Pet Transport Chile to Germany: 2026 Guide

The EU classifies third countries into two categories for pet travel: listed and non-listed. Listed countries are those whose animal health standards are formally recognised as equivalent to EU requirements. Chile is one of those listed countries.

For a Chilean pet entering Germany, the titre test and 3-month wait that apply to pets from Colombia or Peru are entirely waived. Your pet needs: an ISO microchip that predates the rabies vaccination, a current and valid rabies vaccination (with the 21-day post-primary wait satisfied), and an EU Animal Health Certificate from a SAG-authorised official vet issued within 10 days of travel.

That is a four to six week preparation window. Compare that to five months for non-listed country pets from the same continent, and you see why Chile’s listed status is significant for families relocating to Germany.

The savings are also financial: no titre test laboratory fee of EUR 85-170, and no time penalty from the 3-month wait.

Germany has a layered breed restriction system that catches some owners by surprise. At the federal level, Pit Bull Terrier and Tosa Inu are banned from import and possession. But beyond federal law, each of Germany’s 16 Bundeslaender (states) has its own rules, and these vary considerably.

Bavaria is the strictest. It restricts Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, American Bulldog, Rottweiler, Cane Corso, and several other breeds in addition to the federal bans. North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg, and Baden-Wurttemberg have their own lists that differ from Bavaria’s. Some breeds that are unrestricted in one state are banned in another.

Before starting the Chile to Germany move, check the breed rules for your specific destination Bundesland. The relevant authority is the Veterinaramt (Veterinary Authority) of your destination district. If your dog is on a restricted list, entry to that Bundesland can be refused even if the animal cleared federal customs at Frankfurt. Verify before you book.

There is no direct cargo flight from Santiago to Germany. All routes connect through a European hub. The most common connections are Madrid via Iberia or LATAM (then onward to Frankfurt or Munich), or via Paris CDG with Air France.

Iberia operates SCL to MAD direct, and Iberia Cargo or LATAM Cargo handle the live animal transport. From Madrid, a second cargo leg carries the pet to Frankfurt (FRA) or another German airport. The Madrid connection is generally manageable, with transit times that are appropriate for cargo welfare if you choose wisely.

Lufthansa Cargo is the preferred option for the final Germany delivery, with established live animal handling at Frankfurt. Your relocation agent or cargo coordinator will route based on availability and your specific German destination.