Bringing your fur babies to a new country is both exciting and emotional 
Moving pets from South Africa to Germany comes with its own set of rules, and they often change. That’s why we’ve gathered up-to-date links to official guidelines so you can be sure you’re working with the latest information.
We’ve also included trusted pet immigration services recommended by fellow South Africans, plus a section where people share their do-it-yourself success stories—perfect if you prefer to handle the process yourself.
Moving to Germany doesn’t mean leaving your beloved pet behind. In most cases, you can bring your pet with you, provided you meet Germany’s and the European Union’s import requirements. The rules are designed to protect both animal and public health, so it’s important to plan ahead and ensure all required documents and vaccinations are in place before you travel.
Germany has strict regulations on certain dog breeds, and some are not allowed to be brought into the country at all. In addition, each Federal State may have its own list of restricted breeds and extra requirements.
Up-to-date details can be found on the Zoll (Customs) website.
Some breeds classified as “dangerous” may be permitted in certain states, but they must be registered at the Ordnungsamt and may require additional tests or licenses.
These include:
These dog breeds are generally prohibited from being imported into Germany under federal law, although very limited exemptions may apply in exceptional circumstances. Some German federal states also have additional breed restrictions.
The following may also require special permits or may be prohibited:
For most families relocating to Germany with a dog, cat or ferret, the process is straightforward. As long as your pet is correctly microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and travelling with the required documentation, you can usually bring them into Germany without quarantine.
South Africa is classified as an unlisted country for EU pet travel. This means that, in addition to a valid microchip and rabies vaccination, your pet will need a rabies antibody (titre) test and must complete the required waiting period before travelling. Start planning at least four months before your departure date to avoid delays.
Before your pet can join you on German soil, there’s a strict checklist to follow. These rules are in place to protect both animals and people, so be sure you tick every box.
Before your pet can enter Germany, it must be permanently identified with a compliant microchip. This is one of the most important requirements, as the microchip links your pet to its vaccinations and official travel documents. If the microchip does not meet EU standards or was implanted after the rabies vaccination, you may need to repeat parts of the process.
The following pets must be microchipped before travelling to Germany under the EU Pet Travel Scheme:
For other pets, such as rabbits, birds or reptiles, microchipping is generally not required, although different import rules may apply depending on the species.
The order of events matters.
Your pet must be:
If the rabies vaccination was given before the microchip was implanted, the vaccination is generally not valid for travel, and your pet will need to be vaccinated again after being microchipped.
Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet’s microchip before you travel and double-check that the number matches every document. It’s a simple step that can help prevent delays or problems when entering Germany.
Rabies is one of the most important health requirements for bringing a dog, cat or ferret into Germany. To protect both animals and public health, Germany follows European Union regulations that require pets to be vaccinated against rabies before they can enter the country.
The vaccination must be administered after your pet has been microchipped, and the details must be recorded on the official travel documents.
A valid rabies vaccination is required for:
Other pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and most small rodents, are generally not required to be vaccinated against rabies for import into Germany, although different health requirements may apply depending on the species.
If your pet is receiving its first valid rabies vaccination, you must wait 21 days before travelling to Germany.
The waiting period begins the day after the vaccination is administered.
For pets travelling from South Africa and certain other countries, a rabies antibody (titre) test is required before entering the European Union.
The blood sample must:
After the blood sample is taken, there is generally a three-month waiting period before your pet may enter the EU.
Important: This requirement applies because South Africa is not listed as an EU “Part 1” or “Part 2” listed country for pet travel. If you’re travelling from another country, the rules may be different.
Many families relocating from South Africa choose to use a professional pet relocation company. These specialists arrange flight bookings, veterinary documentation, export permits, customs clearance and transport, helping to reduce stress and avoid costly mistakes.
The following companies were reccommended by fellow South Africans
Flying internationally can be one of the most stressful parts of relocating with a pet, but with careful planning, thousands of pets travel safely to Germany every year. Choosing an experienced airline, using an IATA-approved travel crate and preparing your pet well in advance will help make the journey as comfortable as possible.
Important: If you’re flying from South Africa to Germany, your pet cannot travel in the passenger cabin on a commercial flight, even if it is small enough to fit under the seat. South African regulations require pets travelling internationally to be transported in the aircraft’s climate-controlled cargo hold or as manifest cargo, depending on the airline. Assistance dogs are the only exception.
When booking your flights:
Your pet must travel in an IATA-approved crate that:
Allow your pet several weeks to become familiar with the crate before travelling to reduce stress.
After landing, your pet will undergo document and identity checks before being released. Depending on the airline and airport, pets travelling as manifest cargo are usually collected from the airport’s cargo terminal rather than the normal baggage carousel.
In most cases, no.
If your pet meets all of Germany’s import requirements before travelling, there is no routine quarantine on arrival. Your pet can enter Germany immediately after its documents and identity have been checked.
Your pet may be refused entry, returned to the country of origin, or placed into official quarantine if:
In these situations, the competent authorities decide on the appropriate action. This may include:
Think of the three-month waiting period as Germany’s way of preventing quarantine. By completing the blood test and waiting period before you travel, your pet can usually enter Germany and go straight home with you.
Congratulations—your pet has arrived safely in Germany! While the journey is over, there are still a few important steps to complete to help your pet settle into its new home. Taking care of these tasks early will ensure you comply with local regulations and give your pet the best possible start to life in Germany.
Unlike cats and most other pets, dogs must usually be registered with your local municipality (Rathaus or Bürgeramt). Registration is required so your local authority can assess Hundesteuer (dog tax).
Registration requirements and deadlines vary by municipality, so check with your local council soon after moving into your new home.
.
If you own a dog in Germany, you’ll usually need to pay Hundesteuer, a local dog tax charged by your city or municipality.
Unlike income tax or VAT, Hundesteuer is a municipal tax, which means the rules, registration process and annual cost vary depending on where you live.
Veterinary treatment in Germany can be expensive, especially if your pet needs emergency care or surgery.
Many pet owners choose:
If you would like tor travel with your pet in the EU, you need to obtain an EU Pet Passport. This official document makes travelling with your dog, cat or ferret within the European Union much easier and serves as a permanent record of your pet’s identification and rabies vaccination history. An EU Pet Passport can only be issued by an authorised veterinarian in an EU country to owners who normally reside in the EU.
The EU Pet Passport is an official identification document for:
It contains important information such as:
If you’re moving from South Africa or another non-EU country, your pet cannot be issued with an EU Pet Passport before travelling.
Instead, your pet must enter Germany using:
After arriving in Germany, register with a local veterinarian as soon as possible. Besides issuing an EU Pet Passport, they’ll become your main point of contact for routine check-ups, vaccinations and emergency care.
Pets – Personal stories Moving your pet from South Africa to Germany is a big step, and every journey is unique. Explore the experiences shared by fellow South Africans who have successfully relocated their furry family members, and learn from their tips, challenges, and advice. Would you like to share your own pet relocation story? We’d love to feature it. Submit your experience through our contact form December 2022 I did a DIY from Pretoria to
As mentioned before, the rules and regulations can differ per federal state. Most states require dogs to have an identification badge and a chip.
When you take your dog for a walk, the dog’s name, your address and the dog tax disc must be on the dog’s collar.
You might also be required to get a licence to prove you can handle your dog (Hundeführerschein)
Information about the Hunderegister can be found on the Hundeinfoportal
Finding a place to rent Finding a place to rent in Germany is a lot like going for a job interview — you need to sell yourself, make a great impression, and show that you’re reliable.The key? Go in prepared, paperwork in hand, and confidence on your face. Documents needed Be prepared — landlords in Germany are thorough! You’ll typically need to provide the following: 🔍 SCHUFA Report (Credit Check)Shows your creditworthiness and payment history
What can I bring into Germany It is very tempting to bring some South African goodies with you when you travel to Germany, and while most items are allowed, there are Restrictions. There is also a limit on duty-free allowances. New SARS Traveller declaration – leaving SA Travellers entering or leaving South Africa should be aware of the new SARS Traveller Declaration Form. From 1 July 2026, most travellers are required to complete a Customs declaration
Checklist before you travel to Germany Before embarking on your journey to Germany, it is crucial to be aware of all the administrative tasks that will require your attention. While this list is not solely focused on moving tasks, it serves as a comprehensive guide to all the essential administrative factors that need to be tended to before boarding the plane. By taking care of administrative aspects upfront, you can ensure a smoother transition to
