PetPass ReadyBringing your dog or cat to Germany from the USA in 2026
Last updated: September 6, 2026 — verified against official sources (European Commission, USDA APHIS, UK GOV.UK, US CDC).
Germany follows the EU-wide pet travel regulation, with one practical detail to know: your EU health certificate must be understandable by the border officials (English is accepted) and you should carry it with your travel documents. As long as the paperwork is valid, there is no quarantine.
The 4 steps
- Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) first — Your pet must be microchipped BEFORE the rabies shot — a vaccination given before the chip does not count.
- Rabies vaccination ≥ 21 days before arrival — The vaccine must be given after the microchip and at least 21 days before entering the EU. It must stay valid on travel day.
- USDA-endorsed EU health certificate ≤ 10 days — A USDA-accredited vet issues the EU health certificate, then USDA APHIS endorses it. Valid 10 days from issue to arrival in the EU.
- Arrive via an approved EU point of entry — All main EU airports are approved for pets from the USA (Paris CDG, Madrid, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, Lisbon…).
Frequently asked questions
Are there breed restrictions in Germany?
Germany has no federal import ban on specific breeds, but some states (Länder) apply restrictions — check your destination state if your dog is on a restricted list.
How early should I start?
Start 6-8 weeks before travel: the 21-day rabies wait plus vet appointment and USDA endorsement take time.
Is the EU certificate valid for a return to the USA?
No — returning to the USA follows CDC rules, not EU rules. See our USA page for the CDC Dog Import Form.
Official sources
- European Commission — pet movement: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets_en
- USDA APHIS pet travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
- US CDC dog import: cdc.gov/importation/dogs.html
- UK GOV.UK: gov.uk/take-pet-abroad