Airline regulations vary regarding pet travel.
Traveling with your pet requires preparation and collecting documentation of requirements to avoid problems prior to leaving the United States or upon arrival in Germany. Most of the requirements apply whether you plan a short or extended visit to Germany, or plan to move there. If your pet arrives in Germany without the required documentation, vaccinations and certificates, it might be returned to the United States or even destroyed.
Instructions
1. Contact the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, 2300 M Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 or phone 202-298-4000. Ask about laws and special permits required to take your pet into the country or specific regions of Germany. Certain breeds of dogs, such as Staffordshire terriers and pit bulls, may only enter Germany for a maximum of four weeks, according to the German Ministry of Finance.
2. Contact your local U.S. Department of Agriculture office for information on bilingual health certificates, which Germany requires for pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets and birds.
3. Take your pet to a veterinarian for a microchip. If your pet already has a chip, you need to confirm its compatibility with the ISO standard 11784 or 11785, including the AKC/Trovan, Homeagain and Avid Eurochip, advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. If your dog's current microchip does not meet the standard, you may provide your own scanner for other types.
4. Obtain a rabies vaccination for a dog, cat or ferret, over the age of three months, following the microchip implantation, even if the pet previously received inoculation. Wait at least 21 days from vaccination to travel date to meet regulations. Verify that Germany allows pets under three months of age without a rabies vaccination to enter the country or specific regions and obtain documentation certificates, since changes in law occur.
5. Ask your veterinarian to fill out an international health certificate for your pet within ten days of travel, advises the U.S. Department of Transportation. Update your pet's vaccinations, including distemper and hepatitis, advises the U.S. Department of State.
6. Contact the airline companies involved in your travel for regulations regarding kennels and pet transportation. Obtain required carriers, water and food bowls, name tags and bedding or other necessary equipment. Ask for instructions and contact numbers for verifying that the airline and connecting flights provided booking for your pet.
7. Prepare your pet for travel by placing it into the carrier and gradually extending the amount of confinement time.
8. Write your information, including destination, contact and emergency numbers and information about the pet, in both English and German on cards or shipping labels. Make at least two copies of the information. Securely attach the information to the top and side of the carrier using clear packaging tape. Attach a photo of the pet to the carrier and keep a photo with you during the travel.
9. Provide food and water for the pet according to the airline regulations. Put the pet's identification tag on the carrier for use when removing it from the carrier.
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