General

The dog must be identified by means of a microchip and must have a European passport.

Vaccinations

The dog must be vaccinated against rabies. The first vaccination must be given at least 21 days before departure, and must be repeated within the validity period. A vaccination after this period is considered a first vaccination and is only valid again after 21 days.

A puppy must be at least 12 weeks old when receiving its first rabies vaccination, which means a puppy can only cross the border from the age of 15 weeks.

Transportation

The dog must not interfere with the driver and must be protected against sudden movements or in case of an accident. This can be achieved through a special dog harness attached to the seat belt, a securely fastened car crate, or a closed luggage compartment with a safety net or barrier.

Muzzle

The muzzle requirement for dogs in Germany is not uniform and can vary by state (Bundesland) and even by municipality. There is no general rule that applies to all of Germany. However, a muzzle is often required in public places, especially for large dogs and certain breeds.

Exceptions for specific breeds

For short visits to Germany (maximum of four weeks), there are exceptions to the import ban for potentially dangerous dog breeds, such as Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, and crossbreeds of the aforementioned breeds. In some states, this list is more extensive, see here. Dog owners must be able to show the necessary documents, including proof of ancestry, vaccination certificate, and behavioral test certificate. This regulation is intended to accommodate tourists and short-term visitors. Checks may occur at German customs, so keep all papers on hand. Stricter rules apply for longer stays.

Traveling with more than 5 dogs

When traveling with more than five dogs, they must undergo a clinical examination, and their passport must include an additional certificate issued by the official veterinarian of the country of departure. The dogs will then be subject to commercial transportation regulations.

The non-commercial transportation rules still apply when transporting more than five animals for participation in competitions, exhibitions, sporting events, or training, as long as the animals are older than 6 months and the owner can provide written proof of participation.