Pet Transport from Germany to South Korea
The Germany to South Korea import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Your vet
Responsible: You or agent
Responsible: DENV-authorised vet + German authority
Responsible: You + cargo airline + APQA
Which South Korea rules depend on a pet coming from Germany?
South Korea sorts countries into 2 groups, and Germany falls in “Rabies-free countries”.
List as printed in law.go.kr annex 9 (개ㆍ고양이 등 수입동물 검역방법, art. 20) of the APQA notice 지정검역물의 검역방법 및 기준 (law.go.kr now shows notice 2026-43, in force from 30 September 2026, as current, and the annex 9 PDF it carries is word for word the same as the file at this URL; APQA's rabies-free page names the earlier notice 2024-31 of 31 July 2024 as the basis; the annex file itself is undated); it matches APQA's attachment for the first quarter of 2023, which added Montenegro. It changes with WOAH notifications, so confirm before travel. APQA says dogs and cats from these origins need no rabies vaccination or antibody test, only a microchip and the exporting-government certificate stating the microchip number and date of birth. Hendra/Nipah certification still applies to cats from Australia. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Rabies vaccination: Not required: dogs and cats under 90 days old, and dogs and cats from rabies-free countries, need no rabies vaccination before import; they still need a microchip and the exporting-government health certificate. Applies to dogs and cats under 90 days old or from rabies-free countries.
Bring a dog or a cat to Korea, checked 2 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering South Korea, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our South Korea guide.
What does Germany require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: Berlin example: apply to the district veterinary office three to four weeks before travel; fees are time-based under tariff 31050 of the Berlin VSGebO, from EUR 41 to EUR 615. Applies to dogs and cats leaving from Berlin (Treptow-Köpenick).
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Rhein-Erft-Kreis example: the district veterinary office charges EUR 35 to issue a health certificate for a stay abroad; it is valid for at most 10 days. Applies to dogs and cats leaving from Rhein-Erft-Kreis.
Gesundheitszeugnis für Auslandaufenthalte von Hunden/Katzen, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Official veterinary health and vaccination certificates for pets travelling abroad are issued by the local veterinary office (Veterinäramt) of the city or district (example: Munich city Veterinäramt). Applies to dogs and cats leaving Germany for non-EU countries.
Tiere im Ausland und bei Reisen, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Entry rules for dogs and cats vary widely between non-EU destinations (blood tests, parasite treatment, entry permits); owners must check the destination's rules in advance. Applies to dogs and cats leaving Germany for non-EU countries.
Reisen mit Hund und Katze außerhalb der EU, checked 1 October 2026
What this route typically costs
Critical points
No titre test is required from Germany, this makes preparation 3-6 weeks rather than 22+.
Health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and in APQA-acceptable format.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Common questions
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations