Pets in Germany Germany has implemented a dangerous dog law that prohibits the breeding or trade of "dangerous dogs." Dogs with a history of attacking or biting people can also fall under this new law. "Dangerous dogs" may not be imported to Germany under any circumstances. Already the attempt to import a dangerous dog is punishable by law.
For more information and a list of prohibited breeds, check out the Dangerous Dogs fact sheet.
Furthermore, there are strict guidelines for leaving pets alone and general upkeep. In addition to the difference in laws and guidelines, shipping pets and finding a home to house them can be challenging tasks.
Not all landlords allow pets, and even those who do often only allow small pets. For those staying on base, keep in mind you are limited to two pets and dogs breeds on the dangerous dog list are not allowed in on-base housing.
Abandoning your pet at any time during your stay in Germany is not an option. Due to all these issues, many individuals often decide to leave "Fluffy" and "Fido" with family during their overseas tour.
Health Certificate
Before you ship your pet, a veterinarian must verify the health of the animal and issue a health certificate. The certificate must be in German and English and state that the animal is in good health with a current rabies vaccination that meets Germany’s import requirements. The health certificate must be issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian (either a Military Veterinarian or a civilian provider). If issued by a Military Veterinarian, the certificate does not require endorsement by the USDA. However, if issued by a non-military provider, the certificate must be endorsed by a USDA Endorsement Office to be considered valid. Depending on where you are located and the current policies of the nearest USDA Endorsement Office, the certificate will need to be either mailed or physically presented for endorsement before it is mailed (or handed) back to you; the endorsed certificate cannot be transmitted electronically. Whether or not it is issued by a Military Veterinarian, the health certificate must be issued (if by a Military Veterinarian) or USDA-endorsed (if issued by a non-military provider) within 10 days of your arrival in Germany. Depending on how your pet is traveling and with what airline, additional documentation (for example, to certify that they are healthy enough to withstand temperature fluctuations during travel) may be needed from your vet. Please note that different health certificate timelines may apply if your pet is not traveling with you or within 5 days before or after you.
The most current information regarding health certificate and German import requirements can be found at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/pettravel-germany. We highly recommend reviewing this website, speaking with your preferred veterinarian to confirm their ability to issue the required certificate(s), and contacting your airline to review carrier requirements and other pet travel policies as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to start planning the many details of your pet’s travel plans!
Microchips and Vaccines
Your pet will need to have a 15-digit International Standardization Organization pet microchip, which conforms to ISO 11784 and operates at 132.4 kHz. U.S. veterinarians typically insert a nine- or 10-digit microchip. If you arrive in the EU with a nine- or 10-digit microchip, you will be required to carry your own microchip scanner with you. If your animal does not have an ISO microchip, the veterinarian clinic can provide them for $20.00.
Your animal will need to be current on all vaccines, especially rabies. Many airlines are changing their regulations for rabies vaccines and are requiring pets to be vaccinated no less than 30 days and no more than one year prior to flying. This means even if your pet received a three-year rabies vaccine two years ago, some airlines may not fly your dog. Make sure you check with your airline prior to flying to make sure your pet has the proper vaccinations before flying. This will eliminate delay in your pet's travel plans.
Pet Quarantines
Germany does not require quarantine for any animal.
Pet shipment fees
As of 1 February 2013, DOD passengers will incur a €55 (Euro) per pet examination fee upon entry to the European Union. The fee is non-reimbursable and does not exempt any additional entry requirements.
Commercial Pet Shipment
When you ship your pet, it will be at your own expense. Arrange pet shipment well in advance by contacting your current traffic management office or airline. If you ship your pet separately, ship it to Frankfurt Germany. At Frankfurt International Airport, you pick up your pet at the civilian airfreight terminal.
If you move at certain times of the year, especially during the summer, you may not be able to ship your pet at the same time. Check with the airline early to find out about restrictions. You may have to make arrangements to kennel your dog or leave the dog with a relative before you can ship it to Germany.
AMC Space-Available Pet Shipment
When you travel on PCS orders between the U.S. and overseas bases on AMC military chartered flights, you can now move more than two pets per family on a space available-basis only. You should contact your local transportation office to request additional spaces. The transportation office will make the request and print out a confirmation. You should take the confirmation to the passenger terminal to gain approval to move additional pets.
AMC ships pets on most charter flights as a part of the normal service to DoD passengers traveling on official orders authorizing pet shipment. This service is provided to Germany, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Panama, Newfoundland, Azores, Guantanamo Bay, Japan, Guam and Okinawa.
Pet shipment is limited to passengers in PCS status only. Pets are defined as dogs and cats in restricted pet spaces on flights. Reservations are handled on first-come, first-served basis through the local transportation office. The passenger must provide an approved International Air Transport Association container for pet shipment which is available at the Exchange or retail stores. The passenger is also responsible and should be prepared to defray any associated costs.
Pet shipments are identified in AMC Pamphlet 24-1, "AMC Pet Traffic/Transportation Office." Passengers are authorized two pets per family. A waiver may be requested for an additional pet. For additional information on pet shipments, call your local TMO/ITO/PTO.
Import Permit for Unaccompanied Pet Shipments
For information concerning permits or shipping of unaccompanied pets contact the Frankfurt Customs/Veterinary Clearance office at 011-49-6969-69-2801.
Registering Your Pet
Make sure to register your pet with the on-base veterinarian within 14 days of arriving at Spangdahlem.
Dangerous Dog Guidelines
In April 2001, German law was passed on import of dangerous dogs for protection of the citizens. The local offices of public order (OPO) at city and county level are appointed to enforce the dangerous dog regulation.
Dangerous dogs are defined as animals either
- known to be vicious
- having indicated inclinations to attack game or livestock
- having attacked persons
- having shown unusually aggressiveness
Automatically included are Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bullterriers and other dogs descendant from one of these dogs.
These races and any dogs deriving from these races cannot be imported to Germany. Breeding, reproduction, and trade of dangerous dogs are prohibited. The responsible authority may order the dog to be neutered. Dogs may not be trained or bred to become dangerous dogs.
Permission by the local authority is required to keep a dangerous dog. The owner must justify the need to keep the dog, for example as a watch dog. Furthermore, the owner must be at least 18 years of age and personally qualified. Personal qualification requires passing an aptitude test administered by a person or office certified by the State Veterinarian Chamber. This test is only valid for 5 years and only connected to the dog that is tested together with the owner.
Certain criteria automatically disqualify persons to own dangerous dogs:
- final conviction for at least one crime committed with premeditation or twice for crimes committed while drunk within the last 5 years
- addiction to alcohol or drugs, or mental illness or impairment
- repeated violation of dangerous dog legal provisions
Dangerous dogs must be kept safely. They must be marked with an electronic chip applied by a veterinarian. The dog owner has to show proof thereof to the local authority. Furthermore, if the dog is lost or given into somebody else's custody for more than 4 weeks the owner must notify the local authority.
In public areas, including common areas in multi-family housing such as stairwells, dangerous dogs must be on a leash and wear a muzzle. Dog owners may ask for an exemption to wear a muzzle if the dog poses no danger to public security. Persons walking dogs in public must be 18 years or older and physically able to control the dog.