Bringing a dog from Germany to the UK: rules 2026
Taking a dog from Germany to the UK requires some post-Brexit paperwork, but no titer test is needed — EU countries are on the UK's approved list. The main extra step for dogs is the tapeworm treatment given 1–5 days before entry.
Destination requirements
- Microchip — before the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination — wait ≥21 days after the first vaccination. (Minimum vaccination age 12 weeks — verify on gov.uk.)
- Titer test — ONLY if travelling from a country that is NOT in the EU AND NOT “listed”. Blood ≥30 days after vaccination, ≥0.5 IU/ml; then wait 3 months from the blood-draw date to travel.
- Document (depends on origin): from the EU — EU pet passport, a GB Animal Health Certificate (AHC), or a Great Britain pet health certificate. From a “listed” country (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan) — usually a Great Britain pet health certificate. From “not listed” — GB pet health certificate + titer test.
- Tapeworm treatment (dogs only) — by a vet each entry; window not less than 24 h and not more than 120 h (1–5 days) before arrival; praziquantel. Not required from Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Malta, Norway. Cats don’t need it.
- Breeds — banned types cannot be imported without a Certificate of Exemption: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, XL Bully (verify the current list on gov.uk).
- Quarantine — up to 4 months if the rules are not met.
- Cabin / cargo — pets must travel by an approved route, by air usually as manifested cargo; cabin into GB is generally not allowed (except special conditions for assistance dogs).
Official sources
- GOV.UK — Bring your pet to Great Britain ↗
- GOV.UK — Which pet travel document ↗
- GOV.UK — Rabies blood tests ↗
- GOV.UK — Tapeworm treatment for dogs ↗
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FAQ
Do I need a titer test to bring a dog from Germany to the UK?
No. Germany (as an EU country) is on the UK's approved country list — no titer test required.
What is the tapeworm treatment requirement for dogs from Germany entering the UK?
Dogs must receive a Praziquantel tapeworm treatment, administered by a vet 1–5 days before entry and certified in the AHC.
Who issues the AHC for dogs from Germany?
A German Official Veterinarian issues the AHC, endorsed by the competent authority (Veterinäramt). Valid for 10 days to entry into Great Britain.
Is there quarantine in the UK for dogs from Germany?
No quarantine for compliant pets from Germany.