Pet Transport from the USA to Germany: EU Entry for American Pets
USA Status Under EU Rules
The USA is listed as a Part 1 third country under EU Regulation 576/2013. This means no titre test is required, which is a significant advantage compared to moving from the USA to Australia or Japan.
What Your Pet Needs
- Microchip – ISO 11784/11785 15-digit chip. Many US dogs have 10-digit chips. Add a compliant ISO chip if your dog has a legacy chip.
- Rabies vaccination – current, at least 21 days before EU entry if it is the first vaccination ever; booster within validity for existing vaccinations
- Animal Health Certificate (AHC) – issued by a USDA-accredited vet on the EU-approved template, endorsed by USDA APHIS, issued within 10 days of EU arrival
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) – administered 1 to 5 days before arrival in Germany by a vet
Getting the AHC in the USA
Find a USDA-accredited vet at aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel. After your vet prepares the AHC, submit to USDA APHIS for endorsement. Allow 2 to 5 business days. Expedited USDA endorsement is available.
Flight Options to Germany
Direct routes:
- Lufthansa from major US hubs to Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf (accepts pets in cabin and hold on many routes)
- United Airlines from Newark, Washington to Frankfurt
- American Airlines to Frankfurt
- Condor from US East Coast cities to Frankfurt
After Arrival in Germany
Dogs must be registered with the local Einwohnermeldeamt. Hundesteuer (dog tax) applies in Germany – rates vary significantly by municipality. Register within 4 weeks of arrival.
Verify current USDA APHIS and EU entry requirements before travel. Information accurate as of May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The USA is on the EU’s approved third country list under Regulation 576/2013. Dogs and cats from the USA can enter EU member states including Germany without a rabies titre test. You need a microchip, current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) endorsed by USDA APHIS.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the most commonly used entry point for pets to Germany. It has established live animal facilities and is one of Europe’s largest cargo hubs. Munich (MUC) and Dusseldorf (DUS) also handle international live animal arrivals but Frankfurt is the best-served option.
Yes. Dogs entering the EU (including Germany) from any non-EU country require tapeworm treatment (praziquantel) administered by a vet 1 to 5 days before arriving in the EU. The treatment date and product must be recorded in the AHC.