How can I travel to Germany with my dog?

How can I travel to Germany with my dog? - Brown Wooden House on Green Grass Field Near Green Trees and Mountains

I will be traveling to Germany (from the USA) in a few months and hope to bring my dog, a 10 lb Chihuahua-mix. I would like to do this with a minimum of difficulty, so I am hoping to hear the experiences of others who have done this in order to avoid any pitfalls.

My understanding is that it is necessary to have the dog microchipped and then re-vaccinated against rabies, and have the vet sign a form giving the microchip number and details of the vaccination. (There is a handy FAQ from the German customs authority which gives the general picture.)

  • How long before travel do I need to have the rabies vaccine and microchip done?
  • Is the signature of my vet sufficiently "official"? Some other website mentioned getting an approval from the USDA.
  • Is a particular kind of microchip required or recommended? I know there are several different microchip systems.
  • Are there any other particular pitfalls to avoid? For instance, I assume I will have to avoid traveling via Ireland or the UK to get there.





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How can I bring my pet to Germany?

Requirements For Bringing A Pet To Germany
  • A microchip. ...
  • A rabies vaccination. ...
  • Animal Health Certificate (for non-EU countries) ...
  • Blood test (not always required) ...
  • Book a pet-friendly flight. ...
  • Train your pet to like the pet carrier. ...
  • Prepare for the airport security procedure. ...
  • Ask for relaxing medication (only if necessary)


  • How long do dogs have to quarantine in Germany?

    If the pet is more than 15 weeks old and the most recent rabies vaccine is a primary rabies vaccine, the pet must wait 21 days after the date of that primary rabies vaccine before it can enter the EU.

    Can I take a dog on a plane to Europe?

    One American airline that definitely allows pets in the cabin on flights to Europe is Delta. For pets in the cabin, there is no maximum weight, just a maximum kennel size that depends on the flight (check at the time of booking). A charge of $200 USD applies and a maximum of four pets are allowed in the cabin.



    How to Bring Your Dog to Germany | American in Germany




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Mateusz SaƂaciak, Pixabay, Marcin Jozwiak, Johannes Plenio