Pet Transport from Germany to Brazil
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If you’re relocating from Germany to Brazil and taking your pet, the good news is thousands of families do this every year.
This route is one of the more document-heavy international pet routes. Start preparations at least 16 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. Brazil requires mandatory quarantine (30 days) for all arriving pets. This is the part of the process most owners find hardest to plan around.
We’ve laid out every step below so you know exactly what to prepare and when.
All Requirements — Germany to Brazil
| Requirement | Germany rule (exit) | Brazil rule (entry) |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | ISO 11784/11785 required | Required (ISO 11784/11785) |
| Rabies vaccination | Current vaccination required before departure | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 30-day wait after vaccination before travel |
| Rabies titre test | — | Not required for dogs and cats. |
| Health certificate | Required from official vet | Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 14 days from issue |
| Quarantine | — | Mandatory quarantine. 30 days. Facility: MAPA quarantine station |
| Import permit | — | Required. Issued by: MAPA |
| Export permit | No formal export permit for pets. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation. | — |
Preparation Timeline
Cost Estimate — Line Items
Airlines — Policy Data
| Airline | Transport type | Policy summary |
|---|---|---|
| Lufthansa | _ | Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round |
| Air France | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes |
| Emirates | _ | Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region) |
| Singapore Airlines | _ | Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons |
| British Airways | _ | Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route. |
| 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 |
| KLM | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo |
| Delta Air Lines | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo |
| American Airlines | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply |
| Air Canada | _ | Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round |
Regulatory Risk Notes
- Mandatory quarantine required on arrival. Plan for separation from your pet.
- Import permit must be obtained before travel. Apply well in advance.
- Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
Why this route needs early planning
Brazil has specific requirements that trip people up when they haven’t researched properly. The documentation process is thorough but manageable if you start early.
All pets must complete quarantine on arrival in Brazil (at MAPA quarantine station) for 30 days. This is non-negotiable and is entirely separate from the pre-travel preparation.
MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture) regulates imports.
Practical advice for shipping your pet from Germany
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Country Reference Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from Germany to Brazil?
- Allow at least 16 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
- Does my pet need to quarantine when entering Brazil?
- Yes, quarantine is mandatory in Brazil. Your pet will stay for 30 days at MAPA quarantine station on arrival. This is non-negotiable and the cost is paid by the owner.
- Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering Brazil?
- No, Brazil does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Germany. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.
- Do I need an import permit to bring my pet into Brazil?
- Yes, an import permit is required from Brazil’s authority (MAPA). Apply before you book your flight. The permit specifies conditions your pet must meet and must be obtained in advance.
- What health certificate does my pet need for this route?
- Your pet needs a government-issued veterinary health certificate from an official vet in Germany. The certificate must be issued within 14 days of travel. Present the original (not a copy) at check-in. Check Brazil’s authority for the exact format required.
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