How to Get a Pet Passport from US to Germany

For a Pet Passport from the US to Germany, your pet must be microchipped, have a Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, have a Health Certificate by an accredited USDA Veterinarian and submit the completed Health Certificate to APHIS within 10 days of entry in Germany. 

This allows your pet to travel up to 4 months from the issue date as long as the rabies vaccine does not expire during your travel. Quarantine is not mandatory unless pet owners fail to follow travel requirements. Source: USDA/APHIS

Step 1 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A USDA ACCREDITED VETERINARIAN.

At the appointment, the Veterinarian will fill out the approved USDA Health Certificate.

1. Find a USDA Accredited Veterinarian in your state at the USDA/APHIS Portal Here. https://vsapps.aphis.usda.gov/vsps/public/VetSearch.do
2. You may need more than one appointment for your pet such as boosters and 2nd dosage or to wait for a Rabies/Titer test results.
3. Your Veterinarian will ensure the following requirements are in the Health Certificate:

A. Your Pet Must Have a Microchip

1. All Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets must have a microchip implanted. We recommend your pet have a microchip in the standard ISO compliant microchip format. Most country inspection services; veterinarians and animal shelters word-wide use the ISO standard.

2. The number and the date of implantation of both microchips must be documented on the Health Certificate.
3. When recording the “Date of implantation and/or reading [dd/mm/yyyy]” of the microchip/transponder on the health certificate, IT MUST BE ON OR BEFORE THE DATE OF THE PRIMARY RABIES VACCINATION. If your pet was vaccinated for rabies before the microchip was implanted, you pet must be revaccinated.

B. Rabies Vaccination is Mandatory

1. Pets must be vaccinated for Rabies More than 21 days before entry to Germany. This information is included in the pet’s microchip. If your pet was vaccinated for rabies before the microchip was implanted, you pet must be revaccinated. The Rabies vaccine MUST occur the same day or after the microchip implant.
2. The Rabies vaccination valid for 1, 2, or 3 years are all acceptable. The vaccination must be valid at the time of entry to Germany.
3. Some EU countries have exceptions for pets younger than 15 weeks. Germany is not one of those countries. Unvaccinated pets younger than 15 weeks will NOT be allowed entry into Germany.

C. 21 Day Waiting Period

After primary vaccination, you must wait for 21 days after the Primary Rabies vaccination.

D. Tapeworm and Tick treatments are not mandatory for entry to Germany from the US.

STEP 2 SUBMIT DOCUMENTS TO THE APHIS ENDORSEMENT closest to your state via 1 of 3 Methods: Electronic, In-Person, Mail

A. SUBMIT Electronically: Your Veterinarian will submit the Health Certificate for Endorsement (final approval).

B. SUBMIT In Person By Appointment to the nearest Endorsement Office.

1. Find the nearest office at USDA/APHIS Endorsement Office locator.
   https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wcm/connect/aphis_content_library/pet-travel/service-centers-endorsement-offices/pet-travel-service-centers
2. Five or less pets traveling to Germany within 5 days of the owner or designated person, use the “Non-Commercial” Health Certificate. You can download the APHIS Health Certificate HERE.

C. Regular/Expedited Mail

1. Find the nearest office at USDA/APHIS Endorsement office locator.
   
2. Include a POSTAGE-PAID, RETURN ENVELOPE. The USDA will not pay for your postage. Send it by FedEX, USPS, DHL UPS or other “overnight” delivery method to expedite. Most Offices process and return within 3 business days after they receive your documents.
3. Include Health Certificate, Import Permit, Pet Export Checklist, Vaccination Checklist And Other Test Results Required and Payment. Do not pay in Cash.
4. Once the Health Certificate is endorsed by USDA/APHIS, you must enter the APHIS-assigned Certificate Number in the “Animal Health Certificate Number” section of the Declaration.
5. Five or less pets traveling to Germany within 5 days of the owner or designated person, use the “Non-Commercial” Health Certificate. You can download the APHIS Health Certificate HERE.
6. The completed health certificate must be endorsed (counter-signed and embossed/stamped) by USDA/APHIS within 10 days of arrival.

D. The final page of the EU Health Certificate contains a Declaration of Non-Commercial transport. Complete and sign before the pet travels to Germany. The Declaration must accompany the pet and health certificate to Germany.

E. The Health Certificate is valid for 30 days after the USDA Accredited Veterinarian completes and signs it.

F. Your pet’s Health Certificate allows you to travel up to 4 months from the date it is issued by the USDA/APHIS Accredited Veterinarian as long as the rabies vaccine documented on it does not expire.

FAQ for a Pet Passport from US to Germany :

What happens if I travel with my pet and do not meet the requirements?

Failure to comply could lead to the immobilization of your pet in a quarantine facility or its return to the country of origin.

Is tattoo identification allowed for pet entry to Germany?

Yes, but only if the tattoo was done before the 3rd of July of 2011 and it must be clearly legible.

Am I required (as the owner or person responsible for the animal) to accompany my pet during the travel?

In principle, all animals should be accompanied by their owner. For justified and documented reasons, the transport of animals in a different mode of transportation from their owners is permitted as long as it is no longer than 5 days away from the owner.

Related: Pet Cargo Crate Requirements for Airlines-A COMPLETE Guide

and, Pet Travel: How to Book Your Pet to Fly In Cabin