Animals Coming to Germany from Outside the EU

Find out how to import a pet to Germany from outside the European Union...

Animals must be identified and accompanied by official documentation, along the lines of the EU Pet Passport. Other requirements differ depending on the exact country of origin. In most cases, the German Embassy in the country of departure will give details of the requirements.

Animals entering Germany from outside the EU must have been vaccinated against rabies if they are coming from a country on the approved European list. The US, Canada and Australia are all on this list.

Cats and dogs coming from an unlisted, and therefore unapproved, country will need an additional blood test at least 30 days after their rabies vaccination and three months before travelling. The test must be undertaken by an EU-approved laboratory. Quarantine may then not be required on arrival in Germany.

Similar requirements exist if an animal leaves Germany temporarily for an unapproved country and then returns again.

Other animals

Horses may be shipped internationally, but, depending on the country of origin, may require a period of quarantine on arrival and must be accompanied by their own paperwork in a similar way to the pet passport scheme. Anyone wishing to import a horse into Germany should consult the German Embassy in their home country for the latest regulations.

Any animals coming from non-EU countries will need paperwork which contains vaccination and identity details. Again, Embassies are a useful source of information and some even provide help with translations or standard letters. The vet in the country of origin needs to confirm in writing that the required vaccinations are up-to-date and that the animal is in good health. A German translation of this is needed.