Pet Transport UK to Germany: Post-Brexit Rules and the Lufthansa Cabin Option
Taking your dog or cat from United Kingdom to Germany comes down to good timing and the right paperwork. Expect about 4-8 weeks. Nothing here is unusually complex, but the deadlines matter. There is no routine quarantine, provided the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Germany
typically takes around 4-8 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Germany pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip pre-dates rabies vaccination and 21-day wait is complete
Responsible: Vet
Verify now.
2
Choose route: Lufthansa (cabin possible for small pets), BA cargo, or drive via Eurotunnel
Responsible: Owner
Before booking. Lufthansa cabin is a real advantage for small pets.
3
Book flight or Eurotunnel crossing
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead for flights; book Eurotunnel for your travel date.
4
Official Veterinarian issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: APHA-authorised OV
Within 10 days of travel
5
Travel to Germany
Responsible: Owner / airline
On travel date. Present AHC at EU border point of entry if required.
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
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days must have passed since the primary vaccination course before EU entry.
Quarantine
Not required for pets with correct documentation.
Import permit
No import permit required for companion dogs, cats and ferrets entering Germany.
Health certificate
AHC issued within 10 days of travel, valid for EU entry and then 4 months of onward EU travel.
Export permit (United Kingdom)
No formal UK export permit required.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Lufthansa cabin pet fee: approximately EUR 70 to EUR 110 per leg for small pets in the cabin
Air cargo fee (larger pets): £600 to £1,800 from the UK to Germany
Eurotunnel pet fee: £22 to £45 per pet, plus the vehicle booking
AHC from Official Veterinarian: £150 to £400
IATA-compliant travel crate (if cargo): £80 to £350
Total typical range (small pet, cabin or drive): £200 to £700
Total typical range (larger pet, cargo): £900 to £2,400
Critical points to read before you book
GB pet passports (issued in Great Britain) are NOT valid for EU entry post-Brexit. UK pets need an Animal Health Certificate for each journey into Germany, even if they have an old GB passport with valid vaccinations.
Germany has dangerous dog (Kampfhunde) legislation that varies by federal state (Bundesland). Breeds such as American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are restricted or banned in many states. Check your destination state's rules.
The AHC is valid for 10 days from issue for EU entry and cannot be reused for a return trip. Each journey from the UK into the EU requires a new AHC.
Lufthansa's cabin allowance is a genuine advantage for small pets, but the pet plus carrier must not exceed 8kg and must fit in an approved under-seat carrier.
Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination, and the 21-day wait must be complete before EU entry.
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
Allows small dogs and cats in the cabin (up to 8kg including carrier) and larger pets in cargo. One of the most pet-friendly carriers. Frankfurt and Munich hubs.
Mixed
BRITISH
British Airways
Heathrow to German cities. Pets via IAG Cargo. No cabin pets on BA.
Cargo Only
EUROWINGS
Eurowings
UK to German cities. Check current cabin and cargo pet policy at booking.
Cargo Only
EUROTUNNEL LE
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
Drive option via France. Pet stays in the car through the tunnel, then drive on to Germany. Popular for those relocating with a vehicle.
Cargo Only
What Germany requires
The path into Germany is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Avoiding the common mistakes
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.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions about United Kingdom to Germany pet transport
No. GB-issued pet passports (issued in England, Scotland or Wales) are not valid for EU entry post-Brexit. You need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This applies even if your old GB passport has valid, current vaccinations recorded in it. The vaccinations themselves remain valid; it is the GB passport document that the EU no longer accepts.
Yes, on Lufthansa. Lufthansa permits small dogs and cats in the passenger cabin provided the pet plus carrier weighs no more than 8kg and fits in an approved under-seat carrier. This is unusual among carriers and a real advantage for small pets. British Airways, by contrast, does not allow any pets in the cabin. If you have a small pet and want cabin travel, Lufthansa is the carrier to book.
No. Germany does not quarantine pets arriving with correct documentation. With a valid AHC, an ISO microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), and a current rabies vaccination (21-day wait complete), your pet enters Germany without quarantine and without an import permit. The process is straightforward once the AHC is in hand.
Germany’s Kampfhunde laws vary by federal state. Breeds such as American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are restricted or banned in many states, with conditions ranging from outright bans to temperament testing, muzzle requirements, insurance and registration. Before moving a dog of an affected breed, check the specific rules of your destination Bundesland, as they differ significantly across Germany’s 16 states.
Airline guides
Lufthansa
British Airways
Eurowings
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your United Kingdom to Germany pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.