Bringing a cat from Canada to Germany: rules 2026
Taking a cat from Canada to Germany is a smooth EU route. Canada is EU-listed so no titer test is required, and cats avoid the tapeworm treatment requirement. Germany has no additional restrictions for cats.
Destination requirements
- ISO 11784/11785 microchip — before the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination — pet ≥12 weeks old; the vaccination date must not be earlier than the microchip date; then wait ≥21 days after the primary vaccination.
- Rabies titer test — required ONLY from an “unlisted” country (not needed from the EU or listed countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan). Blood ≥30 days after vaccination and ≥90 days (3 months) before the certificate; ≥0.5 IU/ml; EU-approved laboratory.
- Certificate — from a non-EU country: an EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex III, Reg. (EU) 2026/705) endorsed by the exporting country’s authority (in the USA, USDA APHIS), valid 10 days to entry. From the EU / on return: the EU pet passport.
- Tapeworm treatment — not required for mainland Germany.
- Breed import ban — federal law (HundVerbrEinfG §2) bans the import and transit of: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bullterrier, Bull Terrier and their crosses. Individual federal states may add keeping rules (verify by state).
- Quarantine — none if everything is met. Puppies under 15 weeks are not admitted; from an unlisted country the process effectively takes ~7 months due to the timelines.
Official sources
- BMLEH — Pets entry regulation ↗
- European Commission — Bringing a pet from a non-EU country ↗
- HundVerbrEinfG §2 (breed import ban) ↗
- USDA APHIS — US to Germany ↗
- ✓ ISO 11784/11785 microchipping before rabies vaccine timeline
- ✓ Rabies titer blood test (RNATT) & mandatory 90-day waiting period
- ✓ Airport transit zone regulations, international vet certificates & EU pet passport
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FAQ
Do I need a titer test to bring a cat from Canada to Germany?
No. Canada is EU-listed — no titer test required for cats.
Do cats from Canada need a tapeworm treatment for Germany?
No. Tapeworm treatment is only for dogs in certain EU countries (Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway) — not Germany, and not cats.
How do I get the EU AHC from Canada for my cat?
A Canadian vet issues the EU Animal Health Certificate, which is then endorsed by the CFIA. Valid for 10 days to entry into Germany.
Is there quarantine in Germany for cats from Canada?
No quarantine for cats with complete EU documentation.