Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
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
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.
2
Book flight or Eurotunnel crossing
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead for flights; book Eurotunnel for your travel date.
3
Official Veterinarian issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: APHA-authorised OV
Within 10 days of travel
Which Germany rules depend on a pet coming from the United Kingdom?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and the United Kingdom falls in “Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636”.
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. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering Germany, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Germany guide.
What does the United Kingdom require before your pet leaves?
We are still checking the export rules of the United Kingdom against official government pages, so they are not shown here yet.
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.
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
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.
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.
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