Taking Your Dog to Germany
Use this 2026 checklist for Germany dog entry rules, paperwork, airline fees, and what you need to return to the U.S.
Requirements for Bringing Your Dog to Germany
ISO Microchip
Your dog must be identified with a transponder that meets ISO 11784/11785 standards. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination used for entry, or the vaccination will not count for travel.
Must be implanted before the rabies vaccine used for entry.Rabies Vaccination
Dogs entering Germany from the United States for non-commercial travel must have a valid rabies vaccination. The dog must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated, and the primary vaccination becomes valid for travel 21 days after it is given. Booster vaccinations remain valid if given within the previous vaccine's validity period.
Primary vaccine: at least 21 days before travel; dog must be at least 12 weeks old at vaccination.Rabies Titer Test
Not required for dogs traveling from the United States because the U.S. is a listed third country for EU pet travel and is exempt from the rabies antibody titration test requirement for non-commercial entry.
Not required for U.S.-origin non-commercial travel.Health Certificate
For travel from the U.S. to Germany, your dog needs the EU non-commercial animal health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA APHIS. Germany requires the bilingual version of the EU health certificate. The pet must arrive in the EU within 10 days of APHIS endorsement. Airlines may also ask for APHIS Form 7001 or other carrier paperwork, but the EU certificate is the key import document for Germany.
APHIS endorsement must be within 10 days of arrival in Germany.Import Permit
Germany does not require an import permit for the non-commercial movement of up to five pet dogs that travel with the owner, an authorized person, or within five days of the owner.
Not required for standard non-commercial pet travel.Owner Declaration
If your dog is traveling with an authorized person or separately within five days of you, an owner declaration confirming the non-commercial nature of the movement must accompany the health certificate.
Must travel with the dog at entry if applicable.Parasite Treatment
Germany does not require routine tapeworm treatment for dogs entering from the United States. EU tapeworm treatment rules apply to certain destinations such as Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, and Northern Ireland, but not Germany.
Not required for entry into Germany.Quarantine Period
There is no routine quarantine for dogs entering Germany from the United States when all non-commercial EU entry requirements are met and documents are in order.
No quarantine if compliant on arrival.Age Minimum
Because Germany requires valid rabies vaccination for entry, puppies from listed countries such as the United States can generally enter at 15 weeks of age at the earliest: minimum 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination plus the 21-day waiting period.
Earliest typical entry age from the U.S.: 15 weeks.Banned Breeds
Germany restricts import or transfer of certain dangerous dog breeds and their crosses. The federal customs authority lists Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier, plus certain other dogs presumed dangerous under state law. Limited exceptions may apply for short tourist stays, re-entry of already authorized dogs, and certain service, rescue, or official working dogs.
Check before booking travel, especially if your dog is a restricted breed or mix.Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost(USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary exam | $75-150 | Typical U.S. accredited-vet exam pricing; varies by clinic and metro area. |
| Microchip | $25-75 | If your dog does not already have an ISO-compliant microchip. |
| Rabies vaccination | $20-50 | Only needed if your current rabies vaccine will not be valid for travel. |
| Rabies titer test | $0 | Not required for non-commercial travel from the United States to Germany. |
| USDA health certificate endorsement | $101-160 | APHIS fee depends on whether lab tests are included on the certificate; many straightforward pet exports without tests start at $101. |
| Airline pet fee | $100-400 | Lufthansa lists intercontinental pet fees of about $100 for small in-cabin pets and about $200-$400 for pets traveling in the hold, depending on crate size. |
| Import permit fee | $0 | No import permit fee for standard non-commercial pet entry to Germany. |
| Travel crate | $50-250 | Varies by IATA-compliant crate size and brand. |
| Total | $321-1,085 |
Returning to the US with Your Dog
As of March 25, 2026, dogs returning to the United States from Germany generally follow CDC rules for dogs coming from a dog-rabies-free or low-risk country. If your dog has been only in low-risk or dog-rabies-free countries during the 6 months before U.S. entry, the required document is the CDC Dog Import Form receipt. The form can be completed online before travel, including on the day of travel, and the receipt is valid for 6 months for multiple entries as long as the country of departure and risk status do not change. In addition to the form, your dog must appear healthy on arrival, be at least 6 months old, and have a microchip detectable with a universal scanner. If your dog has been in a CDC-designated high-risk rabies country during the previous 6 months, additional rules and documents apply, so check CDC guidance before you fly home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a rabies titer test to take my dog from the U.S. to Germany?
Usually no. For non-commercial travel from the United States to Germany, a rabies antibody titration test is not required because the U.S. is an EU-listed third country for pet travel.
How early should I start preparing to take my dog to Germany?
Start at least 1 to 2 months before departure. Your dog must be microchipped before the rabies vaccine used for entry, and if the rabies shot is a primary vaccination, you must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel. You also need time to schedule the USDA-accredited vet visit and APHIS endorsement.
How long is the Germany health certificate valid?
For entry into Germany and the EU, the endorsed EU animal health certificate must be used within 10 days of APHIS endorsement for arrival in the EU.
Can my puppy travel to Germany?
Only if it meets Germany's rabies rules. For a puppy coming from the United States, the earliest typical entry age is 15 weeks because the puppy must be at least 12 weeks old for rabies vaccination and then wait 21 days.
Does Germany require quarantine for pet dogs from the U.S.?
No routine quarantine is required if your dog meets Germany's non-commercial EU entry requirements and arrives with the correct documents.
Are any dog breeds banned from entering Germany?
Yes. Germany restricts import of certain dangerous breeds and their crosses, including Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. Some narrow exceptions exist, so owners of restricted breeds should verify eligibility before travel.
Do I need an import permit for Germany?
Not for standard non-commercial pet travel with up to five dogs traveling with you, with an authorized person, or within five days of your own travel.
What do I need to bring my dog back to the U.S. from Germany?
In most cases, you will need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Your dog must also be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and appear healthy on arrival. If your dog has visited a high-risk rabies country in the previous 6 months, extra CDC documents and procedures may apply.