Germany, like most European countries, is extremely pet-friendly. Pets are allowed in almost all public places, including hotels, restaurants, and public transport. International pet transport to Germany is possible only if your pet dog or cat has the proper documentation, vaccinations and fulfils all pet import criteria.

Since Germany is a rabies-free country, your pet dog or cat needs a course of the rabies vaccine and other mandatory vaccinations to enter the country. If you are planning to travel to Germany with your pet dog or cat, here’s the list of vaccinations they need before flying.

Mandatory vaccines for pet transport to Germany

Mandatory or core vaccines are given to pet dogs and cats to protect them from life-threatening diseases. These vaccinations are compulsory in most countries, and all pets are required to receive these shots.

Pet dogs travelling to Germany need the following mandatory vaccinations:

• Hepatitis
• Distemper
• Parainfluenza
• Bordatella
• Parvovirus (DHLPP)
• Leptospirosis

Pet cats should be immunised against:

• Calicivirus
• Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
• Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis

Rabies vaccinations for pet transport to Germany

Rabies is a dangerous zoonotic disease, and vaccination against rabies is an essential step in international pet transport. Most countries across the world require rabies vaccination before travelling; this is to help curb the spread of rabies.

If your pet is travelling to Germany from another EU member country or a third country with a low incidence of rabies, they will need to be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before the date of travel. The vaccination must be administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Your vet must record the vaccine’s details in the pet passport or the veterinary health certificate along with the microchip number.  

Rabies neutralising antibody titre test for pet transport to Germany

Pets travelling to Germany from non-listed countries with a high incidence of rabies need the rabies titre test (RNATT) after administering the vaccine. The rabies titre test measures the level of antibodies in your pet’s blood to check if your pet shows a healthy immune response and is, therefore, effectively immunised against rabies.

EU regulations state that a minimum antibody level of 0.5 IU/ml is required for your pet to be permitted to enter Germany. The blood sample for the titre test must be drawn 30 days after the vaccine has been administered and sent to an EU-approved lab for analysis. If the level of antibodies meets the EU required levels, your pet dog or cat must then wait for three months from the rabies titre test date before being eligible to travel to Germany.

International pet transport to Germany

Germany has an estimated pet dog population of 10 million and a pet cat population of close to 15 million. Germany is an excellent country for pets; pets are welcome almost everywhere, and you and your pet can go on plenty of exciting adventures here in Germany.

If you are planning to move to Germany with your pet dog or cat, it is recommended to partner with an IATA-partner pet travel agent to manage the pet transport. An experienced pet travel agency will handle the ins and outs of the transport and make sure your pet arrives in Germany safely and without stress.

Reach out to Petraveller for more information on international pet travel to Germany and free pet travel quote.