EU travel documents and third-country entry controls under the 2026 framework.
Documents and identification
Dog / Cat · In the cabin / Accompanied hold baggage / Separate cargo service
Dogs and cats travelling to Germany from another EU member state or Northern Ireland need a valid EU pet passport, valid rabies vaccination and a compliant microchip, or a clearly legible tattoo applied before 3 July 2011. The authorised person carries the owner’s written declaration under the current EU model.
Non-commercial travel from another EU member state or Northern Ireland with the owner or an authorised person. Check the at-most-five-pets limit, written authorisation and valid documents. Other third-country and commercial paths are assessed separately.
Dog / Cat · In the cabin / Accompanied hold baggage / Separate cargo service
For arrivals from third countries, the ordinary pathway includes a valid EU animal health certificate and written declaration; a rabies antibody test may also be required according to origin classification. Check any passport or origin exception before choosing the form.
Selected private pet-travel requirements. The 2026 EU framework applies; sale or transfer of ownership follows trade rules. Third-country classification and all exceptions are not fully modelled.
Dog / Cat · In the cabin / Accompanied hold baggage / Separate cargo service
Ordinary third-country arrivals must use authorised points of entry for document and identity checks. The chip is read and compared with the paperwork. BMLEH lists exceptions for specified territories; confirm the actual first EU entry point and applicable exception.
Selected private pet-travel requirements. The 2026 EU framework applies; sale or transfer of ownership follows trade rules. Third-country classification and all exceptions are not fully modelled.
