A move from Mexico to Germany with a dog or cat is mostly about preparing the documents in the right order. Plan on roughly 20-22 weeks; the checklist is clear and the timing is manageable. There is no routine quarantine, provided the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Mexico to Germany
typically takes around 20-22 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Mexico 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 Mexico
5+ months before travel
2
Verify rabies vaccination is current and 21-day post-primary wait is complete.
Responsible: Vet in Mexico
5+ months before travel
3
Blood drawn for FAVN titre test at EU-approved laboratory. 3-month wait starts from this date.
Responsible: Official vet and EU-approved laboratory
4-5 months before travel
4
Wait 3 months from blood sampling date.
Responsible: N/A - mandatory waiting period
3 months from blood draw
5
Book cargo from MEX to FRA via European hub.
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel
6
Obtain SENASICA-endorsed EU certificate within 10 days of travel.
Responsible: SENASICA-registered vet plus SENASICA endorsement
Within 10 days of travel
7
Depart MEX. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt.
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
Required. Mexico is not EU-listed. FAVN rabies antibody titre test required. Blood must be drawn after microchip and after valid vaccination. 3-month wait from blood sampling date before EU entry. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets. German customs (Zoll) inspects at Frankfurt (FRA) or destination airport.
Import permit
No import permit. SENASICA-endorsed EU-format certificate is the required document.
Health certificate
EU-format certificate endorsed by SENASICA, within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Mexico)
No formal export permit for companion animals. SENASICA inspection at departure; primary international departure is Mexico City (MEX).
Costs
What this route typically costs
SENASICA vet certificate and endorsement: MXN 2,000-5,000 (approximately EUR 100-250)
FAVN titre test (EU-approved laboratory): EUR 85-170
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-250 if needed
Cargo MEX to FRA (via hub connection): EUR 900-2,200 depending on crate size
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-500
Total typical range: EUR 1,400-3,400
Critical points to read before you book
Mexico is not EU-listed: FAVN titre test and 3-month wait from blood sampling date are mandatory. Start 5 months before travel.
3-month wait runs from blood draw date, not results date.
Germany's Bundesland breed restrictions vary; check your destination state before starting.
SENASICA-endorsed certificate must be in EU format and dated within 10 days of 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.
AEROMEXICO
Aeromexico Cargo
Aeromexico operates from Mexico City (MEX) to Europe. Connections via Madrid or Paris CDG to Frankfurt available. Aeromexico Cargo accepts live animals on selected routes.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa Cargo
Lufthansa connects from MEX to Frankfurt (FRA) via hub connections. Frankfurt is Germany's main live animal cargo hub with established Zoll handling.
Cargo Only
AIR FRANCE
Air France Cargo
Air France operates MEX to Paris CDG with cargo connections to Frankfurt. Live animal capacity available on the Mexico City to CDG route.
Cargo Only
IBERIA CARGO
Iberia Cargo
Iberia operates MEX to Madrid (MAD) with onward connections to Frankfurt and other German airports.
Cargo Only
Germany entry requirements at a glance
The path into Germany is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Getting the details right
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Mexico to Germany pet transport
Mexico is not on the EU’s list of countries with equivalent animal health standards. The UAE is. Pets from listed countries (UAE, Chile, Argentina) travel to the EU without a titre test. Mexico is non-listed, so the FAVN test and 3-month wait from blood draw apply. Source: food.ec.europa.eu, 2026.
The 3-month wait runs from the blood sampling date, not from the date results arrive. If blood is drawn on 1 March, travel to Germany is not possible before 1 June, regardless of when FAVN results come back from the laboratory.
No airline offers direct Mexico City to German airport cargo. Aeromexico connects to European hubs; Air France operates MEX to CDG with Frankfurt connections; Iberia operates MEX to Madrid with Frankfurt connections. Lufthansa Cargo handles the Frankfurt arrival leg. Book four to six weeks ahead.
Cargo via hub typically costs EUR 900 to EUR 2,200 depending on crate size. Add EUR 85-170 for the FAVN titre test, EUR 100-250 for the SENASICA-endorsed certificate, and EUR 80-250 for a crate if needed. Total all-in is typically EUR 1,400 to EUR 3,400, with five months preparation needed.
Airline guides
Aeromexico Cargo
Lufthansa Cargo
Air France Cargo
Iberia Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.