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📋 What this article will tell you
- Documents and requirements to take your dog or cat to Germany (latest in 2026)
- Impact of the new EU regulation (mandatory AHC) effective April 22, 2026
- Preparation schedule calculated backwards from 6 months in advance
- Carry-on and cargo compartment requirements by airline (Lufthansa, ANA, JAL)
- Dog Tax (Hundesteuer) and EU Pet Passport procedures required upon arrival in Germany
- Common mistakes and countermeasures
If you are taking your pet from Japan (a third country outside the EU) to Germany,Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required for all travelThe new passport is the first of its kind in the world. Existing EU pet passports cannot be used for entry from third countries. Please check the latest document forms even if you have already made preparations.
Bringing Pets to Germany: What You Need to Know First
Japan is treated as a "third country" for the EU
Germany is a member of the European Union. Therefore, when moving to or posting in Germany with a pet from Japan, the rules for "bringing in from a third country outside the EU" apply; the EU Pet Passport is in principle for travel within the EU and for residents of EU member countries, and for new arrivals from JapanAnimal Health Certificate (AHC)is required.
There is also no major difference in rules between dogs and cats, but both are required to have a microchip, rabies vaccine, and AHC as well. The same rules apply to ferrets.
Required condition 1: Microchip (ISO standard)
ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip required
All EU member states, including Germany,15-digit microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standardsThe microchip is required to be fitted with a microchip. Most microchips installed in Japan are compliant with this standard, but be sure to check the standard number on the certificate issued at the time of installation.
Of particular importance is the fact that "microchipping is a rabies vaccination'sbefore or at the latest on the same day.It must be "attached". If this order is reversed, the document may be considered invalid upon arrival in Germany. For more information about microchips, please refer to this article:What You Need to Know About Microchipping Dogs and Cats
How to check if it has already been installed in Japan
If your pet has already been fitted with a microchip, ask your veterinary clinic to issue a certificate with the microchip number and standard, and make sure it matches your export application documents. If the number does not match the documents, it may cause problems at the immigration inspection.
Required condition 2: Rabies vaccination (21-day rule)
Timing of inoculation can be fatal.
For entry into Germany (EU),After microchipping at 12 weeks of age or laterto be vaccinated against rabies, and alsoAt least 21 days after inoculationOtherwise, you will not be allowed to enter the country. Failure to meet this "21-day rule" may result in separate detention or deportation at the local quarantine station.
The expiration date of the vaccine (often 1-3 years) must also be clearly stated on the certificate. If the expiration date has expired, the vaccine must be revaccinated, and another 21-day waiting period is required after revaccination.Click here for basic knowledge of rabies vaccine.See also.
Documents required upon departure from Japan
Animal Health Certificate (AHC) in EU standardized form
If you are traveling from Japan to Germany under the new EU regulations after April 22, 2026Animal Health Certificate (AHC) must be obtained for each tripThe certificate must be newly issued for each trip. This certificate is not reusable and must be newly issued for each trip.
AHC isIssued by an authorized veterinary officer of the Animal Quarantine Service within 10 days of arrival in the EUThe following is a list of the vaccines that are valid for the period of validity. Valid for 4 months after arrival in the EU or until the expiration date of the rabies vaccine, whichever comes first. Must be written in English or German.
| documents | issuing authority | timing | remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microchip certificate | veterinary hospital | When mounted | ISO 11784/11785 standard, number match check |
| Certificate of rabies vaccination | veterinary hospital | At the time of inoculation (after microchip) | Expiration date must be indicated |
| Animal Health Certificate (AHC) | Animal quarantine station (certified veterinary officer) | Issued within 10 days of arrival in the EU | English or German, new for each trip |
| Export Quarantine Certificate | Animal Quarantine Service, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries | Before Departure | Necessary for Japanese export procedures |
| Owner's declaration | Filled out by owner | at the time of departure | Follow the EU standardized format |
The AHC screening process strictly verifies that the following sequence is proven on the documents: date of microchip, date of rabies vaccination, and at least 21 days after the vaccination. If the date is incorrectly stated or the format of the certificate is not up-to-date, this may cause problems at the local level.
How do I prepare my documents, where do I start?
Due to changes in EU regulations, the required documentation has become more complex.
First, a free consultation on line--we will organize the schedule and required documents together.
Pet travel schedule to Germany (reverse timeline)
6 months before departure｜Confirmation of overall plan and veterinary hospital
- Check microchip status (if not installed, as soon as possible)
- Check rabies vaccine history and expiration date
- Inform your family veterinarian of your trip to Germany and share necessary documents
- Free consultation with PetAirJPN to finalize your schedule
- Check airline pet transport rules and consider flying
4 months before departure｜Vaccinations and health check
- Rabies vaccine (make sure it is after microchipping)
- Waiting period of at least 21 days after vaccination is calculated and reflected in the departure date
- Other required vaccines (flea, tick, and internal parasite control) are also confirmed.
- Request veterinary clinics to prepare health certificates in English (for AHC)
2 months before departure｜Preparation of documents and export application
- Prepare the necessary documents for export application to the animal quarantine office.
- Check and purchase cage (crate) size and airline standards
- Confirm whether or not pets are allowed in your residence upon arrival in Germany.
- Identify a local veterinary clinic and family veterinarian
10 days before departure｜AHC (Animal Health Certificate) issued
- Final health examination by a certified veterinary officer of the Animal Quarantine Service
- Issuance of AHC (EU Uniform Form) (at this point, departure within 10 days is confirmed)
- Apply for and receive an export quarantine certificate
- Final confirmation of all documents (date, microchip number, and name match)
Departure Day｜Airport Procedures
- Check in your pet at the airline counter (arrive early)
- Carry complete set of documents in baggage (not in checked baggage)
- Upon arrival in Germany, present AHC and complete set of documents at immigration
Airplane transportation: carry-on vs. cargo
Lufthansa is the main direct carrier to Germany, and ANA and JAL also offer support. Each airline handles pets very differently.Click here for a Safety Guide for Pet Airplane Transportation.See also.
🛫 Lufthansa
- carry-on (e.g. luggage)Only 8 kg or less (including carrier) is allowed.
- Cargo compartment (AVIH)For dogs and cats over 8 kg.
- Short-breed dogs (e.g., French bulldogs)Cargo: Cargo compartments are totally banned from 2020. Carry-on only (if small and less than 8 kg)
- Pets must be pre-registered (at least 72 hours prior to departure)
🛫 ANA
- carry-on (e.g. luggage)International flights are not permitted in principle (exceptions apply).
- Cargo compartment (excess baggage)Accepted by: Correspondence route
- short-hairedInternational cargo holds are not available year-round (as of 2026).
- Direct flights from Japan to Germany may be cancelled. Rules for transit flights must also be checked.
🛫 JAL
- carry-on (e.g. luggage)International flights are not permitted in principle.
- holdAccepted only on compatible routes and sizes
- short-hairedRestrictions apply depending on the route and season (advance confirmation required).
- No direct flights from Japan to Germany (as of 2026). Codeshare/transit flights are available.
Procedures required upon arrival in Germany
Entry inspection at the airport
AHC, microchip certificate, and vaccination certificate will be checked upon entry into Germany (Frankfurt International Airport and Munich International Airport are the main entry points). Incomplete documentation may result in detention or deportation. Please be prepared to present your pet along with you so that the officer in charge can scan the documents and verify the microchip number match.
Get an EU Pet Passport locally!
Upon arrival in Germany, you can obtain an EU Pet Passport from a local veterinary clinic (Tierarzt); the EU Pet Passport is a convenient document that can be used for travel within the EU, as well as for travel to neighboring countries such as France and Austria. The cost of issuance varies depending on the local veterinarian, but is generally around €50-100 (as of 2026, depending on the region).
Dogs require a "dog tax (Hundesteuer)" and municipal registration
In Germany, when you get a dogNotification to local government and payment of dog taxis mandated. There is no dog tax for cats and small animals. The tax is reported to the civic department (Einwohnermeldeamt) or the tax office (Finanzamt) in each city district.
| city | 1st cow (annual fee) | After 2nd dog (annual fee) | Dogfighting (annual fee) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 120 Euro | 180 Euro/head | — |
| Düsseldorf | 96 Euro | 150 Euro/head | 600 Euro |
| Frankfurt | 102 Euro | 102 Euro/head | 900 Euro |
Upon completion of the dog tax notification, a "dog tax plate (Hundemarke)" will be issued. This must be attached to your dog's collar when walking in Germany, so be careful not to lose it.
⚠️ Common mistakes and countermeasures
If you attempt to depart less than 21 days after rabies vaccination, you may not be allowed to enter the EU.Measures:Set the departure date backwards after the vaccination date has been established. Set the departure date no later than 21 days after vaccination.
Sometimes the dates on the documents are reversed due to errors in the hospital's system input or in the certificates.Measures:Always check the dates on all certificates before departure and request the issuing agency to correct any discrepancies.
AHC must be issued within 10 days counting backward from the date of arrival in the EU to be valid.Measures:The departure date is fixed and the timing of the issuance of the AHC is adjusted to the last minute (within 10 days). Do not allow too much leeway.
After the implementation of the new EU regulation on April 22, 2026, AHC and documents in the old format may not be accepted.Measures:Check with the animal quarantine station or a specialist for the latest forms before preparing the documents.
Lufthansa, ANA, and others prohibit short-haul cargo compartment transport.Measures:Check the airline's website for the latest list of eligible breeds and consider carrying a dog in the cabin if it weighs 8 kg or less.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Cases where consulting PetAirJPN is easier.
Please consult with us as soon as possible, especially if any of the following apply
PetAirJPN will accompany you through the process of consultation, confirmation of conditions, schedule planning, document acquisition support, quarantine application on your behalf, and pre-departure confirmation, all with the safety of pets and reduction of pet owners' anxiety as our first priority. Please contact us for a free consultation.
Would you like to start preparing for your trip to Germany with us?
Preparation of documents, scheduling, and application procedures on behalf of our clients in compliance with the new EU regulations
PetAirJPN provides total support. Start with a free consultation.
Summary: Travel to Germany is all about "early preparation" and "order of documents".
Most important for pet travel to Germany,Microchip → rabies vaccine → 21-day waiting period → AHC issued (within 10 days of departure)Because the new EU regulation from April 22, 2026 tightens the documentation requirements, it is risky to refer to past experiences or old articles as they are.
Ideally, preparation should begin 6 months prior to departure. To avoid incomplete paperwork and procedural errors, we recommend that you take advantage of professional assistance at an early stage. Start your new life in Germany with your dog or cat in peace.
The information in this article is current as of April 2026; EU regulations, conditions for transporting pets by each airline, and requirements of the German authorities are subject to change. Please check the official websites of the Animal Quarantine Service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the German Embassy, and each airline company for the latest information before traveling.
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