If you want to take your pet (officially: "pet") with you when you travel abroad or if you want to import a pet you have bought abroad into Germany, you must observe various regulations.

Traveling with dogs, cats and ferrets within the EU and certain other countries (e.g. Norway, Switzerland)

The following is required (applies to up to five animals)

• EU pet passport issued by the family vet (also: "Pet Passport") with proof of the required rabies vaccination
• Identification by means of an electronic transponder (microchip) or a tattoo. Microchip identification is mandatory from 03.07.2011, but only applies to animals that have not yet been identified.

By way of derogation, stricter requirements apply in the EU states of Ireland, Malta, Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom for a transitional period until 31.12.2011. The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection has provided information on this.

Traveling with parrots and parakeets within the EU

You require a "Health certificate for parrots and parakeets

• "Health certificate for parrots and parakeets"

Traveling with other birds and domestic rabbits

No special requirements must be met (applies to a maximum of three animals). (Source § 38 para. 1 points a and c BmTierSSchV)

Travel with animals other than those mentioned and travel to non-EU countries

Please obtain information in good time from your family vet or the relevant embassy.

When traveling with pets to third countries with an unfavorable or unknown rabies status, the effectiveness of the rabies vaccination must also be confirmed by a titer determination before the start of the trip.

• Federal Customs Administration - Travel with pets
• Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection - Travel with pets
• Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection - EU countries with stricter requirements