Official Import Rules
Germany follows EU pet regulations. EU cats need an EU Pet Passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination. From 22 April 2026, the EU Pet Passport is only valid for owners whose main residence is within the European Union. If you are not habitually resident in an EU member state — including owners traveling from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other non-EU countries — you must use an EU Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for every trip and cannot use an EU Pet Passport as a valid entry document, even one that was validly issued before that date.
Non-EU imports from listed countries need a health certificate, microchip, and vaccination. Non-listed countries also need a FAVN titer test.
Germany allows entry of up to 5 pets per vehicle for non-commercial purposes. From 22 April 2026, under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, the non-commercial movement limit of 5 dogs, cats, and ferrets applies per single vehicle, not per person. Movements above this threshold are treated as commercial unless you can provide written proof of travel for a qualifying competition or sporting event.
Regulatory Update — April 2026
From 22 April 2026, non-commercial pet travel is governed by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, which supplements the overarching Animal Health Law (Regulation 2016/429). Country lists are set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 and model documents in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705. These replace the legacy pet movement regulation No 576/2013. Core requirements remain unchanged — microchip, rabies vaccination, EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate — but border authorities are now enforcing stricter document checking. In particular, the microchip-before-vaccination sequencing rule is being scrutinised more carefully: if your cat's rabies vaccination was administered before the microchip was implanted, that vaccination is invalid for EU entry. Additionally, a critical new rule applies from this date: EU Pet Passports are now restricted solely to owners who are habitually resident in an EU member state. Non-EU residents traveling into Germany — including those from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia — must obtain a fresh Animal Health Certificate for each entry and can no longer rely on a previously issued EU Pet Passport, even one that was validly issued before 22 April 2026. Ensure all documents are complete, correctly sequenced, and that microchip numbers match across every certificate before travelling.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant.
Rabies vaccination
At least 21 days before travel.
EU Pet Passport (EU-resident owners only)
Issued by authorised vet. Covers microchip and vaccination records. Valid only for owners whose main residence is within an EU member state. Non-EU-resident owners must use an Animal Health Certificate instead.
Health certificate
Required for all non-EU arrivals, and for any owner not habitually resident in the EU. Must be issued by an officially authorised veterinarian in the country of origin. For travelers from the US, the certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS, and the pet must arrive at the EU border within 10 days of the USDA endorsement date — not the vet issuance date. After entry, the certificate remains valid for onward travel within the EU for up to four months from the date of the border check, or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first. A fresh certificate is required for each trip.
Travel
No quarantine for compliant cats.
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for compliant cats.
Regulation Transition — 22 April 2026
From 22 April 2026, non-commercial pet travel is governed by Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, which supplements the overarching Animal Health Law (Regulation 2016/429) and replaces the legacy pet movement regulation No 576/2013. Country lists are set out in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636 and model documents in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705. Core prerequisites — microchip, rabies vaccination, and EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate — remain in place, but document standards and border checking procedures are being updated under the new framework. Critically, from 22 April 2026, EU Pet Passports are valid only for owners who are habitually resident in an EU member state. Owners not habitually resident in the EU — including those traveling from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other non-EU countries — must obtain a fresh Animal Health Certificate for each entry into Germany and can no longer use an EU Pet Passport as a valid entry document, even one that was validly issued before this date. Additionally, the 5-animal non-commercial movement limit now applies per vehicle, not per person. Check the latest guidance from German authorities before travel if your journey falls on or after this date.
City & Housing Tips
Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are very cat-friendly. Germany has strong animal welfare laws — the right of animal welfare is enshrined in the constitution (Grundgesetz). Pet-friendly rentals are common; German rental law allows pets (cats particularly) in most rental agreements. Register your residence (Anmeldung) and your pet at the local Finanzamt if pet tax applies (mostly dogs, not cats).
Vets & Common Parasites
Germany has excellent veterinary care with standardized pricing (GOT - Gebührenordnung für Tierärzte). Emergency veterinary clinics (Tierklinik/Tiernotdienst) operate 24/7 in cities. The Frankfurt Animal Lounge (Lufthansa) is the world's best pet transit facility if your cat connects through Frankfurt. Common parasites: fleas, ticks (including those carrying Lyme disease and TBE), and worms.
Find Vets in GermanyExit Rules — Leaving Germany
EU Pet Passport for EU travel (valid only for owners habitually resident in an EU member state). Health certificate for non-EU destinations, and required for all non-EU-resident owners regardless of destination. German vets provide excellent documentation for international travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally no. The Hundesteuer (pet tax) applies to dogs, not cats, in most German municipalities.
If possible, yes. Frankfurt's Lufthansa Animal Lounge is the world's best pet transit facility and professional pet shippers prefer it.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Germany with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.