Pet Transport from France to Germany: EU Pet Passport and Cross-Border Rules

France and Germany share a long border, a deeply integrated economy and a large population of expats who move between the two countries for work, study and family. The good news for pet owners on this route is that both countries are EU member states – which makes the move far simpler than most international pet relocations.

It Is Intra-EU Travel

Moving a pet between France and Germany is regulated under EU Regulation 576/2013 (non-commercial movement of companion animals within the EU). The rules apply equally to citizens of any nationality who are legally resident in France or Germany.

The requirements are:

1. ISO microchip (15-digit)
2. Valid EU pet passport – or an AHC (Animal Health Certificate) for non-EU-origin animals
3. Current rabies vaccination recorded in the pet passport
4. That’s it – no titre test, no import permit, no quarantine for intra-EU moves

The EU pet passport is issued by a licensed veterinarian. It records microchip number, vaccinations, owner details and is valid for the lifetime of the animal. If your pet was vaccinated and microchipped in France and has a French EU pet passport, that document is fully recognised in Germany and vice versa.

What About Titre Tests?

No titre test is required for intra-EU travel. The titre test requirement applies to animals entering the EU from third countries (non-EU), not to animals already resident in an EU country.

Road Travel

France and Germany share borders at several crossing points between Alsace (Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Colmar area) and Baden-Wurttemberg/Rhineland-Palatinate on the German side. There are no routine border checks for pets crossing these frontiers within the Schengen area, but you should always carry your pet’s EU passport in case of a random check.

Flying

Direct flights between Paris (CDG, ORY) and the main German airports (Frankfurt FRA, Munich MUC, Berlin BER, Hamburg HAM, Dusseldorf DUS) are operated by Lufthansa, Air France, easyJet and Vueling, among others. For a short-haul intra-EU flight, carrying a small cat or dog in the cabin is the most practical option. Check each airline’s cabin pet policy for weight limits and carrier requirements.

German Registration

On arriving in Germany, dogs must be registered with the local municipality (Einwohnermeldeamt or equivalent) and a dog tax (Hundesteuer) applies. This is a local government fee, not a veterinary requirement, but it is mandatory and the local rates vary by municipality. Failure to register and pay the tax can result in a fine.

French Export Documentation

No formal French export certificate is needed for intra-EU travel. The EU pet passport is sufficient. If for any reason you need to show the animal’s French vaccination history, your French vet can provide a clinical certificate but this is supplementary to the passport.

Sources: European Commission EU pet travel rules (Regulation 576/2013); Lufthansa cabin pet policy; Air France pet travel guide; German Hundesteuer information.