Travelling with pets to Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 30 October 2026

In short: Dogs, cats and ferrets need a microchip, an EU pet passport and a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. Entry from outside the EU needs an animal health certificate and, from most countries, a rabies antibody titration test. No more than 5 animals may travel together. Germany bans importing four named breeds and their crosses.

RuleWhat applies
Identification and passport or certificateTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretA pet dog, cat or ferret travelling from another EU country must carry an injectable microchip (a tattoo applied before 3 July 2011 is also accepted) and an EU pet passport signed by the owner. The passport must be issued by an authorised vet in the EU country where the owner lives. [1]
Rabies vaccinationTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretThe animal must have finished its primary anti-rabies vaccination at least 21 days before the move, or have been re-vaccinated while the earlier vaccination was valid. The vaccine is valid only if given when the animal was at least 12 weeks old. [1]
Entry from outside the EU or the usual regionTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretTravelling in from a non-EU country, the animal needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before the move and an animal health certificate issued or endorsed no more than 10 days before entry. It must also pass a rabies antibody titration test (at least 0.5 IU/ml, blood taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before the certificate is issued), unless it comes from a country on the EU list of low-risk or equivalent countries. Entry is through a designated travellers' point of entry, unless the animal comes from a country on the EU list. [1]
Number of animals per travellerTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretNo more than 5 dogs, cats or ferrets may travel in one non-commercial movement. More than 5 are allowed only for a competition, exhibition or sporting event (or training for one), with written proof of registration, and if the animals are over 6 months old. [2]
Breed or other restrictionsTravelling with a dog, cat or ferretPitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers and crosses of these breeds may not be brought or imported into Germany. Other dogs presumed dangerous under the law of the German state where they will be kept may not be imported into that state. [3]

Notes

  • The federal ban covers breeds named in the law. Each German state also keeps its own list of dogs presumed dangerous.

Sources

  1. European Commission (EUR-Lex / Publications Office): Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 ... as regards animal health requirements for non-commercial movement of pet animals (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  2. European Parliament and Council (EUR-Lex / Publications Office): Regulation (EU) 2016/429 on transmissible animal diseases (Animal Health Law) (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Gesetz zur Beschränkung des Verbringens oder der Einfuhr gefährlicher Hunde in das Inland (Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrbeschränkungsgesetz - HundVerbrEinfG), § 2 (consulted 30 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.