Getting a pet from Germany to Brazil is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This route takes some organising, and roughly 16-20 weeks of preparation is about right. A 30 day quarantine stay applies once your pet …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Germany to Brazil
typically takes around 16-20 weeks.
Expect 30 days of quarantine on arrival.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Germany to Brazil pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step: must be done before any vaccinations.
2
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your veterinarian
After microchip. 30-day wait before next steps.
3
Apply for import permit from Brazil
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Apply early: allow 4-6 weeks
4
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
5
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
6
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
7
Quarantine on arrival (30 days)
Responsible: Brazil quarantine authority
Immediately on arrival: mandatory
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Brazil
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785)
Rabies vaccination
Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel
Rabies titre test
Not required for dogs and cats.
Quarantine
Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: MAPA quarantine station
Import permit
Required. Issued by: MAPA
Health certificate
Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue
Export permit (Germany)
No formal export permit for pets. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Import permit application fee (Brazil)
Quarantine facility fees (owner-paid at destination)
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points to read before you book
Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
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.
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
AIR FRANCE
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
BRITISH
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
KLM
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
DELTA AIR
Delta Air Lines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
AMERICAN
American Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply
Cabin and Cargo
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
The rules for bringing a pet into Brazil
Brazil has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
How to keep this move on track
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
FAQ
Common questions about Germany to Brazil pet transport
Allow at least 16 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Brazil. Your pet will stay for 30 days at MAPA quarantine station on arrival. Confirm the facility, duration, and current charges with the destination authority before travel.
No, Brazil does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Germany. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, an import permit is required from Brazil’s authority (MAPA). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Germany. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Brazil’s authority for the exact format required.
Airline guides
Lufthansa
Air France
Emirates
Singapore Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
KLM
Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
Air Canada
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.