Germany is one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world that allows travelers with their furry companions. Although fly with pets into Germany required adherence to specific rules and regulations to ensure smooth entry. Although importing pets to the German Republic requires complex planning and compliance with strict airline policies, import regulations, and microchipping requirements. Whether you are relocating or going on vacation, understanding the rules and regulations will make your pet’s journey smooth. This simple guide will cover the essential aspects of the hassle-free relocation.

Airline Guidelines for the flying with pets to Germany

Airlines policies regarding pets travel varies depending on the carrier, sizes and breeds of the pets that are traveling. Airlines decide whether pets travel in the cabin or cargo based on the pet’s weight. Here are the key airline policies that you should consider for flying with pets.

Cabin and Cargo: Most of the airlines allow the pets in the cabin along with their owners under the seat if the pets weight is under eight kg.

Airlines allow larger pets to travel in the cargo hold in IATA-approved crates.

Each flight has a specific pet carrier size and weight restriction. You can see the flight restriction on their website, so it’s crucial to check the airline’s guidelines.

Booking and Fees for the Pets: The airlines typically require advance booking for the pets due to limited space, so booking the flight in advance helps us in a last-minute haste. Additional fees apply for bringing the pets on board; costs may vary based on the airlines and destination.

Crate Requirements for fly with pets: You must place IATA-approved crates that provide enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. And proper ventilation and a secure lock are essential for a safe journey.

Health and safety requirements: Some airlines impose restrictions on the short-nosed breeds due to respiratory problems. Seasonal travel restrictions applied to the cargo transport in weather conditions.

Documentation for the fly with pets to Germany: Airlines require necessary health and documentation for the pet’s travel. Some of the carriers require the necessary health certificate before travel.

Import regulations for fly with pets into Germany.

Germany follows the strict European Union regulations. To enter with the pets, the traveler should meet the following criteria.

Microchipping: All pets should have an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip before rabies vaccination. You must implant the microchip before giving the rabies vaccination; otherwise, the vaccination is invalid. If the microchip does not meet ISO compliance, the owner should carry the microchip scanner or get an additional ISO-compliant microchip.

Rabies Vaccination: You must vaccinate pets against rabies after implanting the microchip. You must administer the microchip at least twenty-one days before travel. Booster doses should be kept up to date as per the guidelines. Puppies and kittens under twelve weeks old are not allowed because the vaccination cannot be administered.

Pet Passport or Health Certificate: Pets with EU residents can travel with EU passports and records with health certificates.

Non-EU citizens must obtain an EU health certificate issued by a veterinarian. It should not be more than ten days after arrival in Germany. The health certificate is valid for one months or until the rabies vaccination.

Entry and Customs Procedure: Pets must enter Germany through the proper designated controlled points. Upon the pet’s arrival, customs may check the pet’s microchip and health record. The traveler should declare their pets to the customs official.

Microchipping requirements for the pets entering Germany

Microchipping is one of the fundamental requirements for the pet to enter Germany. The microchip acts as the unique identifier.

The microchip standard: The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785-compliant (15 non-encrypted digits). If the microchip does not meet this standard, the owner must carry the compatible scanner or implant a second ISO-compliant microchip.

Timing of microchip: You must implant a microchip before giving a rabies vaccination. If the pet must be vaccinated before being microchipped, vaccination must be repeated after implantation.

Scanning and verification: Customs will scan the pets upon the arrival of the pets into Germany. The owner should check that the microchip is easily readable before travel and checked by a veterinary doctor.