Pet Transport from Australia to Germany
6-10
weeks
typical
typical
Moderate
route
complexity
complexity
Yes
quarantine
required
required
TL;DR
Pet transport from Australia to Germany is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there without major issues.
At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, a rabies titre test with a waiting period after the result, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.
Use the step-by-step timeline below to plan your preparation, and get in touch if you want us to coordinate the process for you.
All Requirements — Australia to Germany
| Requirement | Australia rule (exit) | Germany rule (entry) |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 required | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or at same time as rabies vaccination |
| Rabies vaccination | Current vaccination required before departure | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. Standard EU 21-day wait from date of first vaccination before travel. No additional Germany-specific requirements beyond EU framework. |
| Rabies titre test | — | Required for: Pets from unlisted third countries (countries not on EU Annex II list). Not required for: Pets from EU member states, listed third countries (all P1 countries are listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw |
| Health certificate | Required from official vet | Required |
| Quarantine | — | No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant |
| Import permit | — | No formal import permit. EU pet passport (intra-EU) or Animal Health Certificate (from third countries) serves as documentation. |
| Export permit | Required for live animal exports from Australia | — |
Preparation Timeline
1
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)
2
Rabies vaccination
3
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)
4
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance
5
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking
6
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation
Cost Estimate — Line Items
ItemNotes
1
Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
2
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
3
Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
4
Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
5
Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)
Airlines — Policy Data
| Airline | Transport type | Policy summary |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Airlines | _ | Cargo: Pets travel as cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons |
| United Airlines | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin |
| Delta Air Lines | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo transport available |
| American Airlines | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport |
| Cathay Pacific | _ | Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met |
| Etihad Airways | _ | Cargo: Pets travel as cargo through Etihad Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds subject to seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during Abu Dhabi summer months |
| Air Canada | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurized hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round |
| Thai Airways | _ | Cargo: Pets as checked baggage or Thai Cargo for larger animals. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during hot season (March-May). Some breed restrictions apply |
Regulatory Risk Notes
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
- Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.
- Australian airlines may restrict pet cargo during peak summer (December to February) when temperatures exceed safe thresholds.
Country Reference Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from Australia to Germany?
- The process takes 6-10 weeks from start to finish. The rabies titre test requires a 3-6 month waiting period after the blood draw before your pet can travel, so start early.
- Is there quarantine when my pet enters Germany?
- No routine quarantine for pets entering Germany with the correct documentation. No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to varies days if non-compliant
- Do I need an import permit to bring my pet into Germany?
- No formal import permit. EU pet passport (intra-EU) or Animal Health Certificate (from third countries) serves as documentation.
- What health certificate does my pet need for this route?
- Required Your Australia vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by Germany: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.
- Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering Germany?
- Yes. Required for: Pets from unlisted third countries (countries not on EU Annex II list). Not required for: Pets from EU member states, listed third countries (all P1 countries are listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Start this process as early as possible.
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