Moving to Germany with your dog, cat, or other pets doesn’t have to be stressful. At Pets in Transit, we take the stress out of international (and domestic) pet travel by handling all the logistics for you. From sorting out Germany’s import rules to booking flights and clearing customs, we’re here to make sure your pet’s move goes smoothly. With years of experience and a personal touch, we’ll help you and your furry friend get settled in your new home with ease.
Once you approve our proposal, we’ll connect with your veterinarian to request your pet’s medical records. We’ll make sure everything meets Germany’s import rules and let you know right away if anything needs updating. Think of us as your guide through the paperwork process.
We take care of the details—from booking appointments to securing health certificates and USDA endorsements. Our team handles the logistics and keeps everything on track, so you’re not stuck figuring it out on your own.
With the documents ready, we’ll book your pet’s flight on a trusted airline with strong safety standards for animals. We work directly with the airline’s cargo department to choose the best, safest, and most efficient route available for your pet.
You’ll receive a full travel schedule and detailed itinerary that covers every step of the journey, including flight info, check-in times, and pick-up or delivery instructions. It’s our way of keeping you in the loop and keeping your pet’s trip organized.
At Pets in Transit, we offer flexible pick-up options. Whether it’s from your front door, the vet’s office, or the airport, we’ll arrange secure and reliable transportation for your pet. Our experienced handlers make sure your pet is safely checked in and travel-ready.
When it comes to your pet’s travel journey, you won’t be left wondering. We’ll send real-time updates as your pet moves through check-in, boarding, and arrival. Our travel portal keeps you informed every step of the way for peace of mind throughout the trip.
Once your pet lands in Germany, we take it from there—clearing customs, arranging quarantine (if required), and delivering your pet right to your new home. We handle the last-mile details so you can focus on settling in.
Relocating your pet to Germany means navigating a detailed set of rules—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Germany is known for its strict animal import regulations, particularly for dogs and cats entering from non-EU countries like the U.S. At Pets in Transit, we help you understand what’s required and take care of the details so your pet can arrive safe, healthy, and ready to settle in. Here’s what to expect:
Before entering Germany, your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip. The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination is administered. If your pet already has a different microchip, a compatible scanner must accompany them during travel. We’ll confirm compliance and help arrange microchipping if needed.
Note: ISO-compliant microchip numbers are usually 15 digits long and meet specific international standards. You can check ISO-compliance with the microchip manufacturer.
Pets traveling from the U.S. must arrive with an EU-compliant veterinary health certificate completed within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the USDA. We coordinate the paperwork, USDA approval, and vet appointments so you don’t have to chase down forms at the last minute.
Most pets entering Germany from the U.S. do not require quarantine, provided all health and documentation requirements are met. However, if paperwork is incomplete or your pet shows signs of illness on arrival, officials may impose a quarantine period. We ensure every detail is covered to avoid any unexpected delays.
Pets traveling to Germany must fly in IATA-compliant crates that meet strict size, ventilation, and safety standards. We’ll help you select the right crate—or design a custom one if needed—so your pet travels comfortably and securely. Our team also coordinates flight booking with pet-friendly airlines to ensure your pet’s journey is as smooth as possible.
Germany has restrictions on certain breeds, such as American Staffordshire Terriers and Pit Bull-type dogs, depending on the federal state. If you’re relocating with a breed considered restricted or dangerous, we’ll advise you on the entry rules and paperwork required for exemption or clearance.
We also take weather, layovers, and flight duration into account—especially for snub-nosed breeds or pets with special health concerns—to ensure their safety every step of the way.
All dogs and cats entering Germany must have proof of a valid rabies vaccination by an authorized veterinarian. The vaccine must be at least 21 days old at the time of entry, or the time designated by the rabies vaccine manufacturer. We’ll review your records, help schedule any necessary vaccines, and ensure your documentation is up to date.
Here are the rules for rabies vaccinations in Germany, according to the USDA website.
Let us handle all of the details and effortlessly manage your pet’s relocation from start to finish!
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