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How to bring your Pet to Germany: Rules, travel, and tips #

Planning to bring your pet to Germany? Whether it’s a cat, dog, or small animal, this guide explains all the rules, travel tips, and paperwork you’ll need.

Bringing pets into Germany and the essential checklist #

Taking your cherished pet to Germany is an achievable task, so long as you plan ahead. Here is a short summary of the most important requirements and steps:

  • Age Matters: Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old before entering Germany. That gives enough time for a rabies shot and for immunity to kick in.
  • Microchip First: Your pet needs an ISO-compliant microchip (standard 11784/11785). This chip must be readable by standard scanners in Germany  so double-check with your vet that it’s the right type.
  • Rabies vaccination timing is everything
    • A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory.
    • It must be given after the microchip is implanted, not before.
    • First-timer? You’ll need to wait 21 days before your pet can enter Germany.
    • Already vaccinated with a valid booster? No waiting required.
  • Coming from outside the EU? You’ll need a vet to complete an official health certificate, which includes:
    • Pet description
    • Rabies vaccination info
    • Your details as the owner
    • A rabies antibody blood test if you’re arriving from a high-risk country list.
    • This health certificate is only valid for 10 days, so plan your travel dates carefully.
  • Coming from the EU? You just need an EU Pet Passport from an authorized vet. It must show a valid rabies vaccination.

Preparing your pet for the journey #

Getting your pet ready for Germany takes more than just paperwork. Here are a few final things to keep in mind before the big move:

  • Know the breed restrictions: Not all dog breeds are welcome in Germany. Some are considered dangerous and are either restricted or banned altogether. Always check the official list of restricted breeds before making any plans especially if you have a bully-type, terrier, or guard dog breed.
  • Ready for the journey
    • Check airline pet policies: Each airline has different rules on size, carriers, fees, and in-cabin vs. cargo transport.
    • Invest in a good carrier: Your pet will spend hours inside it — make sure it’s comfortable, safe, and airline-approved.
    • Ask your vet: For tips or medication that can help reduce stress during travel.
    • Practice trips: In the weeks leading up to your move, get your pet used to being in a carrier and going on longer journeys. It helps, trust us.
  • How many pets can you bring? Germany sets limits on how many pets you can bring with you:
    • Up to 5 dogs, cats, or ferrets per person
    • Up to 5 birds total
    • Up to 3 rodents per person
    • Planning to bring more? You might fall under commercial transport laws — and that’s a whole different process.
  • Country specific rules: Every country has its own animal import rules. Before leaving, check with your local animal welfare, agriculture, or environmental authority to be sure you’re meeting both ends of the legal requirements.
  • Don’t skip the details: If you’re missing a required document or vaccine, German customs (Zollamt) may detain your pet and send it into quarantine at your expense. That can mean weeks in a shelter, expensive for you, and traumatic for them. You don’t have to handle this entire pet move on your own,  you can hire a professional pet relocation company to take care of it for you.

Adopt a pet in Germany the right way #

Thinking about adding a furry friend to your life while in Germany? Amazing! Just make sure you do it safely and responsibly because sadly, not every place offering pets has your (or the animal’s) best interests at heart. Happily, there are lots of trusted places to find a pet in Germany. Here’s where to look:

Responsible sellers or shelters will charge an adoption fee, provide vaccination records, and sign a proper contract. Some may also ask for extra paperwork or a home visit all to ensure the pet goes to a safe, caring home.

The wrong way to adopt a pet in Germany #

Avoid buying pets from shady sources  especially online or near Germany’s borders. These animals are often taken from their mothers too early, kept in poor conditions, and lack proper care or vaccinations. Red flags include no paperwork, no chance to meet the mother, rushed sales, or requests to pay cash on the street. Not only is this risky for the animal, but it can also lead to legal trouble and fines under Germany’s Animal Welfare Act. If it feels suspicious, it probably is.

Pets & rentals in Germany #

Before getting a pet, always check with your landlord even if the lease doesn’t say anything. Cats are usually fine, but certain dog breeds may need special permission. Small pets like hamsters or birds (called Kleintiere) are generally allowed without asking. And don’t forget to talk to your flatmates too.

Vet visits & pet passports #

You’ll need a local vet (Tierarzt) for things like vaccinations, neutering, injuries, or checkups. Rabies shots are required for dogs, especially if you plan to travel. If you have a dog, cat, or ferret, ask your vet about a pet passport. It’s essential for trips within the EU and includes your pet’s chip number and vaccine history.

Find a pet sitter #

If friends or family aren’t available, try local Facebook pet groups or use apps like Pawshake,petsahoi to find trusted pet sitters nearby. It’s an easy way to get reliable help when you need it.

Register your pet with TASSO #

After bringing your pet home, register their microchip with TASSO, a free database in Germany. If your pet ever gets lost, vets or shelters can scan the chip and contact you. It only takes a few minutes and could save a lot of heartbreak later.

Pet health insurance in Germany #

Vet bills in Germany can add up especially for surgeries or emergencies. That’s why many pet owners get pet health insurance (Tierkrankenversicherung). It covers treatments like vaccinations, castration, surgeries, and even travel-related care. Expect to pay around €130–300/year for cats and €250+ for dogs. 

Read the fine print! Some plans have limits or deductibles. Providers like Luko and Getsafe offer flexible, English-friendly options. On a budget? Consider surgery-only insurance (Operationskostenversicherung) cheaper, starting around €130/year, and covers big procedures only.

Providers like Getsafe offer affordable pet insurance with full service in English. You can also compare different plans easily on CHECK24, a trusted comparison site in Germany.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully this guide answered your questions and helped you feel more prepared for life with pets in Germany

How to find or recover your pet in Germany?

Updated on August 17, 2025

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