Pet Transport from Ireland to Germany
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
Ireland to Germany is straightforward. Both EU member states, both operating under EU Regulation 576/2013. A valid EU Pet Passport is all you need. No titre test, no quarantine, no import permits.
The tapeworm treatment rule that applies to dogs entering Ireland does not apply when leaving Ireland for Germany. German authorities do not require this treatment at entry.
Aer Lingus Cargo and Lufthansa Cargo both handle the Dublin-Frankfurt route with pets. Ryanair, which operates the vast majority of Ireland-Germany flights, accepts no pets.
The Ireland to Germany process
Responsible: Irish vet
Responsible: You or agent
Responsible: You
Germany: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785). Recorded in EU Pet Passport. |
| Rabies vaccination | Required and current. Standard EU protocol. |
| Rabies titre test | Not required. Ireland is an EU member state. |
| Quarantine | Not required. EU free movement applies. |
| Import permit | Not required. |
| Health certificate | EU Pet Passport sufficient. |
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No export permit required for intra-EU movement. |
| Health certificate | EU Pet Passport sufficient. |
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Aer Lingus or Lufthansa Cargo fees DUB-FRA |
| 2 | IATA-compliant crate if cargo |
| 3 | EU Pet Passport update if vaccination lapsed (vet fee) |
Read before you book
Airlines on this route
Regulatory compliance: what this move requires
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| EU Pet Passport | Required: current |
| ISO Microchip | Required: recorded in passport |
| Rabies vaccination | Required: current and within validity |
| Titre test | NOT required (EU to EU) |
| Tapeworm treatment | NOT required (this applies to dogs entering Ireland, not leaving) |
| Quarantine | NOT required |
| Import permit | NOT required |
| Border inspection | NOT required (intra-EU) |
| Preparation time | Days if passport is current |
Source: BMEL Germany; EU Regulation 576/2013.
Airlines: Dublin to Frankfurt
Aer Lingus Cargo operates DUB-FRA with live animal acceptance. As Ireland’s national carrier, their Dublin cargo team is familiar with Irish export documentation and Frankfurt cargo arrival requirements.
Lufthansa Cargo operates the same route from the German side, with strong Frankfurt cargo infrastructure and BCP arrival experience. Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs, French Bulldogs) are restricted from Lufthansa cargo year-round; use Aer Lingus for flat-nosed breeds.
Ryanair dominates Ireland-Germany passenger traffic but takes no pets. This is frequently the source of confusion for people planning their own moves. Check your personal travel ticket against your pet’s cargo booking, they will likely be on different airlines.
The tapeworm rule: what applies and what doesn't
Ireland requires all dogs arriving from EU countries to have a tapeworm treatment administered 24-120 hours before Irish arrival. This rule is about dogs entering Ireland, not leaving it.
If you’re moving from Ireland to Germany, no tapeworm treatment is required. Germany does not have a reciprocal incoming tapeworm treatment requirement for EU pets.
If you subsequently plan to bring your dog back to Ireland later, the tapeworm rule will apply on the return trip. Keep that in mind if the move is temporary.
Common questions
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