Pet Transport from UK to Germany: The Complete 2026 Guide
Moving from the UK to Germany is one of the most common European relocation routes, and the pet transport process is well-understood. Since Brexit, UK pets are non-EU animals and need an Animal Health Certificate instead of an EU pet passport.
What you need
Your dog or cat needs:
- ISO 11784/11785 microchip (implanted before or on the date of rabies vaccination)
- Current rabies vaccination (first vaccination requires a 21-day waiting period before EU travel)
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) - issued by a UK Official Veterinarian (OV) and endorsed by APHA
- Dogs only: tapeworm treatment (praziquantel) administered by a vet 1-5 days before arrival in Germany
The AHC process
Find an APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian. Not all vets are OVs - check the RCVS Find a Vet tool for OV status. The vet examines your pet and completes the AHC. The APHA then endorses it (online via APHA’s system - this can be done quickly). Time the vet appointment 1-5 days before departure so the tapeworm treatment timing and AHC validity both line up.
Entry into Germany
Germany has multiple approved border inspection posts for pets arriving from non-EU countries. Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Berlin Brandenburg, Hamburg, and Dusseldorf airports all process live animal arrivals. Pets arriving by land via the Netherlands or Belgium must also pass through approved BIPs.
German registration
Once in Germany, dogs must be registered with the local Einwohnermeldeamt or Hundesteuer registration system within a short period of arrival. Most German states charge a Hundesteuer (dog tax). Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg each have their own registration processes.
Route options
By air: direct UK-Germany flights are quick and low-stress. Dogs must travel as cargo (most airlines don’t allow dogs in cabin on European routes). By land: Eurotunnel with your pet on board, then drive through France/Belgium/Netherlands to Germany. This is popular and lets you keep your pet close.