Official Import Rules
Standard EU entry rules: microchip, rabies vaccination 21+ days before travel, pet passport or EU health certificate, titer test only from unlisted countries. Germany additionally restricts the import of certain dog breeds under federal law.
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
Build in the approved-lab antibody test and any mandatory waiting period before booking the flight.
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. Short transit stays may be exempt but document everything.
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.