What does my pet need when moving to Germany from another EU country?

Travelling between EU countries with cats, dogs and ferrets is straightforward. You need:

• Microchip: A 15-digit chip that meets the international (ISO) standard.
• EU pet passport (EU-Heimtierausweis): The chip number and vaccinations must be recorded in it. A vet issues it.
• Valid rabies vaccination: If it's the first vaccination, it must have been given at least 21 days before travel. If boosters are given on time, this 21-day wait doesn't apply again.

No antibody test is needed. That's only required when coming from high-risk countries outside the EU.

Puppies and kittens: Because the rabies vaccination can only be given from 12 weeks old and becomes valid 21 days later, young animals can be brought to Germany from another country at 15 weeks old at the earliest.

After arriving in Berlin: Register your dog in the Berlin dog register (Hunderegister) straight away. This also counts as registering for the dog tax. Liability insurance is compulsory for dogs too.

Note: Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bullterrier, Bullterrier and their crosses cannot be brought into Germany, even from another EU country. For private travel, you can bring a maximum of 5 animals at a time.