Updated: 2026-10-11
Define the purpose and accompaniment
Check whether the movement is non-commercial, whether ownership stays the same and how the owner travels relative to the animal. Germany’s 2026 guidance separates private travel from sale or ownership transfer. A transport agent’s involvement does not by itself decide the legal category; describe the actual arrangement to the authority.
Use the current third-country branch
Germany describes an EU health certificate and declaration for the ordinary third-country pathway, with antibody testing depending on origin classification. Verify the current list, certificate model and any exception with the first EU entry country. This guide does not confirm a China-specific test waiver or calculate a waiting-period completion date.
Align entry checks with the flight
Confirm the authorised entry point, inspection arrangements and operating airline’s pet reservation. Compare the chip across the original records and final certificate. If the aircraft or first EU airport changes, revisit the documents and handling arrangements before accepting the new itinerary; a valid passenger ticket alone does not settle pet entry.
Government & airline references
BMLEH · Private pet travel (2026) ↗
Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación ↗
Service Public · Pet entry to France ↗