Strict requirements apply to the travel of pets such as dogs, cats and ferrets.
The aim is to avoid the introduction of rabies.
It is therefore important that you

• thoroughly inform yourself about the existing regulations of the various countries of travel before you start your journey and
• also think about re-entry into Germany.

Animals that do not comply with the required regulations must be

• returned to the country of origin at the expense of the owner who imports them, or
• be placed in official quarantine, usually in an animal shelter, for the duration of any measures ordered.

In the case of a suspected disease, even killing is permissible.

The requirements for travelling and returning with pets depend on the respective country of travel.

A distinction is made between

• Travel within the European Union,
• Import of animals from listed third countries and
• Import of animals from non-listed third countries.

As a rule, you will need for your pet

• effective rabies vaccination. Vaccination is possible for pets at the earliest at the age of 12 weeks.
• Pet passport (with proof of rabies vaccination)
• Identification by electronic transponder
  Until July 2011, identification by tattoo was permitted .This is still recognised for animals marked before this date.
• Proof of the effectiveness of the rabies vaccination by determination of the vaccination titre (only for entry, also re-entry from non-listed third countries)
• Observance of a waiting period of three months after vaccination titre determination before entry from non-listed third countries, does not apply to re-entries

Note: Further information on the requirements for importing pets into third countries (non-EU countries) must be obtained from the respective embassy in good time before travelling. For example, some countries require additional treatment against certain parasites.