๐ Taking a Cat to Germany (EU)
Here's exactly what you need to bring a cat into Germany (EU) ๐ฉ๐ช. The rules below are specific to cats; for the full country overview see the country hub.
Verified entry requirements (2026)
- ISO 11784/11785 microchip โ before the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination โ pet โฅ12 weeks old; the vaccination date must not be earlier than the microchip date; then wait โฅ21 days after the primary vaccination.
- Rabies titer test โ required ONLY from an โunlistedโ country (not needed from the EU or listed countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan). Blood โฅ30 days after vaccination and โฅ90 days (3 months) before the certificate; โฅ0.5 IU/ml; EU-approved laboratory.
- Certificate โ from a non-EU country: an EU Animal Health Certificate (Annex III, Reg. (EU) 2026/705) endorsed by the exporting countryโs authority (in the USA, USDA APHIS), valid 10 days to entry. From the EU / on return: the EU pet passport.
- Tapeworm treatment โ not required for mainland Germany.
- Breed import ban โ federal law (HundVerbrEinfG ยง2) 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 โ 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.
Flying
Small cats can fly in the cabin (airline weight limit applies); larger ones go in cargo.
- โ ISO 11784/11785 microchipping before rabies vaccine timeline
- โ Rabies titer blood test (RNATT) & mandatory 90-day waiting period
- โ Airport transit zone regulations, international vet certificates & EU pet passport
โ Your Checklist is Ready!
We have reserved your guide. Download the PDF directly:
โ๏ธ IATA-Approved Pet Carriers & Spill-Proof Water Bowls
Important: airlines will deny boarding without an IATA-compliant crate or approved cabin carrier. Secure verified airline gear in advance:
IATA Airline-Approved Cabin Carrier
Fits under the seat on Turkish, FlyDubai, Lufthansa, Delta, Emirates. 3-sided mesh ventilation, waterproof bottom, safety leash ring.
Heavy-Duty IATA Live Animal Cargo Crate
Impact-resistant rigid shell, steel door with central squeeze latch, secured with metal nuts & bolts (plastic latches strictly banned).
No-Drip Water Bottle & Dual Kennel Bowl
External refill spout allows airline ground staff to replenish water without opening the crate door during flight connections.
Emergency Pet Relocation Kit ($19)
Complete digital relocation toolkit for emergency and planned travel with pets. Everything you need in one verified pack:
- ๐ International Vet Certificate filled sample templates (EU, USDA, APHIS, Non-Commercial)
- ๐จ Emergency step-by-step SOP for flight delays, boarding denials & airport lost pet protocols
- ๐ Airline dispute & complaint letter templates + 24/7 on-call relocation specialist contact
๐งณ Essential Travel Services for Flying with Pets
FAQ
Can my cat fly in the cabin to Germany (EU)?
Small cats can fly in the cabin (airline weight limit applies); larger ones go in cargo.
Does my cat need a titer test?
Yes โ and the waiting period can be long, so start early.
How many pets can I bring?
Usually up to 5 per traveler.