Moving Your Pet to Germany? Know the Rules!

Germany has been a favoured pick for people from all over the world to move to and start afresh. While you may have everything ready and set to head to the country, have you thought about that cute furry (could be non-furry too) creature who means the world to you?

Moving your pet to Germany with you might feel like an exhausting task. If you were already in Germany, you would say it like Germans do, “Fix und fertig sein!” But don’t fret. We are here to help you move your pet to Germany. We have the experience, expertise and the network to make your pet relocation smooth.

Here are some pet moving rules you need to know and a step-wise process to get ready for pet relocation to Germany:

1. Decide whether you will travel by air or sea. Air route is the fastest and most preferred but there is one sea route that lets you travel with your met and meet them during your journey. Queen Mary 2is the only ship that allows you to travel with your pet (their home is the kennels in the cruise though). This only works if your pet is a dog, cat or ferret.
2. Then, get familiar with the rules.
   1. The requirements for pet transport vary from airline to airline.
   2. For pet moving, the pet must be in a shipping crate that is well-ventilated and big enough to move in. You might be allowed to carry the crate in the cabin under rare circumstances if it fits under the seat.
   3. You have to travel 5 days before or after your pet.
   4. To move your pet from an EU country to Germany:
      1. Get rabies vaccination and have a proof for the same.
      2. Your pet must be clearly identifiable through a microchip.
      3. Your pet should have their own pet passport, with the relevant documentation. Please note that only dogs, cats and ferrets who are older than 15 weeks can get a pet passport that is valid forever in Europe. Some animals like reptiles, rabbits, rodents, fish don’t need a pet passport and can travel freely.
      4. Queen Mary 2 has some additional rules. It requires that the pet get rabies vaccination 21 days before the cruise, has a ‘Veterinary Certificate’, issued 10 days before the cruise sets sail and should be treated for the heartworm 1-4 days before the cruise.
         1.  To move your pet from a non-EU country to Germany:
            1. Vaccinate your pet against rabies in the 12 months before the travel and have proof of the same through a form that is completed in German and English.
            2. If the status of rabies infection is unknown in the country where you are travelling from then a rabies antibody test has to be done not earlier than 30 days after vaccination and not later than 3 months before the travel.
            3. You cannot relocate more than 5 pets to Germany (sorry, cat ladies!)
            4. Have a microchip on your pet for identification purposes.
            5. Get the official ‘Veterinary Certificate’ for your pet.
            6. In case of exotic or unusual pets, check with the German Customs Office whether the entry is approved. It is also worth checking if the breed of your dog or any other pet is on the approved pets list.

Moving your pet to Germany should not feel like a daunting task despite all the complicated rules if you let professional movers like us, do the job. We know the workings of the industry and will ensure that your pet is relocated safe and sound.

We can also help you move to any country around the globe at affordable rates that are customized for you. Our 24×7 support executives will always be there to help! Get in touch with us today to plan the next move for you and your pet!

P.S.: We love animals. We treat them like family! Call us!

Read more:

Are You Planning To Move To Germany? This Will Help

5 Things To Know About Moving Your Pets

Why The Relocation Industry Needs Digitisation Post COVID-19