Moving Pets to Germany: EU Rules, Breed Restrictions, and What to Do at the Airport

Germany is the most common EU destination for UK expats relocating with pets. It’s also a significant hub for arrivals from outside the EU. The import process is well-established and manageable - the main complexity is Germany’s patchwork of state-level breed restrictions.

UK to Germany: Post-Brexit Documentation

Since 1 January 2021, UK pets cannot use EU pet passports to enter Germany. Every trip requires:

• Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian (OV) within 10 days of travel
• ISO 15-digit microchip (must be implanted before first recorded vaccination)
• Current rabies vaccination

Each journey needs a new AHC. It is valid for that trip only (plus 4 months for travel within the EU once issued).

USA to Germany

Dogs entering Germany from the USA need:

• ISO 15-digit microchip
• Current rabies vaccination (USA CDC-approved vaccine)
• Government-endorsed health certificate (USDA APHIS form 7001 for commercial; equivalent for private)
• If the dog was vaccinated in the USA against rabies, EU regulations require the vaccination record to include the vaccine batch number, brand, and validity date

Breed Restrictions by State

Germany has no national breed ban. Restrictions are at state (Land) level:

If you own a breed that appears on any German state list, contact the Veterinäramt (veterinary office) in your destination district before travel to understand the registration and keep requirements.

At Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin

Germany’s main international pet arrival airports are Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), and Berlin Brandenburg (BER). Documentary checks occur at the border inspection post (BIP) on arrival. Declare your pet at the BIP - failure to do so is a customs offence.

Cost Estimate (UK to Germany)

Sources: European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131; APHA UK pet travel guidance; individual German state Landesrecht breed legislation. Data current as of May 2026.