Pet Transport from Thailand to Germany: EU Titre Test and DLD Export
Moving a dog or cat from Thailand to Germany is very doable with the right preparation. Expect around 20-28 weeks of lead time to line up the documents and the fixed waiting periods. There is no …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Thailand to Germany
typically takes around 20-28 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is required, which adds a fixed waiting period, so start early.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Thailand to Germany import process
01
Before first rabies vaccination.
Implant ISO microchip in Thailand.
Responsible: Vet in Thailand
02
After microchip. At least 30 days before titre test blood draw.
Rabies vaccination primary course.
Responsible: Vet in Thailand
03
At least 30 days after final vaccination. 90-day wait starts from this date.
FAVN titre test blood draw at an EU-approved laboratory.
Responsible: Vet and EU-approved laboratory
04
Cannot be shortened.
90-day wait from the blood draw date.
Responsible: Owner to track
05
2-3 weeks before departure.
Apply for DLD export permit.
Responsible: Owner or pet transport agent
06
Within 10 days of German entry.
Obtain EU-format AHC from DLD-authorised vet, endorsed by DLD.
Responsible: DLD-authorised official vet
07
After 90-day wait has elapsed.
Fly to Frankfurt (FRA). German customs inspection on arrival.
Responsible: Airline, German customs
Requirements
Germany entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required. Must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Current rabies vaccination required. Primary course complete. 21-day wait from initial vaccination.
Rabies titre test
Required. Thailand is not on the EU Annex II approved third-country list. FAVN or ELISA titre test at an EU-approved laboratory. Minimum 0.5 IU/ml. Blood draw at least 30 days after final vaccination. Mandatory 90-day wait from blood draw date before EU entry. Source: EU pet travel regulations, ec.europa.eu.
Quarantine
No quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Import permit
No formal import permit required. AHC serves as the entry document.
Health certificate
EU-format Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from DLD-authorised official vet in Thailand, endorsed by DLD. Valid 10 days from examination to German entry.
Leaving Thailand
Export requirements
Export permit
DLD export permit required. Apply to DLD office at approved international airport or DLD provincial office. Allow 2-3 weeks. Approved departure airports: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK).
Health certificate
Official health certificate in EU AHC format, issued by a DLD-authorised official vet, endorsed by DLD. Issued within 10 days of German entry. Source: DLD, dld.go.th.
Costs
What this route typically costs
DLD export permit and health certificate endorsement: approximately THB 2,000-6,000
Titre test at EU-approved laboratory: approximately EUR 250-500 or THB 9,000-18,000
Cargo fees Thailand to Germany: approximately EUR 900-2,500 depending on pet size
Pet transport agent fee: EUR 400-1,000 if used
Realistic total: EUR 2,000-5,500
Critical points
The 90-day wait from titre test blood draw date is mandatory. Plan at least 5 months before your intended German arrival date.
Thailand is EU-unlisted: titre test required regardless of vaccination history or how long the pet has been vaccinated.
Germany bans import of four breeds at federal level: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. Check breed regulations before travel.
The DLD export permit adds 2-3 weeks to the preparation timeline on top of the titre test waiting period. Start the DLD process early.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Lufthansa Cargo
Direct cargo from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Frankfurt (FRA). Lufthansa Cargo is the most direct option for Thailand-to-Germany. Frankfurt is the main German entry airport for live animal cargo.
Cargo Only
Thai Airways
Thai Airways connects BKK to European cities. Cargo to Frankfurt may involve a connection. Confirm live animal acceptance and documentation with Thai Airways Cargo.
Cargo Only
Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa Group
Via Vienna (VIE) to Frankfurt or other German cities. A Lufthansa Group option that may be available when direct FRA services are full.
Cargo Only
Emirates SkyCargo
Via Dubai DXB to Frankfurt FRA or other German airports. A longer routing but available when European carrier capacity is limited.
Cargo Only
What Germany requires
The requirements for Germany are thorough rather than difficult. Work through them methodically and confirm anything you are unsure about with the official source.
Avoiding the common mistakes
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Yes. Thailand is not on the EU Annex II approved list. FAVN or ELISA titre test at an EU-approved laboratory is required, with a mandatory 90-day wait from the blood draw date. Source: EU pet travel regulations, ec.europa.eu.
No. There is no quarantine for compliant pets on arrival in Germany. All requirements (microchip, vaccination, titre test, 90-day wait, EU-format AHC) must be met, but no mandatory holding period applies.
Allow 20-28 weeks total. The titre test process drives the timeline: at least 30 days post-vaccination before blood draw, plus the 90-day wait. The DLD export permit (2-3 weeks) runs concurrently during the wait.
Yes. Germany bans import of four breeds at federal level: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. Individual German states may impose additional breed restrictions.
Canada: no titre test, no quarantine, preparation 8-14 weeks. Germany: titre test required, 90-day wait, preparation 20-28 weeks. Canada is considerably simpler in terms of documentation. For Germany-specific relocations, the EU unlisted process is unavoidable.
Airline guides
Lufthansa Cargo
Thai Airways
Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa Group
Emirates SkyCargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.