Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The United States 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 for small pets), Delta/AA cargo, or United cabin
Responsible: Owner
Before booking.
2
Book flight
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead.
3
USDA-accredited vet completes EU health certificate
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
Within 10 days of travel
4
USDA APHIS endorsement of EU health certificate
Responsible: USDA APHIS Veterinary Services
After vet signs. Allow 2-10 business days. Use VEHCS for speed.
Which Germany rules depend on a pet coming from the United States?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and the United States 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 States require before your pet leaves?
Export health certificate: All pet export health certificates must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (page updated 18 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026
Export health certificate: The accredited vet can submit the health certificate to APHIS for endorsement on the owner's behalf (through VEHCS); alternatively the vet gives the paperwork to the owner to submit to the USDA Endorsement Office. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Pet Travel: U.S. to Another Country, checked 2 October 2026
Export health certificate: VEHCS is APHIS's online system for issuing, submitting and endorsing export health certificates (page updated 9 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), checked 2 October 2026
Export health certificate: Endorsement windows after the vet signs are limited and vary by destination (e.g. 30 days). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026
Other conditions: APHIS endorsement fee (page updated 18 June 2026): USD 101 per certificate with no lab tests; USD 160, 206 or 275 for 1 to 2, 3 to 6 or 7+ tests, plus small per-extra-pet amounts. Paid before endorsement; none for ADA service dogs. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Cost To Endorse Your Pet's Health Certificate, checked 2 October 2026
Costs
What this route typically costs
Lufthansa cabin pet fee: approximately EUR 70 to EUR 110 per leg for small pets
Air cargo fee (larger pets): $1,000 to $3,500 from a US hub to Germany
USDA-accredited vet examination and EU health certificate: $200 to $500
Pet transport agent fee: $400 to $1,500
IATA-compliant travel crate (if cargo): $100 to $450
Total typical range (small pet, cabin): $700 to $2,000
Total typical range (larger pet, cargo): $1,800 to $5,500
Critical points to read before you book
The health certificate must be the EU format, completed by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS. Allow 2-10 business days for endorsement, and remember the examination must be within 10 days of travel.
For US military PCS moves, additional logistics support may be available, but the EU health certificate and USDA endorsement requirements still apply. Plan the vet timing around your travel orders.
United Airlines offers cabin-only pet carriage and no cargo. For larger dogs, Lufthansa cargo or Delta cargo is needed.
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. Frankfurt and Munich hubs. Pet-friendly carrier.
Mixed
UNITED
United Airlines
Cabin only for small pets. No cargo pet service. Suitable for small pets only on this route.
Cabin
DELTA AIR
Delta Air Lines
US hubs to German cities. Cargo pet service on applicable routes.
Cargo Only
AMERICAN
American Airlines
US hubs to Germany via European connections. Cargo service. Seasonal embargoes apply.
Cargo Only
FAQ
Common questions about United States to Germany pet transport
They are the same document. For Germany, your pet needs an EU-format health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited vet and then endorsed by USDA APHIS. The USDA endorsement is what makes the EU certificate valid. You do not need two separate certificates; you need one EU-format certificate that carries the USDA endorsement. Allow 2-10 business days for the endorsement after the vet completes the examination.
Yes, on Lufthansa or United. Lufthansa allows small dogs and cats (up to 8kg including carrier) in the cabin, and the pet travels in Lufthansa’s cargo hold if larger. United also offers cabin-only pet carriage for small pets. For larger dogs that exceed cabin limits, Lufthansa cargo or Delta cargo is needed, as United does not offer cargo pet service. For small pets, cabin travel on Lufthansa is a comfortable option.
The pet documentation requirements are the same as for any move: USDA-accredited vet, EU health certificate, and USDA endorsement. The military may provide some logistics support, but the certificate and endorsement steps apply. The main thing to manage is timing, since orders can shift and the health certificate examination must be within 10 days of travel. Build flexibility into your vet scheduling and use VEHCS for the fastest endorsement.
No. Germany does not quarantine pets arriving with correct documentation. With a valid USDA-endorsed EU health certificate, 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.
Airline guides
Lufthansa
United Airlines
Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm
current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
USDA APHIS· United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
IATA· International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations