cities require muzzles on public transport for all large dogs.
Flying In: Cabin, Hold or Cargo
Lufthansa allows dogs up to 8 kg including carrier in the cabin; larger dogs go in the hold with IATA-compliant crates. Lufthansa is one of the more brachycephalic-friendly carriers but conditions apply.
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for compliant dogs.
City & Housing Notes
Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are very dog-friendly. Germany has strong animal welfare laws — the right of animal welfare is enshrined in the constitution (Grundgesetz). Pet-friendly rentals are common; German rental law allows pets (dogs particularly) in most rental agreements. Register your residence (Anmeldung) and your pet at the local Finanzamt if pet tax applies (mostly dogs, not dogs).
Vets & Health After Arrival
Germany has excellent veterinary care with standardized pricing (GOT - Gebührenordnung für Tierärzte). Emergency veterinary clinics (Tierklinik/Tiernotdienst) operate 24/7 in cities. The Frankfurt Animal Lounge (Lufthansa) is the world's best pet transit facility if your dog connects through Frankfurt. Common parasites: fleas, ticks (including those carrying Lyme disease and TBE), and worms.
Leaving Germany With Your Dog
EU pet passport covers onward travel; UK-bound dogs need tapeworm treatment.
Videos & Route Walkthroughs
Use videos as lived-experience context, not as legal authority. Search for recent dog-owner route reports, airport collection walkthroughs, crate-loading examples and relocation-agent explainers, then verify every rule against the official source above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move to Germany with my American Staffordshire Terrier?
Federal law bans importing the breed. Narrow exceptions exist (e.g. returning German residents, proven temperament-tested dogs in some circumstances) but they require advance legal groundwork — speak to the destination state's veterinary office before booking anything.
What are Listenhunde?
Each German state keeps its own list of restricted breeds with rules ranging from mandatory muzzles to character tests and higher dog tax. The same dog can be unrestricted in one state and heavily regulated in the next, so check the state you're actually moving to.
Community Tips & Nearby Routes
Community reports are useful for practical details such as which cargo desk answers the phone, how long collection took, or whether a landlord asked for insurance. Treat them as tips, then verify rules with the authority and airline.