Moving your pet from Germany to Cyprus?
Pet transport from Germany to Cyprus follows a clear process once you know what Cyprus requires.
This route is moderately involved, with a clear checklist to follow. Start preparations at least 20 weeks before your travel date – some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened. A rabies titre test is required, which adds a mandatory waiting period after your pet’s vaccination. You cannot speed this up. Cyprus restricts certain breeds. Check the breed restriction section below before making any travel arrangements.
Start early and follow the steps in sequence. Missing a deadline pushes the whole timeline back.
Get a free quoteWhat does moving a pet on this route actually involve?
The Germany–Cyprus route requires quarantine on arrival, so planning well ahead matters. In plain terms, this is a moderate route, meaning the requirements are relatively straightforward compared to many international moves.
Most owners start the process around 20-26 weeks before the flight date. That window is not arbitrary — it accounts for vaccination waiting periods, titre test processing, and document endorsement.
How long does the whole process take?
Here is how the preparation unfolds from start to travel day:
What should I expect to pay?
Costs vary considerably depending on your pet's size, the airline, and whether you use a pet relocation agent. The main factors to price up are:
- Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
- IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
- Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
- Rabies titre test laboratory fee
- Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
What paperwork does Cyprus require for my pet?
Microchip: Required (ISO 11784/11785). Before or on same day as first rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccination: Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel
Titre test: Required for: Pets from non-listed countries. Not required for: EU/listed countries. Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait from test date before entry
Health certificate: Required. EU Pet Passport or AHC. Issued by: Official vet. Valid for 10 days from issue
Import permit: Not required
Quarantine: No routine quarantine for compliant pets. Penalty quarantine applies if documentation is non-compliant
What do I need to arrange before leaving Germany?
Export permit: No formal export permit for pets. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation.
Which airlines can my pet travel on?
Several airlines serve routes between Germany and Cyprus, each with different policies on pets in cabin versus cargo hold:
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
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
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)
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Does Cyprus restrict any breeds?
Yes. Cyprus bans or restricts entry for the following breeds. In plain terms, if your dog is on this list — or a confirmed cross — you need specialist advice before booking anything:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
Contact us before making any bookings if your dog is one of these breeds or closely resembles one.
What are the most common mistakes on this route?
Key requirements for moving your pet to Cyprus
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Germany to Cyprus is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
EU member island nation. Cyprus has a large British expat community and significant pet transport traffic. EU standard rules plus tick treatment for dogs.
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.
Book the titre test laboratory well in advance. Approved labs have limited appointment slots and the blood sample processing takes time. Don’t leave this to the last few weeks.
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.
Other questions owners ask about this route
How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from Germany to Cyprus?
Does my pet need to quarantine when entering Cyprus?
Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering Cyprus?
What health certificate does my pet need for this route?
Are there breed restrictions for entering Cyprus?
Which similar routes might be relevant?
What should I do next?
The best first step is a free consultation. You'll get a clear picture of the timeline, the costs, and exactly which documents apply to your pet's breed, age, and vaccination history.
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