How to take a dog to Germany? - briefly
To bring a dog to Germany, you need to comply with the European Union's pet travel regulations. This involves ensuring your dog has a valid EU pet passport, is microchipped, vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before travel, and undergoes a tapeworm treatment between 1-5 days before entry.
How to take a dog to Germany? - in detail
Taking a dog to Germany involves several steps and considerations to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your pet. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process:
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Microchipping and Vaccination: First, ensure your dog is microchipped. This is mandatory in Germany. The microchip should comply with ISO standards (ISO 11784 or Annex A to ISO 11785). Additionally, your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before entering Germany. The vaccine must be valid and administered by a licensed veterinarian.
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Veterinary Certificate: Obtain an EU pet passport or an official third-country veterinary certificate. This document should confirm your dog's identification, vaccination against rabies, and any treatments for tapeworm if applicable. The certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of your arrival in Germany.
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Tapeworm Treatment: If you are traveling from a country where tapeworm is prevalent (such as the UK), your dog must be treated against tapeworm between 24 and 120 hours before entering Germany. This treatment should be recorded on the veterinary certificate by a licensed veterinarian.
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Travel Arrangements: Plan your travel arrangements carefully. If traveling by air, choose a pet-friendly airline and follow their specific guidelines for transporting pets. Ensure your dog is comfortable and secure in its carrier during the journey. For land or sea travel, check the rules of each country you will pass through to ensure compliance with their regulations as well.
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Customs Declaration: Upon arrival in Germany, you must declare your pet to customs. This can usually be done at the airport or port of entry. Have all necessary documents readily available for inspection by customs officials.
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Pet Registration: After arriving in Germany, register your dog with the local municipality (Gemeinde) within two weeks. You will need to provide proof of rabies vaccination and pay a registration fee. Some municipalities may also require a dog license, which can be obtained from the tax office (Finanzamt).
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Insurance: Consider getting pet insurance to cover potential veterinary costs in Germany. This can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected health issues.
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Familiarization: Help your dog adapt to its new environment by maintaining a consistent routine, providing familiar toys and bedding, and gradually introducing it to new experiences. Be patient as your pet adjusts to the change.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition for taking your dog to Germany, allowing both of you to enjoy your new life together without undue stress or complications.