Bringing a dog from the USA to Germany: rules 2026
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for Americans relocating with a dog. Because the USA is an EU-listed country, there is no rabies titer test — just a short, predictable checklist.
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 rabies titer test from the USA to Germany?
No. The USA is an EU-listed country, so no titer test is needed — only microchip, rabies vaccination, and a USDA-endorsed EU Animal Health Certificate.
How long before travel should I prepare?
Allow about 3–4 weeks: 21-day wait after the rabies vaccine, then schedule USDA APHIS endorsement close to departure (certificate valid 10 days).
Is there quarantine in Germany?
No quarantine for dogs with complete and correct documentation.