Before any travel to European countries with pets, you should be aware of the provisions imposed on entry with pets like dogs and cats. This provision will be discussed in this post.
Provisions When Entering European Union With Pets
The requirements for the health status of the animals are based on the rabies situation in both the third country of origin and the EU Member State of destination.
A maximum of five of these pets can be carried per person. The animals must not be destined to change hands.
Deviating from this, if the animals are brought in for events like competitions, sports, exhibitions, and training (but not for commercial reasons), exceeding the maximum number of five pets in transit could be allowed.
- These animals must be at least six months old and
- there must be written proof that they are registered for one of the events mentioned.
In all other cases, the regulations for trade in animals apply. You can find more detailed information on this in the Ordinance on the intra-Community movement, import, and transit of animals and goods (Internal Market Animal Disease Protection Ordinance). In Germany, the federal states (supreme veterinary authorities of the federal states (PDF, 37KB, the file is not barrier-free)) are responsible for the implementation and monitoring of this European regulation.
The aforementioned entry conditions must be proven with an animal health certificate, which is to be issued by an officially authorized veterinarian (the Chinese veterinary service requires a Chinese-language animal health certificate). In addition, supporting documents such as vaccination certificates or proof of the result of the blood test must be carried out. The prerequisite for entry is that the animals are accompanied by a responsible person. The responsible person must provide a written declaration that the animal is not being moved for sale or change of ownership.
Please bear in mind that every pet (dog, cat, ferret) that enters or re-enters from a non-EU country is subject to a document check or identity check. To do this, the responsible person will have to register the pet/animal with the customs. Pets from third countries must enter the country via an airport or port that is included in the list of points of entry in the Federal Republic of Germany. There are countries exempted from this regulation. Contact the customs to find out if your country is among the list of exemptions.
Note: You can bring with you a portion of their regular dog food like packed Royal Canin goodies. After reaching the EU, then you can scout for good stores that offer the type of food you give your pets.
For those traveling with puppies, 0 to under15 weeks are prohibited
Puppies are only allowed into or pass through Germany only if they have sufficient rabies vaccination. A distinction is made as to whether the animals come from a listed third country or from a non-listed third country.If the puppies come from a listed third country, they can be brought to Germany at the earliest age of 15 weeks. Young animals from non-listed third countries can be imported at the earliest at the age of seven months.