Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Germany with a dog or a cat is possible, but certainly not something to improvise. Between European rules, German specifics, veterinary fees, municipal taxes, and mandatory insurance, moving with a pet requires as much preparation as moving with a child… if not more. Germany remains, however, one of the most pet‑friendly countries in Europe, with a deeply ingrained culture of animal welfare and a precise, sometimes strict, but understandable legal framework for those who look into it beforehand.
This guide details the essential steps for a successful expatriation with your pet to Germany. It covers entry formalities, specifics depending on the country of origin, organizing air transport, choosing insurance, estimating daily living costs, local legal obligations, and practical aspects of living with an animal in the new country of residence.
Understanding the German context: A very pet‑friendly, yet highly regulated country
Germany is home to more than 34 million pets, including approximately 15 million cats and over 10 million dogs. Nearly half of all households own at least one pet, which is noticeable everywhere: dogs allowed on terraces, numerous parks, well-distributed veterinary clinics, developed pet health insurance, and very active animal protection associations.
Animal protection is constitutional in Germany (Article 20a). Federal law (Tierschutzgesetz) imposes strict welfare standards (space, equipment, dangerous dogs), supplemented by local regulations (Länder, municipalities) that vary by place of residence.
For an expatriate, this means two things: Germany is generally welcoming to animals, but this tolerance relies on a non-negotiable prerequisite: being a responsible, informed, and compliant owner.
Before departure: Mastering the entry rules for Germany
The entry conditions for pets into Germany are based on European Regulation (EU) No 576/2013, applicable to dogs, cats, and ferrets – including assistance dogs. All procedures must be completed in the country of origin, before travel. There is no quarantine for animals meeting all requirements, but in case of non‑compliance, authorities can impose quarantine, return, or, as a last resort, euthanasia, at the owner’s expense.
Identification: The microchip, step zero
The first requirement is animal identification:
– 15-digit unencrypted electronic microchip, compliant with ISO standard 11784/11785
– In some cases, Germany also accepts AVID 9 or AVID 10 type microchips
– A readable tattoo applied before July 3, 2011 is still recognized, provided rabies vaccinations have since been maintained without interruption
Crucial point: A rabies vaccination is only considered valid if it was administered after the chip was implanted or read. A vaccine given before marking is not valid in the eyes of European authorities.
Rabies vaccination: A timeline not to miss
Rabies is at the heart of the regulations:
The minimum age in weeks for an animal to receive its first rabies vaccine.
Germany does not allow the entry of unprotected young animals: no unvaccinated puppy or kitten under 12 weeks old can enter, and a vaccinated animal must have passed the 21-day post-vaccination waiting period. In practice, this means an animal coming from the EU or a listed country is at least 15–16 weeks old at the time of entry.
Listed, non-listed country: What changes for the rabies serology test
The European Union classifies countries into three main categories:
– EU Member States and associated territories
– Listed third countries (part 1 or 2)
– Non‑listed third countries (so-called “non-listed” or “higher risk” countries)
For non‑listed countries or those at high risk of rabies, an additional step is required: the rabies antibody titer test.
The procedure is strict:
1. Microchip + primary rabies vaccination 2. Wait at least 30 days after this vaccination 3. Have a blood sample taken by an authorized veterinarian 4. Have the sample analyzed in an EU-approved laboratory 5. Wait 3 months from the date of sampling before entering the EU
The rabies antibody level must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. Once this threshold is reached and if the vaccine is renewed on time, the test is valid for life and does not need to be repeated. For animals from countries like India, Thailand, Morocco, or Tunisia, the minimum age of entry is about 7 months, calculated from vaccination at 12 weeks, followed by a 30-day wait and a 3-month waiting period.
Special cases: Russia, Belarus, Malaysia, Australia
European authorities have added specific requirements for certain countries:
– Since September 2024, a rabies titer test is explicitly required for dogs and cats from Russia and Belarus.
– From Peninsular Malaysia, the animal must not have been in contact with pigs, must not come from an area affected by the Nipah virus, and a specific serological test must be performed.
– For cats from Australia, the animal must not have stayed in an area with Hendra virus during the 60 days prior to export.
These cases show how essential country-by-country verification is before planning a departure.
Documents to obtain before travel
Documents differ depending on whether you are coming from an EU country or from outside.
For a pet already residing in the EU:
– European Pet Passport, issued by an authorized veterinarian in a Member State
– This document combines animal identity, microchip or tattoo number, vaccinations (including rabies), owner and veterinarian contact details
– It is valid for life as long as rabies boosters are given on time
For a pet coming from a non-EU country:
To travel with a pet within the European Union, a health certificate conforming to the European model (EU Animal Health Certificate) is required. This document must be issued by an official or accredited veterinarian in the country of departure, then endorsed by the competent authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the United States or CFIA for Canada). It is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU, and then for up to 4 months for travel within the Union as long as the rabies vaccination remains valid. It must be accompanied by a written declaration attesting to the non-commercial nature of the move, meaning no sale or change of ownership is intended.
From the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland), old European pet passports no longer allow entry into the EU: a health certificate (Animal Health Certificate) is required for each trip.
Number of animals, commercial or non-commercial transport
The European regulation distinguishes two types of movement:
– Non-commercial transport:
– Up to 5 dogs, cats, or ferrets per person
– The animal travels with its owner or a designated person, within a maximum period of 5 days before or after the owner’s travel
– No change of ownership or planned sale
– Commercial transport:
– More than 5 animals (unless they are over 6 months old and participating in a competition or show)
– Or travel without the owner/agent within the 5-day window
– Or transfer of ownership, adoption, sale
In the case of commercial transport, formalities become stricter: registration in the TRACES system (European trade control system), commercial health certificate valid for only 48 hours, entry via a Border Inspection Post, and transport generally as cargo.
Banned breeds and breed restrictions: A sensitive subject
Germany applies a very strict policy on certain dog breeds. At the federal level, the import and even transit of the following dogs and their crossbreeds is prohibited:
– Pit Bull Terrier
– American Staffordshire Terrier
– Staffordshire Bull Terrier
– Bull Terrier
Certain exemptions to dog registration exist, such as for a stay of less than four weeks or the return of a dog already registered in the country, but they are exceptional and strictly regulated. Furthermore, several Länder apply specific rules for breeds considered dangerous (e.g., Rottweiler, mastiffs, Cane Corso), imposing temperament tests, a permit, mandatory muzzle use, and higher taxation.
Whether a dog is a working, assistance, or companion animal does not change the application of these rules: it is the breed and appearance of the animal that determine the legal regime. Before planning a move with a powerful or mixed-breed dog, it is essential to check the lists of your future Land (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Hamburg, Hesse, etc.) to avoid finding yourself in a legal dead end upon arrival.
Arrival in Germany: Airports, checks, fees
Dogs and cats coming from non-EU countries must, with few exceptions, enter through an approved Border Inspection Post. Among the main airports concerned are:
– Frankfurt
– Munich
– Berlin
– Hamburg
– Hanover
– Cologne, Hahn
– Leipzig‑Halle
– Schoenefeld
Upon arrival, two scenarios:
If your pet travels in the cabin or hold as accompanied baggage, present yourself with it and its documents at the red channel for verification (microchip, vaccines, health certificate, tests). If it travels as cargo, it is inspected directly at the veterinary border inspection post, which incurs specific fees.
The amounts vary slightly depending on sources, but consistent orders of magnitude are found. A table helps visualize them.
| Type of entry fee | Indicative amount |
|---|---|
| Customs/veterinary check fee (accompanied) | ≈ €35 to €55 |
| Veterinary check fee (unaccompanied) | ≈ €55 (possible surcharge weekends/holidays +50%) |
| Additional import fees (examination + formalities, certain cases) | ≈ €200 |
These fees are in addition to the cost of the pet ticket (airline) and, in the case of cargo, the handling and service costs of a forwarder or specialized company.
Air transport: Cabin, hold, cargo, conditions, and costs
To reach Germany, most expatriates travel by plane. The main airlines operating to Germany (Lufthansa, KLM, other European airlines) apply quite similar rules, with some nuances.
Cabin or hold: A question of weight and size
The general principle is as follows:
– Travel in the cabin reserved for small dogs and cats
– Maximum weight of animal + carrier often around 8 kg (Lufthansa, KLM)
– Maximum dimensions of the carrier allowing it to be placed under the seat (approximately 55 × 40 × 23 cm, depending on the airline)
– Beyond this weight or size, the animal travels in the hold, in the air-conditioned cargo area, as checked baggage or as cargo
As a general rule, a passenger can transport up to two animals (cabin + hold), subject to availability. Note: some airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds (such as pugs, bulldogs, or Persians) in the hold for health reasons, but may accept them in the cabin.
Transport carrier: IATA standards to respect
Crates for the hold must be compliant with IATA rules (Live Animal Regulations):
– Rigid structure (hard plastic, metal, sturdy wood)
– Ventilation on several sides, door with secure locking
– Size allowing the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably
– Visible marking “LIVE ANIMALS” and arrows indicating the top
– Food and water bowls attached inside, accessible from the outside
For animals used to freedom, it is essential to gradually accustom them to this crate several weeks before departure, to limit stress.
Reservation and pricing
Airlines require a specific reservation for pet transport:
Essential information and prerequisites for organizing air transport for your pet.
Plan to reserve your pet’s transport several days in advance, often with a minimum notice of 48 to 72 hours.
The number of spots for animals is limited per flight, especially for transport in the cabin.
Prices depend on the airline, mode of transport (cabin, hold, or cargo), and destination.
On some routes, typical price ranges are observed:
| Mode of transport | Price range (one-way trip) |
|---|---|
| Pet in cabin (Europe) | ≈ €60–€150 |
| Pet in hold as baggage | ≈ €100–€150 (per segment) |
| International cargo (freight) | ≈ $400–$2,000 depending on weight/distance |
Officially recognized assistance dogs generally travel for free in the cabin, without a crate, but with a harness or leash, upon presentation of documentation and after prior registration.
Practical tips to limit stress and risks
Most veterinary associations advise against sedation, except for very specific indications, as it increases cardiovascular and respiratory risks. To prepare a pet for a flight:
– Gradually accustom it to the carrier/crate, associating it with positive experiences
– Place a familiar blanket or toy inside
– Give a light meal a few hours before departure, while ensuring good hydration
– Prefer direct flights, avoid long layovers in very hot or very cold airports
In case of extreme temperatures on the tarmac, some airlines may refuse transport in the hold for safety reasons.
Daily life in Germany with a pet: What it really costs
Preparing for expatriation with a pet is not limited to crossing the border: you must also factor in the cost of daily life in a country with an intermediate cost of living in Europe, but where animal protection translates into specific expense items (dog tax, insurance, veterinary care).
General cost of living: A reference framework
To situate the budgetary context:
– Realistic monthly cost for a single person (excluding rent): €1,800 to €2,500
– For a family of four: approximately €3,274 (excluding rent)
– Average household expenditures: €2,846 per month, with 36% for housing + energy, and 15% for food, beverages, and tobacco
– Average net monthly salary: nearly €2,963
In this context, adding a dog or cat represents a significant but relatively predictable budget.
Food and regular expenses for a dog or cat
Pet food expenses are included in the household “food” category. Common estimates are as follows:
| Type of animal | Monthly food budget |
|---|---|
| Cat | ≈ €30–€50 |
| Dog (small breed, basic range) | ≈ €10–€30 |
| Dog (large breed or premium food) | up to ≈ €300 |
The wide range for dogs is explained by the diversity of sizes and ranges (supermarket kibble vs. veterinary food or raw food).
Beyond food, you must add:
– Cat litter
– Toys, accessories, leash, collar, harness
– Occasional costs: boarding or pet-sitting when traveling, possible grooming
Insurance: Health and liability
In Germany, veterinary costs are regulated by an official scale (GOT), but remain high, especially in emergencies. Some rough estimates:
| Type of care or situation | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency consultation | ≈ €100–€300 (or more) |
| Surgery (depending on procedure) | ≈ €500–€2,000 |
| Treatment for a chronic illness (per year) | > €1,000 |
| Dental (cleaning, care) | ≈ €150–€600 |
Without insurance, the owner bears 100% of these costs. Hence the popularity of Tierkrankenversicherung (pet health insurance) and Hundehaftpflichtversicherung (dog liability insurance).
For expatriates, several insurers offer online services, sometimes in English. Price ranges are structured as follows:
| Type of insurance | Average monthly price |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive dog health insurance | ≈ €20–€60 |
| Dog surgery-only insurance | ≈ €10–€20 |
| Comprehensive cat health insurance | ≈ €10–€30 |
| Dog liability (Hundehaftpflicht) | ≈ €4–€10 (more for listed breeds) |
Some regions (Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt) legally require liability insurance for all dogs; others only require it for dogs classified as dangerous or large. Whether mandatory or not, it is still highly recommended: damages caused by a dog can reach very high amounts (tens of thousands of euros in the most serious cases).
Dog tax (Hundesteuer): A tax not to forget
One of the specific expenses for dogs in Germany is the Hundesteuer, an annual municipal tax mandatory for each dog, regardless of its status (except for rare exemptions, e.g., guide dogs or working dogs).
Amounts can vary depending on the city concerned. It is important to check the specific information for your locality.
| Example city | Hundesteuer for the 1st dog |
|---|---|
| Berlin | ≈ €120/year |
| Medium-sized cities (average range) | ≈ €90–€150/year |
| Listed breeds (some cities like Munich) | up to ≈ €800/year |
So-called dangerous or listed breed dogs are often taxed more heavily. Conversely, some municipalities grant discounts or even temporary exemptions for dogs adopted from shelters (Tierheim), sometimes for 36 months.
Once your dog is registered, the city issues a tag (Hundemarke) to be attached to the collar for any public outing.
Minimum annual budget summary for a dog
Combining food, taxes, and insurance, here is an estimate of a basic annual budget for a “standard” dog (excluding exceptional veterinary costs):
| Expense item | Estimated annual amount |
|---|---|
| Food (e.g., €50/month) | ≈ €600 |
| Dog tax (average city) | ≈ €120 |
| Mandatory/recommended liability insurance | ≈ €60–€120 |
| Health insurance (average plan at €30/month) | ≈ €360 |
| Miscellaneous (toys, accessories, litter, etc.) | ≈ €100–€200 |
Total: between €1,240 and €1,400 per year, without a major medical incident. For a cat, the absence of a specific tax and less expensive food significantly lowers the bill, but a health budget is still prudent.
Housing and animals: What foreign owners need to know
Housing will often be your main expense in Germany, and the presence of a pet can complicate the search, especially in large cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg.
Legal rules regarding rentals
German tenancy law (Mietrecht) considers keeping pets as normal use of the apartment, but within certain limits. Some key principles:
Lease clauses prohibiting all animals are generally deemed invalid. Small caged animals (rodents, birds, fish) are most often allowed without prior agreement. For dogs and cats, the landlord may require case-by-case authorization, but their refusal must be justified by concrete reasons (nuisance, proven risk, excessive number of animals) and cannot be arbitrary.
In condominiums, the homeowners’ association can also set rules (maximum number of pets per unit, obligation to keep dogs on a leash in common areas, etc.).
To find explicitly ‘pet-friendly’ housing in a tight market, adopt a transparent and proactive approach. Be prepared to make concessions, such as offering a slightly higher security deposit. It is also very helpful to provide a written letter of recommendation from a previous landlord, attesting to your dog’s good behavior and cleanliness.
Rental price reminders
Rents vary enormously from one city to another. Some reference points for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center:
| City | Average rent 1-room city center |
|---|---|
| Munich | ≈ €1,436/month |
| Frankfurt | ≈ €1,283/month |
| Berlin | ≈ €1,220/month |
| Stuttgart | ≈ €1,115/month |
| Hamburg | ≈ €1,097/month |
| Cologne | ≈ €1,027/month |
| Saarbrücken | ≈ €486/month |
It is often more economical to move away from the center or target cities in the east (Leipzig, Dresden, Chemnitz) where rents per square meter remain well below those of major western metropolises.
Obligations after settling in: Registration, insurance, conduct rules
Once arrived and settled, new steps are required, particularly for dogs.
Registering your dog with the municipality
In most cities, you have 2 to 4 weeks after acquiring or arriving with the dog to declare it to the local administration (Bürgeramt, local tax office, or central dog registry depending on the city). The procedure is often accessible online in large cities. Modest registration fees are usually charged (€10 to €35).
Registration allows for the calculation of the Hundesteuer and results in the issuance of the famous tag (Hundemarke) that the dog must wear in public.
Liability insurance: A de facto quasi-obligation
Even in Länder where it is not legally mandatory, Hundehaftpflichtversicherung is strongly advised. Insurers record about 80,000 claims per year related to dogs, with an average cost of €1,000 per case, and cases exceeding €50,000 each year.
In certain German regions (Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt), this insurance is required for all dogs. In North Rhine-Westphalia, it is only mandatory for dogs over 40 cm at the shoulder or over 20 kg. The contract covers damages caused by the animal.
– Bodily injury to third parties (medical costs, compensation)
– Material damage caused to others’ property
– Certain resulting financial losses
– Legal defense costs in case of an unfounded claim
Many contracts also include coverage abroad, which reassures expatriates who need to travel.
License and competency test (Hundeführerschein, Sachkunde)
Several Länder require a permit or certificate of competency for certain dogs:
– Lower Saxony: license for all dogs
– North Rhine-Westphalia: competency test for dogs over 40 cm or 20 kg
– In most Länder: mandatory for classified dangerous breeds
This test, often available in English, verifies the owner’s theoretical knowledge (canine behavior, law, safety). Dangerous dogs must additionally pass a temperament test at an approved facility.
Rules in public spaces: Leash, muzzle, nuisances
Rules for handling dogs in public spaces are largely the responsibility of municipalities and Länder:
Leash use is generally mandatory in the city and in certain parks. For dogs classified as dangerous, a muzzle and leash are required almost everywhere, including in building common areas. In some Länder like Berlin or Lower Saxony, a permit (Hundeführerschein) is needed to walk your dog off-leash in designated areas.
Non-compliance with these rules can lead to substantial fines, up to €5,000 for the most serious offenses.
In addition, there is a universal obligation to pick up feces. Many municipalities provide free bag dispensers, but failure to pick up is subject to fines between €10 and €150.
Regarding noise nuisance, Germany applies quiet hours (Ruhezeiten), typically at night (10 pm–6 am) and in the afternoon (1 pm–3 pm). Prolonged barking during these times can lead to official complaints, or even the obligation to take corrective measures.
Health and welfare: Legal requirements and good practice
Beyond entry regulations, Germany also regulates how animals may be kept.
Some notable points:
The use of electric collars, spike collars, or anti-barking stimulation collars, as well as electric fences, is prohibited. Confining a dog in a crate is limited to a maximum of 2 hours per day, excluding any permanent crate life. Kennels must meet minimum space standards according to the animal’s size (e.g., ~6 m² for a dog up to 50 cm at the shoulder). It is prohibited to keep a dog permanently tethered, and temporary tethering is subject to strict rules.
Authorities and associations also remind of welfare standards such as:
– At least two hours of daily contact between the dog and its owner (walks, play, social interaction)
– Possibility for a dog housed in a kennel to have access to two daily sessions of free exercise, one hour each
Even if all these elements are not systematically checked, they reflect the spirit of legislation that legally considers animals not as mere objects, but as protected beings.
Transport and internal mobility: Trains, buses, cars
Once settled in Germany, you will notice that dogs are quite well integrated into daily travel.
Dogs are generally allowed on public transport (bus, tram, subway, regional trains, and long-distance trains). Small dogs transported in a closed bag or basket often travel for free. Large dogs usually require a ticket (often at a reduced or half-fare) and must be kept on a leash, sometimes muzzled depending on the operator. On long-distance trains (such as those of Deutsche Bahn), rules can vary by train type and route, so it is advisable to check conditions before departure.
In a car, the animal must be secured (harness, crate, net) so as not to pose a danger in case of braking or an accident. This requirement relates to both road safety and animal protection.
Settling in for the long term: Veterinarians, chip registration, local adoption
Upon your arrival, it is recommended:
For a smooth installation in Germany with your pet, three steps are essential. First, identify a local veterinarian, prioritizing an English-speaking professional if your command of German is limited. Second, immediately register your pet’s microchip number on a free registry like **TASSO**, which also provides a tag with a contact phone number, significantly increasing the chances of finding your pet if it runs away or gets lost. Finally, keep all import documents, vaccination certificates, and, if applicable, proof of titer test (mandatory for animals from non-listed countries) carefully, as they may be requested for any future travel to another country or for a potential return to your country of origin.
For those considering adopting a pet after arrival, shelters (Tierheime) are very numerous. They often require:
– A financial contribution (Schutzgebühr) of around €150 to €400
– An interview to verify home compatibility
– Proof that you have your landlord’s or property owner’s agreement, if applicable
Animals there are generally vaccinated, identified, and spayed or neutered, which limits initial costs.
Properly preparing your project: A summary checklist
Without going into an exhaustive list, some reference points help secure your expatriation project to Germany with a pet:
To travel with your dog to Germany, first check the classification of your country of origin (EU, listed, or non-listed) as it determines whether a rabies titer test is needed. Plan the rabies vaccination with a minimum 21-day wait before departure (or 30 days followed by a 90-day wait for non-listed countries). Ensure your dog is identified with an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Obtain the European health certificate (EU Animal Health Certificate) and have it validated by the competent authority within the required deadlines. Check breed bans at the German federal and Länder levels. For air transport, book considering weight limits, crate constraints, and restrictions for brachycephalic breeds. Budget for everything: veterinary fees, pet ticket, arrival check, dog tax, insurance, and possible security deposits for housing. Upon arrival, register the dog with the local town hall, take out mandatory liability insurance, and update microchip-related registrations.
Once these steps are completed, Germany offers a stable, predictable, and often very pleasant framework for living with a pet. Between the parks, quality of veterinary care, density of specialized services (boarding, trainers, groomers), and a culture that values responsibility and respect for animals, many expatriates find that their dogs or cats adapt just as well, if not better, than they do to their new life.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
