Pet Travel Germany | Flying Your Dog or Cat to Germany from the UK

Germany follows the standard EU pet travel rules, but dogs have one extra requirement that Greece and Hungary don’t ask for: a tapeworm treatment, given no more than 120 hours and no less than 24 hours before you arrive. Miss that window in either direction and the certificate won’t be valid.

Fetchapet track that timing alongside the microchip, rabies vaccination and Animal Health Certificate, so nothing gets scheduled out of order. If your own vet can’t issue the certificate, our vets at Ark Veterinary Centre can take care of that for you. We’ll collect from anywhere in England, Scotland or Wales, or you can drop off with us or meet us at Heathrow.

What Your Pet Needs

A few things need to happen in the right order before your pet can travel. It starts with the microchip, which has to go in before the rabies vaccination, or on the same day at the latest. From there it’s the rabies jab itself, followed later by an Animal Health Certificate your vet issues closer to your travel date. Dogs have one extra step on top of this, a tapeworm treatment given not long before you fly. Cats don’t need it.

The Details

Microchip
It has to be ISO 11784 or 11785 compliant. It needs to go in before the rabies vaccination, or on the same day. Your pet also needs to be at least 12 weeks old before they can have the rabies jab.
Rabies vaccination
This needs to be given at least 21 days before you travel. Once it’s done, it’s valid for 12 months, so there’s a bit of flexibility if your travel dates shift around.
Animal Health Certificate
An Official Veterinarian issues this one, and it can’t be done more than 10 days before you arrive in Germany. It’s valid for 10 days for entry into Germany, then good for 6 months if you’re travelling on elsewhere in the EU.
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)
This needs to be given by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before you arrive. Not needed for cats.

Timing It Right

The 21 day wait after the rabies vaccination is the bit that catches people out. Once that jab’s done, count 21 full days before travel, not before. Everything else, the paperwork and the tapeworm treatment for dogs, fits in around that window.

Getting Your Pet’s Certificate

Not every vet is set up to issue export paperwork. The certificate has to come from an Official Veterinarian, sometimes called a Local Veterinary Inspector, so it’s worth checking with your own vet whether they hold that qualification.

If it’s easier, our own vets at Ark Veterinary Centre in Colchester handle export certificates regularly and can take care of the whole process for you. Read more about our vet service here.

If your pet has an ongoing health condition, tell us early on. Things like heart murmurs, epilepsy or diabetes don’t usually stop a pet from travelling, but they do need proper veterinary advice and clear notes on any medication before you fly.

FAQs For Pets Traveling Germany

Does my dog need a special permit for Germany?

No. Germany follows standard EU pet travel rules, so there’s no separate import permit needed alongside the vaccination and certificate paperwork you’re already sorting.

Are there breed restrictions for Germany?

There aren’t any breed restrictions for entry under the EU pet travel scheme.

Is there quarantine for pets entering Germany?

No quarantine, as long as the paperwork’s done correctly and in the right order.

Can Fetchapet’s vets handle the export certificate?

Yes. Our vets at Ark Veterinary Centre issue export certificates regularly and can advise on any health concerns that might affect travel.