Last Updated: August 7, 2026
What this article will tell you
- Documents and requirements to take your dog or cat to Germany (latest in 2026)
- Key Points of the Current EU Regulations in Effect Since April 22, 2026
- Sample Preparation Schedule Counting Back from the Departure Date
- Pet Transportation Policies by Airline (Carry-On, Cargo Hold, and Handling of Brachycephalic Breeds)
- What You Need to Know About the “Dog Tax (Hundesteuer),” Municipal Registration, and the EU Pet Passport Upon Arrival in Germany
- Common mistakes and countermeasures
Under current EU regulations (effective April 22, 2026), if you are bringing a pet to Germany from a third country outside the EU, such as Japan,As a general rule, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is required for every trip.(Note that there are cases where the rules differ, such as if you already have a valid EU Pet Passport.) The EU Pet Passport is primarily intended for owners residing within the EU and cannot be used as an entry document by owners living outside the EU when bringing a pet into the EU for the first time (Source: European Commission: “Bringing Your Pet Dog, Cat, or Ferret into the EU”interpoint (interword separation)Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131(Verified in July 2026. Please check that page for the latest information.)The procedures outlined in this article are based on the framework of “non-commercial movement,” which includes cases where a pet travels with its owner or is transported by a third party in conjunction with the owner’s travel.In cases where the shipping method differs from this premise—such as shipping pets alone—the applicable requirements and necessary documents may vary (Source: European Commission: “Non-commercial Movement of Pet Animals from Non-EU Countries”(Confirmed in July 2026). Be sure to check the official website to confirm which requirements apply to your specific case. Even if you’re already in the process of preparing your application, it’s a good idea to review the latest document templates for peace of mind.
What do you need to bring your dog or cat to Germany?
Since Germany is an EU member state, if you bring a pet from Japan, the rules for “importing from a third country outside the EU” apply. As a general rule, microchipping, rabies vaccination, and obtaining an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) are required, and the basic requirements are the same for dogs, cats, and ferrets.However, these procedures are based on the premise of “non-commercial travel,” in which a pet accompanies its owner or is transported in conjunction with the owner’s trip.If the circumstances differ from this assumption—such as in the case of single-shipment transport—the requirements may change; therefore, if this might apply to you, please check the official European Commission website mentioned above.
Will Japan be treated as a third country by the EU?
Germany is a member of the EU. If you are moving to Germany from Japan with a pet—whether for relocation or a work assignment—the rules for “importing from a third country outside the EU” apply. The EU Pet Passport is primarily intended for travel within the EU and for EU residents; if you are entering Germany from Japan for the first time, you will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) (Source: European Commission: “Bringing Your Pet Dog, Cat, or Ferret into the EU”(Verified in July 2026. Please check that page for the latest information.)This AHC-based procedure is based on the framework of “non-commercial movement,” in which a pet travels with its owner or is transported by a third party in conjunction with the owner’s travel.However, the requirements may vary if the circumstances differ, such as in the case of single-vehicle transport (Source: European Commission: “Non-commercial Movement of Pet Animals from Non-EU Countries”(Verified in July 2026).
There are no significant differences in the requirements between dogs and cats; as a general rule, microchips, rabies vaccinations, and AHC are mandatory for both. The same framework applies to ferrets (Source: Ibid., verified in July 2026).
Please note that whether a rabies antibody titer test (such as the FAVN method) is required depends on whether the country in question is included on the list of eligible countries specified by EU regulations. Since some countries may require such a test, it is not possible to definitively determine whether an antibody titer test is required for animals brought in from Japan. For the latest list of eligible countries and the relevant requirements, please seeEuropean Commission: “Bringing Your Pet Dog, Cat, or Ferret into the EU”Be sure to check the official website (Source: Ibid., verified in July 2026).
Requirement #1: What is required to have a microchip (ISO standard) implanted?
EU member states generally require the implantation of microchips that comply with the ISO 11784/11785 standards (Source: European Commission(Confirmed in July 2026. Please check the same page for the latest information.) The rabies vaccination must be administered on or after the date the microchip was implanted (or scanned); it may be administered on the same day.
Are ISO 11784/11785-compliant chips required?
EU member states,Microchips compliant with ISO 11784/11785 standardsAs a general rule, it requires the use of [...]. (Source: European Commission(Verified in July 2026. Please check that page for the latest information.) While most microchips implanted in Japan comply with this standard, be sure to verify the standard number on the certificate issued at the time of implantation.
It is particularly important that the date of the rabies vaccination matches the date the microchip was implanted (or scanned).From then on (including the same day)This is important. If you have your pet vaccinated before it receives its microchip, the documentation may be deemed invalid upon arrival in Germany (Source: European Commission(Verified in July 2026. Please check that page for the latest information.) Regarding microchips,What You Need to Know About Microchipping Dogs and CatsSee also.
How to check if it has already been installed in Japan
If your pet has already been microchipped, ask your regular veterinarian to issue a certificate stating the microchip number and specifications, and verify that the number matches the information on your export documents. If the numbers do not match, the verification process at immigration may take longer.
Requirement #2: When Should I Get the Rabies Vaccine? (The 21-Day Rule)
When should I get vaccinated?
If you are receiving your first rabies vaccination, when entering Germany (EU),Administer after 12 weeks of ageand,The vaccination date must be on or after the date the microchip was implanted (it may be on the same day).must be, andAt least 21 days have passed since the vaccination was completedThis is also required. If you travel without meeting this “21-day rule,” you may be denied entry (Source: European Commission(Confirmed in July 2026. Please check the page for the latest information.) If your pet already has a valid rabies vaccination record and you are administering a booster shot within the validity period, the application of this 21-day rule may differ. Be sure to check the official website for the exact conditions that apply to your pet’s vaccination history.
Since the expiration dates of vaccines vary by product, be sure to check the expiration date clearly stated on your certificate. If you receive a booster shot after the expiration date has passed, it will be treated the same as your first dose, and you will need to wait another 21 days after the booster shot (this follows the same principle as the 21-day rule mentioned above). Source: European Commission(Verified in July 2026. Please check that page for the latest information.)Click here for basic knowledge of rabies vaccine.See also.
What documents are required when leaving Japan?
Where can I obtain an AHC (Animal Health Certificate)?
Under current EU regulations (effective April 22, 2026), when traveling from Japan to Germany,As a general rule, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) must be obtained for each trip.(Note that there are cases where the rules differ, such as if you already have a valid EU pet passport.) In most cases, this document is not reusable once obtained; a new one must be issued for each trip (Source: European Commission(Verified in July 2026. Please check that page for the latest information.)This procedure is based on the assumption of “non-commercial travel,” in which a pet accompanies its owner or is transported in conjunction with the owner’s travel.In cases that do not meet this requirement—such as independent shipments—the required documents and procedures may differ; therefore, if this applies to you, please check the official European Commission website mentioned above for details.
AHC isOfficial Veterinarian at the Animal Quarantine Stationwill verify and issue (or endorse) it. The important thing is that thisThe period from the date of issuance to the date of document verification and identity verification upon entry into the EU must be 10 days or less.This deadline does not mean that the document must be issued “10 days before the departure date.” You must calculate the issuance date in reverse based on your planned arrival date. If you plan to travel further within the EU after entering, the document is valid for a total of six months from the date of issuance and identity verification; however, if the rabies vaccination expires before that, the validity period ends on the expiration date of the vaccination (Source: European Commission: “Bringing Your Pet Dog, Cat, or Ferret into the EU”(Confirmed in July 2026. Since the validity period may be shorter than six months depending on the vaccine’s expiration date, be sure to check the same page for details and the latest form.) The certificate is subject to specific language requirements. Please check the official website for details.
| Documents | issuing authority | timing | remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microchip certificate | Veterinary Clinic | When implanted | ISO 11784/11785 standard, number match check |
| Certificate of rabies vaccination | Veterinary Clinic | At the time of vaccination (on or after the date the microchip was implanted; the same day is also acceptable) | Expiration date must be indicated |
| Animal Health Certificate (AHC) | Animal Quarantine Office (Livestock Disease Control Officer) | Within 10 days from the date of issuance to the document check upon entry into the EU | Obtain a new one for each trip (check the official website for details on the languages listed, etc.) |
| Certificates Related to Exports | Animal Quarantine Service, MAFF | Before departure | Required for export procedures on the Japanese side |
| Owner's declaration | Filled out by owner | When traveling | Follow the EU standardized format |
Source: European Commission: “Bringing Your Pet Dog, Cat, or Ferret into the EU”interpoint (interword separation)Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Animal Quarantine Service (Export Procedures for Dogs and Cats), Verified in July 2026. Formats and requirements are subject to change, so please check the respective official websites for the latest information.
During the AHC review, if it is the first time a dog is receiving a rabies vaccine, the process verifies whether documentation confirms that the vaccination was administered after the microchip was implanted (including on the same day) and that at least 21 days have passed since the vaccination. (The rules may differ for booster shots administered within the validity period. Source: European Commission(Confirmed in July 2026). Since errors in the date or using an outdated form can cause problems at the destination, be sure to review all documents before departure and check this page or contact the Animal Quarantine Service for the latest requirements and forms.
How do I prepare my documents, where do I start?
Under current EU regulations, the required documents and procedures are complex.
Please let us know your destination and planned departure date. We’ll let you know how much time you’ll need to prepare and what the first steps are.
When Should I Start Preparing for My Trip to Germany? (Reverse Timeline)
Since there is a specific order and deadlines for microchipping, vaccinations, and obtaining the AHC, it’s best to start preparing as soon as possible once your travel plans are finalized. The “X months before departure” guidelines below are general preparation estimates provided by PetAirJPN based on the order of required documents and processing times; they are not deadlines set by government agencies. Since the timeline may vary depending on your pet’s condition and the availability of veterinary clinics and airlines, we recommend consulting with us early to confirm your actual schedule.
About 6 Months Before Departure | Overall Plan and Checking with the Veterinarian
- Check whether your pet has a microchip (if not, have one implanted as soon as possible)
- Check rabies vaccine history and expiration date
- Tell your regular veterinarian about your plans to travel to Germany and consult with them about the necessary certificates.
- Plan Your Schedule with a Free Consultation from PetAirJPN
- Check the airline's rules for transporting pets and consider your flight options
About 4 months before departure | Vaccinations and Health Checkups
- Receive a rabies vaccination (be sure to confirm that this can be done on or after the date of microchip implantation; it may even be done on the same day). Source: European Commission(Confirmed in July 2026. Please check that page for the latest information.)
- If this is your first vaccination, calculate a waiting period of at least 21 days after vaccination and factor this into your estimated departure date (based on the 21-day rule mentioned above; the application of this rule may differ for booster shots administered within the validity period).
- Confirm other necessary treatments, such as flea, tick, and internal parasite control
- Consulting with a veterinary clinic about an English-language certificate for AHC
About Two Months Before Departure | Preparing Documents and Export Procedures
- Export Procedures at the Animal Quarantine StationCheck and prepare the necessary documents. On the Japanese side,Applications for export inspections must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the desired inspection date.Since this must be done, please consult with and make an appointment at the Animal Quarantine Station as soon as possible (Source: Animal Quarantine Service(Confirmed in July 2026)
- Prepare a cage (crate) that meets the airline's size requirements
- Check whether pets are allowed at your residence after arriving in Germany
- Look into potential local veterinary clinics in advance
Within 10 Days of Departure | Conducting Export Inspections and Issuing AHCs
- By the Animal Quarantine ServiceExport inspections must be conducted within 10 days of departure.will be processed (As mentioned earlier, the application itself must be submitted at least 14 days prior to the desired inspection date. Source: Animal Quarantine Service(Confirmed in July 2026)
- Issuance of the AHC (EU Standard Form) by a livestock disease control officer at the Animal Quarantine Station.The period from the date of issuance to the document check upon entry into the EU must be 10 days or less.Since there is a deadline, we adjust the issuance date to coincide with the timing of entry.
- Receipt of Export Certificates
- Perform a final check to ensure that the dates, microchip numbers, and names on all documents match.
Departure Day｜Airport Procedures
- Check in your pet at the airline counter (be sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare)
- Carry the complete set of documents in your carry-on luggage (do not pack them in your checked luggage).
- Presenting the AHC and all required documents at German immigration
Can Dogs and Cats Be Brought Onboard an Airplane? What's the Difference Between That and the Cargo Hold?
The conditions for carrying pets in the cabin vary by airline; in some cases, only small dogs and cats are permitted, while in others, pets may only be transported in the cargo hold (on eligible routes). Please check the specific conditions in the airline-specific cards below. While some airlines operate direct flights between Japan and Germany, the airports served and flight frequencies vary by season, so be sure to check the latest flight schedules on each airline’s official website before making a reservation.Click here for a Safety Guide for Pet Airplane Transportation.See also.
Deutsche Lufthansa (German airlines)
- Rules regarding whether pets can be transported, the method of transport (carry-on or checked baggage), weight and size limits, policies for brachycephalic breeds, and whether advance registration is required and its deadline vary by route and season. This card does not provide specific details on these conditions.
- Be sure to do this before making a reservationLufthansa Official Website (Traveling with Pets)Alternatively, please check with the Customer Service Center for the latest terms and conditions.
ANA
- carry-on (e.g. luggage)International flights are not permitted in principle.
- Cargo hold: Accepted on eligible routes (as excess baggage)
- Snub-nosed breeds: The effective dates and eligible dog breeds for the suspension of pet transport vary by route (international vs. domestic). This card does not provide specific dates or conditions. Be sure toANA Official Website (Information on Traveling with Pets on International Flights)Please check the latest list of eligible dog breeds and program details here.
- Since the availability of direct flights and flight schedules are subject to change, please check the official website for the latest information before making a reservation.
- For details on booking and boarding conditions,ANA Official Website (Information on Traveling with Pets on International Flights)please check at
JAL
- carry-on (e.g. luggage)International flights are not permitted in principle.
- Cargo hold: Accepted only for compatible routes and sizes
- Snub-nosed breeds: Restrictions may apply depending on the route and season (please check in advance)
- Since the availability of direct flights and flight schedules are subject to change, please check the official website for the latest information before making a reservation.
- For details, seeJAL Official Website (Information on Traveling with Pets on International Flights)please check at
What procedures do I need to complete after arriving in Germany?
Immigration Check at the Airport
Upon entry into Germany, your AHC certificate, microchip certificate, and vaccination certificate will be checked. If there are any discrepancies in your documents, additional verification or action may be required; therefore, please wait with your pet present so that the official can verify the microchip number. For detailed entry regulations, please refer to the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH)’sPet Entry Regulations PageSince the latest rules are posted on that page, please check them there.
How do I obtain an EU Pet Passport locally?
Since the EU Pet Passport is primarily intended for pet owners residing within the EU, you may be able to obtain one at a local veterinary clinic (Tierarzt) once you have registered as a resident in Germany and become a resident of the EU (Source: European Commission(Confirmed in July 2026). The EU Pet Passport is a document that can be used when traveling within the EU, and it is also useful for trips to neighboring countries such as France and Austria. Since eligibility, fees, and required procedures vary by veterinary clinic, please check with a local veterinary clinic.
How much is the dog tax (Hundesteuer)? Is municipal registration required?
It is generally understood that in Germany, there is a system requiring dog owners to register their dogs with the local government and pay a dog tax (Hundesteuer). However, since we have not been able to verify the original text of the local ordinances for this article, we cannot definitively state whether registration is required or what the scope of the requirement is. It is often said that cats and small animals are generally exempt, but this may also vary by municipality. The registration office, required procedures, and the name of the relevant department (such as the tax office or citizens’ affairs division) differ by municipality (city, ward, town, or village).
The amount of the dog tax is determined by local ordinances, which vary from city to city and are subject to change. This article does not provide specific amounts. Once your relocation (assignment) is confirmed, be sure to contact the relevant local government office (such as the tax office or citizens’ affairs division) at your destination to confirm whether registration is required, the registration procedure, the necessary documents, and the amount due.
It is also said that, depending on the dog breed, local government registration and tax treatment may differ from the norm; however, this point could not be confirmed through primary sources from individual municipalities. Since terminology and standards vary by municipality, please be sure to check with your local government office for details. Please note that this dog tax pertains to registration and taxation with the local government, which assumes that the dog is being kept legally; this is a separate issue from the fact that federal law generally prohibits the entry or import of certain dog breeds into Germany in the first place (for details, please see the FAQ below titled “Are there regulations on dangerous dog breeds in Germany?”) . If you plan to bring a dog that may fall under these restrictions, please be sure to check with the German Embassy, Consulate, or Customs (Zoll) regarding whether you are permitted to bring the dog into the country before checking the dog tax amount.
Common mistakes and countermeasures
When preparing to travel to Germany, many people encounter problems due to miscalculating dates or putting documents in the wrong order. Here are five common mistakes and how to avoid them:
If you are receiving your first rabies vaccination and plan to depart less than 21 days after the vaccination, you may not be permitted to enter the EU (the rules may differ for booster shots administered within the validity period).Measures:If this is your first vaccination, please confirm your vaccination date, work backward from there to determine your departure date, and set your departure date for at least 21 days after your vaccination.
Due to data entry errors in veterinary clinic systems or mistakes on certificates, the dates on documents may be reversed.Measures:Before departure, check the dates on all your certificates, and if there are any discrepancies, ask the issuing authority to correct them.
The AHC must be issued within 10 days prior to the date of entry into the EU, when the documents are presented and identity verification is conducted.Measures:Once your arrival date is confirmed, work backward from there to determine the AHC issuance date, and make sure not to leave too much leeway before the 10-day deadline.
EU regulations and certificate forms are subject to change. If you prepare documents using outdated forms, it may take longer to verify them on-site.Measures:Before Preparing DocumentsAnimal Quarantine Office (Export Procedures Page)Alternatively, please check with a professional to confirm the latest form.
Depending on the airline, they may not accept brachycephalic breeds in the cargo hold.Measures:Before making a reservation, please check with the airline to confirm whether your dog’s breed is eligible and if it can be transported; if the conditions are met, please consider bringing your dog on board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I consult PetAirJPN in a situation like this?
If you have a short preparation period, are traveling with a brachycephalic breed, or anticipate that paperwork will become complicated due to traveling with multiple pets, we recommend contacting PetAirJPN as soon as possible. We especially recommend consulting with us early if any of the following apply to you.
At PetAirJPN, we’re here to support you every step of the way—from consultation to confirming requirements, planning your schedule, guiding you on where to obtain the necessary documents, organizing the information needed for your application to the Animal Quarantine Station, and conducting pre-departure checks—all with the safety of your pet and your peace of mind as our top priorities. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
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Summary: Travel to Germany is all about "early preparation" and "order of documents".
When traveling to Germany with a pet, it is especially important to,Microchip implantation → Rabies vaccination → Completion of the required waiting period → Issuance of the AHC (within 10 days from the date of issuance until document verification upon entry into the EU)This is the sequence and timeline of the procedure. Because the documentation requirements under current EU regulations (effective April 22, 2026) are complex, relying solely on past experiences or outdated information carries risks. The latest requirements areEuropean Commission: “Bringing Your Pet Dog, Cat, or Ferret into the EU”andAnimal Quarantine Station (Export Procedures for Dogs and Cats)Please be sure to check this (verified in July 2026).
To avoid incomplete paperwork or procedural errors, we recommend that you begin preparations as soon as possible once your trip is confirmed and seek professional assistance early on. We hope you’ll be able to start your new life in Germany with peace of mind, together with your beloved dog or cat.
Written by: PetAirJPN Editorial Department (International Pet Transportation Operations Team)
*The information in this article is current as of August 2026. EU regulations, individual airlines’ pet transport policies, and German authorities’ requirements are subject to change. This article is intended to provide general information only; to determine whether your pet is eligible to travel and to confirm specific requirements, please be sure to check the latest official information from the Animal Quarantine Service, the European Commission, German authorities, and individual airlines.
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