DE
Pet Import to Germany
Moderate to importVerification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared by Dr. Sarah Okafor, International Animal Health Consultant
Germany applies the EU pet rules, which since 22 April 2026 are set by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131. For pets coming from within the EU, that means an EU pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.
From outside the EU there is one extra document: the EU animal health certificate. It is issued by an official or authorised vet in the country of dispatch, endorsed by that country’s competent authority, and valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the point of entry. According to BMLEH, the federal agriculture ministry, those documentary and identity checks are done by customs (Zoll) or the official veterinary service.
Germany also has a federal import ban on certain breeds, and some Länder (states) add more. If you’re bringing a dog that might count as dangerous under German law, check the rules before you plan anything else.
Import Requirements
Every requirement below is taken from an official government page, and each one links to the page it comes from. The rules were last checked on 1 October 2026. They can change, so check the linked page again before you book.
EU rules that apply in Germany
Who is in charge
- Legal basis: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, applying from 22 April 2026. Model documents are in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705, which repeals Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 from 22 April 2026.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026 - Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 (model passport, animal health certificate and declarations) applies from 22 April 2026, the same date as Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026
Where your pet travels from
| Group | What applies | Origins |
|---|---|---|
| EU countries (movement between Member States) | Pet dogs and cats moving between Member States travel on an EU pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian, with microchip and valid rabies vaccination (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, Article 11). Tapeworm treatment applies only for dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. Source | EU Member States |
| Listed third countries and territories, Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131) | No rabies antibody titration test needed. The EC travellers' points of entry page also exempts these origins (and Norway) from the obligation to enter through a designated travellers' point of entry. Source | Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State |
| Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (Article 17(1)(b) of 2026/131) | No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Source | Ascension Island, United Arab Emirates, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Aruba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Barbados, Bahrain, Bermuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Canada, Chile, Curaçao, Fiji, Falkland Islands, United Kingdom, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Isle of Man, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Cayman Islands, Saint Lucia, Montenegro, Montserrat, North Macedonia, Mauritius, Mexico, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Serbia, Singapore, Saint Helena, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago, Taiwan, United States of America, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, British Virgin Islands, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna |
| Non-listed third countries and territories | Rabies antibody titration test required: sample taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued, tested in an EU-designated laboratory, result at least 0.5 IU/ml. The 90-day wait does not apply to re-entry of an EU-resident pet whose passport documents a favourable test done before leaving the EU. Source | all other countries and territories |
- Pets from third countries or territories listed in Annex I or Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 do not need a rabies antibody titration test (the page adds in brackets that Annex II was amended by 2026/1228 to add Montenegro and Serbia); pets from all other third countries do.
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - Montenegro and Serbia were added to Annex II of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 (titre-test exempt list) by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228, and are shown in Annex II on the EC listing page. The exact start date (18 or 19 June 2026) was not confirmed on EUR-Lex in this pass; it does not affect moves from October 2026 onwards.
Applies to dogs and cats from Montenegro and Serbia.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - Annex I countries (Article 17(1)(a) of 2026/131) are those that applied and showed they apply pet rules equivalent to the EU's own; Annex II countries (Article 17(1)(b)) qualify on rabies surveillance and control criteria. Both are exempt from the titre test; only Annex I origins are also exempt from entering through a travellers' point of entry (Article 15(a)).
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
Import permit
- Not required (EU level): the European Commission sets out the conditions that must be met for a pet dog, cat or ferret to move from a non-EU country into an EU country (travel with the owner, at most 5 animals, microchip, health, rabies vaccination, titre test where applicable, tapeworm treatment for some destinations, animal health certificate and declaration, travellers' point of entry); no permit is among them. National files must still settle any national permit (for example a breed or hybrid licence).
Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets moved from non-EU countries into the EU (non-commercial).
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 2 October 2026 - At EU level a permit is used only by way of exception. Article 29 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 lets a Member State, in exceptional situations, authorise entry of pets that do NOT comply with the conditions in Articles 7 to 20, on a permit from the destination Member State (applied for in advance or, by derogation in Article 29(2), granted on arrival), with possible isolation under official supervision of up to six months. Article 15(b) also uses a permit, only for pet dogs moved by military, law-enforcement or search-and-rescue teams that enter other than through a travellers' point of entry. An ordinary compliant pet does not need one.
Applies to pet dogs, cats and ferrets that do not meet the EU entry conditions.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 2 October 2026
Microchip
- Each pet must be identified with an implanted microchip meeting the technical specifications in Article 70a of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035. Neither the EC pages nor 2026/131 name ISO 11784/11785 directly; the standard is set by reference to Article 70a. Exceptions: the same EC page accepts a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011, and a microchip that does not meet Article 70a is accepted if the owner provides a reader on request (Article 13(1)(b) of 2026/131; see below).
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - The rabies vaccine must not be given before the microchip is implanted or read (same day is acceptable).
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - If a pet from a non-EU country has a microchip that does not meet the EU technical requirements, the owner must provide a reader so EU authorities can check it.
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026 - For non-commercial movements between EU countries, the microchip must contain the country code from 1 January 2028. The same FAQ lists exceptions: pets microchipped before 22 April 2026 under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 need not be re-chipped, and pets from non-EU countries on a short stay identified under their own national rules do not need a country-code chip (Article 7(2)(a) of 2026/131 also deems transponders implanted before 1 January 2028 without the country code compliant).
Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026 - Article 7(1)(b) of 2026/131 (identification for movements between Member States): if the transponder does not meet the Article 70a technical requirements, the owner or authorised person must provide a reader on request.
Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
Rabies vaccination
- The pet must have been at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated against rabies.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - A primary rabies vaccination becomes valid 21 days after the vaccination protocol is completed.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
Rabies titre test
- Where required (non-listed origins), the test must measure a level of neutralising antibody to rabies virus in serum of at least 0.5 IU/ml, done in a designated laboratory. Neither the EC page nor 2026/131 (which refers to point 1 of Annex XXI to Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692) names a test method such as FAVN or RFFIT.
Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - The test must be done by an official laboratory designated under Article 37 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, or by a laboratory in a third country listed in Annex VIII to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 designated in line with Article 37(4) and (5) of that Regulation; only laboratories specifically accredited for the method may do it, so the laboratory need not be in the EU. The EC publishes the lists of designated laboratories.
Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests, checked 1 October 2026 - The blood sample must be taken by an authorised veterinarian at least 30 days after the primary vaccination (or within a current valid vaccination series) and not less than 90 days before the animal health certificate is issued.
Applies to dogs and cats from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - The 90-day wait does not apply when an EU-resident pet returns and its passport shows a favourable titre test done before it left the EU.
Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from non-listed third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
Health certificate
- Pets entering from third countries need an EU animal health certificate completed and issued by an official or authorised veterinarian in the country of dispatch and then endorsed by that country's competent authority. Exceptions on the same page (Article 20 of 2026/131): a pet accompanied by a pet passport issued in an Annex I country, and an EU-resident pet re-entering on its EU pet passport (see topic other), need no certificate.
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - The certificate is valid for 10 days from issue by the official veterinarian until the documentary and identity checks at the travellers' point of entry; for transport by sea the 10 days are extended by the length of the sea journey.
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - For onward travel to other EU countries the certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier.
Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries and travelling onward within the EU.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - The certificate must be accompanied by a written declaration from the owner or authorised person that the movement is non-commercial (model in Part 2 of Annex V to 2026/705).
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - Transitional rule: old-model certificates (Annex IV to 577/2013) issued before 1 October 2026 are accepted until 31 March 2027.
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026 - The EC page confirms that old-model certificates remain valid only if issued before 1 October 2026 (end date 31 March 2027 is in Article 6 of 2026/705).
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - Article 6(1) of 2026/705: an old-model passport (Part 1 of Annex III to 577/2013) is deemed to comply with the new model passport where it was issued before 1 January 2028, for non-commercial movements into a Member State from another Member State. Article 6(2) gives the same rule for old Part 3 passports used for movements from third countries or territories listed in Annex I to 2026/636.
Applies to dogs and cats moving with an EU pet passport.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026 - Article 18(1) of 2026/131: the animal health certificate is valid for 6 months from the entry checks at the travellers' point of entry, or until the rabies vaccination expires if earlier.
Applies to dogs and cats entering from third countries.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
Other vaccines and tests
- Not required: no vaccines or tests other than rabies vaccination, the rabies titre test (non-listed origins) and Echinococcus treatment (dogs to the listed countries). Article 14 of 2026/131 is the complete list of health measures for non-commercial entry.
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
Parasite treatment
- Dogs (not cats) must be treated against Echinococcus multilocularis before entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway. Dogs moving directly between these disease-free countries are exempt (Article 10(1) of 2026/131 and the EC 'Travelling with a pet within the EU' page). Article 16 of 2026/131 (dogs from Annex I countries) and Article 10(2) (dogs from other Member States) allow an alternative regular-treatment scheme where the destination Member State has authorised it and says so on a dedicated website.
Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - The tapeworm treatment must be given by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before scheduled entry.
Applies to dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland or Norway.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
Quarantine
- Under EU rules quarantine is tied to non-compliance: a pet that fails the entry checks may be returned to the country of departure, quarantined until it complies, or, if neither is possible, euthanised (Your Europe, last checked 1 September 2026). Separately, Article 29 of 2026/131 lets a Member State admit a non-compliant pet on a permit that may include isolation under official supervision for up to six months. The entry measures for a compliant pet (Article 14 of 2026/131, see other_vaccines_and_tests) include no quarantine.
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
EU rules on travelling with pets and other animals in the EU, checked 1 October 2026
Arrival points and notice
- Pets from third countries must enter through a travellers' point of entry designated by the Member State (Article 15 of 2026/131, with listed exceptions).
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026 - The EC publishes each Member State's travellers' points of entry. Pets from Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State are exempt from using them.
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Travellers' points of entry, checked 1 October 2026
Minimum age
- Young unvaccinated (or not yet fully protected) dogs and cats cannot enter the EU from any non-EU country.
Applies to dogs and cats from third countries.
Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Between Member States only, a destination country may allow young pets under 12 weeks unvaccinated, or 12 to 16 weeks vaccinated but within the 21-day wait (Article 9 of 2026/131). The EC table (checked 1 October 2026) lists Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland as accepting them for non-commercial moves.
Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Article 9 of 2026/131 defines the young-animal derogation for movement from another Member State.
Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
How many pets
- A non-commercial movement is limited to 5 pets in a single vehicle.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026 - More than 5 is allowed only for competitions, exhibitions or sporting events (or training for them), with written proof of registration; the EC page also requires all the animals to be more than six months old.
Applies to groups of more than 5 dogs or cats.
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
How your pet may travel
- The pet must travel with its owner; if the owner cannot travel at the same time, an authorised person may move it, with the owner travelling within 5 days before or after, confirmed by a written declaration attached to the passport (model in Annex V, Part 1 to 2026/705).
Bringing a pet into the EU from a non-EU country, checked 1 October 2026
Other conditions
- Between Member States, pets must carry an EU pet passport (Article 11(1) of 2026/131). The EC guidance page says it is completed and issued by an authorised veterinarian. Exception (Article 12 of 2026/131): a pet whose owner lives in a third country and that entered the EU on an animal health certificate may move on to another Member State with that certificate while it is valid.
Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026 - EU-resident pets returning after a short stay outside the EU may re-enter on their EU pet passport (instead of a certificate) if it shows rabies vaccination and any needed titre test were done before leaving; Article 20(b) of 2026/131 adds that the vaccination must still be valid on return.
Applies to EU-resident dogs and cats returning from third countries.
FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026
Rules set by Germany
Who is in charge
- The federal ministry is BMLEH (bmleh.de; old bmel.de URLs redirect there). Its pet entry page (published 26 February 2026) says travellers must contact the competent authorities on site at entry, who check the pet's documents and identity.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Einreiseorte / Einreisebestimmungen für Heimtiere, checked 1 October 2026 - BMLEH English page (released 24 July 2026): documentary and identity checks at the entry points are done by customs (Zoll) or the official veterinary service.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Travelling with pets: dogs, cats and ferrets, checked 1 October 2026
Where your pet travels from
- Bavarian KBLV states that from 18 June 2026 Serbia and Montenegro count as listed third countries, so no rabies antibody test is needed on entry. (EU-wide origin groups are in eu-common.json.)
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets from Serbia and Montenegro.
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026
Quarantine
- BMLEH: if a pet does not meet the requirements it may be sent back to the country of origin or placed in quarantine until it complies with EU health rules, or, as a last option, euthanised where those measures are not possible.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Einreiseorte / Einreisebestimmungen für Heimtiere, checked 1 October 2026 - Customs (Zoll): non-compliant pets may, at the owner's cost, be sent back, quarantined for several months or, in some cases, euthanised on the official veterinarian's order.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Vorschriften für die Einfuhr von Heimtieren aus Nicht-EU-Staaten, checked 1 October 2026
Arrival points and notice
- Pets from third countries must enter Germany via an airport or seaport on BMLEH's list of points of entry (list dated 7 April 2021). The list PDF could not be text-extracted in this pass; Stuttgart is confirmed separately (Baden-Württemberg). Check the PDF for the arrival airport before booking.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Liste der Einreiseorte in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (7 April 2021), checked 1 October 2026 - Customs (Zoll): entry with dogs, cats and ferrets is only allowed through approved points of entry; this does not apply to arrivals from Andorra, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican City.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Vorschriften für die Einfuhr von Heimtieren aus Nicht-EU-Staaten, checked 1 October 2026 - BMLEH: pets from Annex I countries of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636, or from the UK (Northern Ireland only), do not have to enter through a point of entry.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets from Annex I countries or Northern Ireland.
Einreiseorte / Einreisebestimmungen für Heimtiere, checked 1 October 2026 - Baden-Württemberg ministry: Stuttgart Airport is a listed point of entry.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Heimtiere: Reiseverkehr mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026 - Munich Airport (KBLV): pets arriving in the cabin or as checked baggage must, after passport control and baggage reclaim, go straight to customs (red channel) and present all original documents. Customs does this check for KBLV. The page still cites the old Regulation 576/2013.
Applies to pets arriving at Munich Airport with the passenger.
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026
Minimum age
- Baden-Württemberg ministry, in its section I on travel within the EU: the earliest age to enter or transit Germany is 15 weeks (rabies vaccination from 12 weeks plus the 21-day wait), and Germany does not allow puppies without rabies protection. For arrivals from non-EU countries the EU rules bar young animals entirely and non-listed origins also need the titre test and its 90-day wait (see eu-common.json). Bavaria's KBLV says 16 weeks; for arrivals at Munich, plan for at least 16 weeks.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets travelling to or through Germany (stated in the intra-EU travel section).
Heimtiere: Reiseverkehr mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026Official sources differ
KBLV Bavaria (https://www.kblv.bayern.de/grenzkontrollstelle/reisen_heimtiere/reisen_heimtiere_lang-de.php) says 'Hunde, Katzen Frettchen dürfen somit frühestens im Alter von 16 Wochen nach Deutschland verbracht werden.' Both are Länder authorities with no page dates. 15 weeks is kept because Berlin's veterinary office also states 15 weeks (in its section on travel within the EU) and both derive it from the EU rule (vaccination at 12 weeks plus 21 days); KBLV's own definition of puppies (under 12 weeks without effective rabies protection) gives the same result. The 16-week figure is the safer planning age. - Berlin veterinary office (Treptow-Köpenick), under 'Reiseverkehr innerhalb der EU' (travel within the EU): minimum age of 15 weeks for travel, as rabies vaccination is possible from 12 weeks and a further 21 days are needed.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets travelling within the EU.
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026 - Puppies (under 12 weeks and without effective rabies protection) may neither be imported into nor transited through Germany.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026 - Germany no longer permits movement of puppies that are not protected by rabies vaccination (so Germany does not use the EU young-animal derogation).
Applies to young dogs, cats and ferrets from any origin.
Heimtiere: Reiseverkehr mit Tieren, checked 1 October 2026
How many pets
- No more than five animals may travel under the pet rules; any more are subject to EU trade (commercial) conditions.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Vorschriften für die Einfuhr von Heimtieren aus Nicht-EU-Staaten, checked 1 October 2026
Banned and restricted breeds
- Federal import ban (Hundeverbringungs- und -einfuhrbeschränkungsgesetz, HundVerbrEinfG, 2001): Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier, and their crosses with each other or with other dogs, may not be imported or brought into Germany.
Applies to dogs of the four listed breeds and their crosses, from any origin including EU countries.
Gefährliche Hunde, checked 1 October 2026 - Further breeds are also banned from import if the Land where the dog will be permanently kept presumes them dangerous.
Applies to dogs moving to a Land with its own dangerous-dog list.
Gefährliche Hunde, checked 1 October 2026 - Customs list of Länder rules (the page gives no date or Stand for the list): Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg and Hesse currently classify further breeds, and their crosses with each other or with other dogs, as dangerous. Baden-Württemberg (fighting-dog status decided case by case): Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Bordeaux Dogge, Fila Brasileiro, Mastin Español, Mastino Napoletano, Mastiff, Tosa Inu. Bavaria: Bandog, Tosa Inu, plus presumed dangerous until shown otherwise: Alano, American Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Mastin Español, Mastino Napoletano, Rottweiler, Perro de Presa Canario (Dogo Canario), Perro de Presa Mallorquin. Hamburg (presumed dangerous until shown otherwise): Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Dogue de Bordeaux, Fila Brasileiro, Kangal, Caucasian Ovcharka, Mastiff, Mastin Español, Mastino Napoletano, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu. Hesse: American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Kangal (Karabash), Caucasian Ovcharka, Rottweiler. If in doubt about a breed's classification or the documents needed, check with the responsible Ordnungsamt before travelling.
Applies to dogs moving to Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg or Hesse.
Gefährliche Hunde: Regelungen der Bundesländer, checked 1 October 2026 - A Länder-law import ban is not absolute: the local authority of the Land where the dog will live can grant official permission to keep it.
Applies to dogs on a Land dangerous-dog list.
Gefährliche Hunde: Regelungen der Bundesländer, checked 1 October 2026 - Exception (HundVerbrEinfVO): dangerous dogs brought by people staying in Germany for no longer than four weeks (especially tourists) are exempt from the import ban.
Applies to banned-breed dogs of visitors staying up to 4 weeks.
Gefährliche Hunde, checked 1 October 2026 - Exception: a dog classed as dangerous may be brought back after a stay abroad into the Land where the owner holds a permit to keep it.
Applies to banned-breed dogs already kept in Germany under a permit.
Gefährliche Hunde, checked 1 October 2026 - Exception: working dogs (service dogs, assistance dogs for disabled people, disaster and rescue dogs) may be brought in; their purpose must be proved by a certificate.
Applies to working dogs of banned breeds.
Gefährliche Hunde, checked 1 October 2026 - For any exception the keeper must carry the papers needed to check the dog (for example pedigree, vaccination record, temperament test certificate, Ordnungsamt certificates), in original.
Applies to banned-breed dogs entering under an exception.
Gefährliche Hunde, checked 1 October 2026
How your pet may travel
- The pet must be accompanied by the owner or a person authorised in writing by the owner, who carries a written declaration that the movement is not for sale or change of ownership.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Vorschriften für die Einfuhr von Heimtieren aus Nicht-EU-Staaten, checked 1 October 2026 - KBLV: if the animals travel unaccompanied, not within 5 days of the owner, change ownership, are for sale, or number more than 5, it is a commercial import (trade certificate valid 48 hours, border control post clearance, shipment as cargo with an air waybill).
Applies to dogs and cats not meeting non-commercial conditions.
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026 - Munich Airport: a pet arriving as cargo goes automatically to the airport veterinary border control post for the import check; the owner first collects the cargo papers from the airline.
Applies to pets arriving at Munich Airport as cargo.
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026
Official fees
- Munich: the veterinary border check for pets arriving as cargo is chargeable to the importer (amount not stated).
Applies to pets arriving at Munich Airport as cargo.
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026
Other conditions
- Customs declaration: the owner or accompanying person must declare the pet on import or re-import from a non-EU country so that documentary and identity checks can be done.
Applies to dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany from non-EU countries (non-commercial).
Vorschriften für die Einfuhr von Heimtieren aus Nicht-EU-Staaten, checked 1 October 2026 - Munich: not going to customs (red channel) with the pet is an administrative offence (Ordnungswidrigkeit) that KBLV prosecutes.
Applies to pets arriving at Munich Airport with the passenger.
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026 - Rescue or adoption animals brought by flight sponsors (Flugpaten) and handed to third parties are commercial: they need a trade certificate and must enter through a border control post; pure travellers' points of entry such as Nuremberg cannot be used.
Applies to dogs and cats moved by flight sponsors or rescue organisations.
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026
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Within the EU vs from outside
If your pet is coming from another EU country, an EU pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination cover it.
From outside the EU, you need the EU animal health certificate instead, together with a written declaration that the move is not for sale or change of ownership. Pets from third countries listed in Annex I or II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 need no rabies titre test; pets from everywhere else do, with the blood sample taken at least 30 days after the primary vaccination and not less than 90 days before the certificate is issued.
Pets from third countries must enter Germany through an airport or seaport on BMLEH’s list of points of entry, so check that your arrival airport is on it before booking.
Federal and state breed restrictions
Germany’s federal law on dangerous dogs (HundVerbrEinfG, 2001) bans the import of Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier, and their crosses with each other or with other dogs. Further breeds are also banned from import if the Land where the dog will be permanently kept presumes them dangerous.
German Customs lists Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg and Hesse as classing further breeds as dangerous, and the lists differ from state to state. A Länder-law ban is not absolute: the local authority of the Land where the dog will live can grant official permission to keep it.
There are narrow exceptions. Dangerous dogs brought by people staying in Germany for no longer than four weeks, such as tourists, are exempt from the import ban, and so are working dogs (service, assistance, disaster and rescue dogs) whose purpose is proved by a certificate. For any exception, carry the dog’s papers in original.
Routes to Germany
Frequently Asked Questions
A pet from Great Britain enters as a pet from a third country, so it needs an EU animal health certificate, issued by an official or authorised vet and endorsed by the competent authority. It is valid for 10 days from issue until the checks at the point of entry. Your pet also needs a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. The UK is listed in Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636, so no titre test is needed.
Yes. Federal law bans the import of Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Bull Terrier, and their crosses. Further breeds are also banned from import if the Land where the dog will be permanently kept presumes them dangerous, and German Customs lists Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hamburg and Hesse as doing so. Research the rules for your destination state before bringing a breed that might be affected.
For pets arriving from EU member states: an EU pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. For pets from outside the EU, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia: an EU animal health certificate, valid for 10 days from issue until the entry checks, plus the microchip and valid rabies vaccination. Those four countries are all listed in Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636, so pets from them need no titre test.
Rabies is the only vaccination the EU entry rules require. Your pet must have been at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated, and a primary vaccination becomes valid 21 days after it is completed. The rabies vaccine must not be given before the microchip is implanted or read (the same day is fine).
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Germany
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Code: DE