Relocation with pets to Germany

Planning a move with your best friend to Germany? Get to know the restrictions and guidelines for bringing pets within the country’s borders.

It is important to know that the regulations that apply to Germany regarding the entry of dogs, cats and ferrets, were written by the EU and apply to all EU member states. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent the spread of rabies on the continent.

What’s important to know?

The entrance to a dog, cat or ferret within the Borders of Germany is from the age of seven months or more, and is valid for dogs that have not been defined as dangerous species. Germany is not allowed to have Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), Staffordshire Bull Terrier (English Steph), Bull Terrier, and incarcerations of these species among themselves or with other species.

The dogs on which there is an exemption from this prohibition are:

• Dangerous dogs that come with tourists staying in Germany for up to four weeks.
• Dangerous dogs being returned to Germany from another country.
• Guide dogs or service dogs.

In the above cases, the owner must have the necessary documents, such as a pedigree in the case of a thoroughbred dog, a vaccination book, confirmation of the examination of the dog’s character and approval of the competent authorities.

The regulations that apply to importing animals from Israel into Germany

To bring a dog, cat or ferret into Germany, you must obtain the following permits:

• Documentation of the antidote test for rabies in the blood. The test must be performed at the Beit Dagan Veterinary Institute at least 30 days after vaccination and at least three months before entering German borders.
• Similar to the requirement that animals be flown , here requires a vaccination booklet that includes a rabies vaccine. The vaccine must be carried out at least 30 days before leaving the country, and no more than a year.
• A health certificate is signed by a provincial veterinarian at least 10 days prior to departure.
• Marking the animal with a chip (according to standard 11784 or ISO 11785).

And if you happen to be raising several animals, know that the new regulations refer to private travel with a maximum of up to five animals per person, provided that these animals are not for sale.