If you are relocating a pet from Australia to Germany, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. This is a middle of the road route, and about 4-6 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Pets with correct documentation skip …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Australia to Germany
typically takes around 4-6 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Australia to Germany pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip predates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Vet in Australia
6+ weeks before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination is valid and 21-day post-primary wait is complete.
Responsible: Vet in Australia
6+ weeks before travel
3
Book cargo from SYD or MEL to FRA via SIN, DXB, or AUH.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
4
Obtain DAFF-endorsed EU-format health certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: Accredited vet plus DAFF endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
5
Depart SYD or MEL. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt on arrival.
Responsible: Airline cargo and German customs
Travel day
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Germany
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must predate the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Australia is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month wait do not apply. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt (FRA).
Import permit
No import permit required. DAFF-endorsed EU-format health certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by DAFF, issued within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Australia)
No formal export permit required for companion animals from Australia. DAFF endorsement of the health certificate is the key export step. Primary departure airports: Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL).
Costs
What this route typically costs
DAFF-endorsed health certificate: AUD 200-600 (approximately EUR 130-400)
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo SYD/MEL to FRA via hub: EUR 1,800-4,000 depending on crate size and routing
Pet transport agent (recommended for long-haul): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 2,200-5,200
Critical points to read before you book
Australia is EU-listed: no titre test or 3-month wait required. Preparation takes 4-6 weeks with a current vaccination.
No direct SYD or MEL to FRA cargo service; all routings connect via Singapore, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi.
Germany Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state, particularly if travelling to Bavaria.
DAFF endorsement takes a few working days; allow enough lead time within the 10-day certificate window.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Singapore Airlines operates Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) to Singapore (SIN) with connections to Frankfurt (FRA). Single transfer at Changi. Strong live animal cargo handling at Singapore.
Cargo Only
EMIRATES
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Emirates operates SYD and MEL to Dubai (DXB) with connections to Frankfurt. Emirates SkyCargo handles live animals with temperature-controlled facilities at Dubai International.
Cargo Only
ETIHAD CARGO
Etihad Cargo via AUH
Etihad operates SYD and MEL to Abu Dhabi (AUH) with connections to Frankfurt. Etihad Cargo accepts live animals on selected routes. An alternative to the Singapore and Dubai routings.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Germany
Germany has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
How to keep this move on track
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
FAQ
Common questions about Australia to Germany pet transport
No. Australia is an EU-listed country under EU Regulation 576/2013. The FAVN titre test and 3-month waiting period do not apply. A valid microchip, current rabies vaccination, and DAFF-endorsed EU health certificate are required. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
4-6 weeks if the rabies vaccination is current and valid. If a primary vaccination is needed, allow 10-12 weeks to include the 21-day post-vaccination wait. No titre test wait applies.
Singapore Airlines via Singapore (SIN) is a well-established option with strong live animal handling at Changi. Emirates via Dubai (DXB) and Etihad via Abu Dhabi (AUH) are both solid alternatives with temperature-controlled cargo.
Cargo via hub to FRA typically costs EUR 1,800-4,000. Add EUR 130-400 for the DAFF certificate. Total all-in is typically EUR 2,200-5,200.
Airline guides
Singapore Airlines Cargo via SIN
Emirates SkyCargo via DXB
Etihad Cargo via AUH
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.