Shipping Pets

Upon arrival pets must be registered with Veterinary Medical Center Europe which is located on Pulaski Barracks Building 2928. When you come into the clinic you must bring your valid ID card and the pets current medical records to include their rabies certificate. Or you can send your registration packet to usarmy.landstuhl.medcom-pph-e.mbx.vmce@mail.mil. Appointments are available on Mondays through Fridays.

Due to limited manpower and resources most emergencies are best served through full service civilian veterinary hospitals. You can ask for a list of local veterinary clinics when you register your pet or you can look them up in the Find-it-Guide that you will receive either from your sponsor or when you arrive. For future updates and other veterinary information visit the Veterinary Medical Center Europe - Community Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/vmceur.

German law requires that the identification tag be worn on the animal at all times. When not confined, a dog must be on a leash. Rabies certification must be kept current.

There is no quarantine requirement in Germany for any animal.

If you are bringing your pet, keep in mind that there is a limited amount of pet friendly Temporary Lodging Facilities available. If you have a pet you should contact lodging to make reservations as soon as you are aware of your relocation dates. You do not have to have orders to make your reservation. Check with your sponsor for other options if you are unable to secure a pet-friendly TLF. There are some German hotels and "Gasthauses" which will allow your pet to room with you for an additional fee.

Upon arrival, pets must be registered with the animal disease prevention and control facility at the Veterinary Medical Center Europe on Pulaski Barracks (Vogelweh Military Complex), Bldg. 2928.

Keep in mind that appointments are required at military veterinary services and emergency care is not available. Please contact Kaiserslautern Veterinary Treatment Facility Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., DSN 314-590-1900 or 06371-9464-1900. Once you are settled, you should find a German veterinary clinic in case of after-hours emergencies.

Germany has a "Dangerous Dog" law which prohibits the import, breeding and trade of "dangerous dogs".

Dogs considered to be dangerous dogs include:

• Pitbulls,
• Stafford-shire Terriers
• American Staffordshire Terriers and any crossbreeds there of.

More dogs are added occasionally please verify the status of your animal. "Dangerous Dogs" are required to be neutered and must be registered with local authorities.

Finding housing with a pet is no more difficult than in the States. Some landlords will accept them some will not. An additional security deposit may be required. Germans love animals and a properly behaved dog on a leash can bring a smile to most. Note the words "properly behaved" and "leash" again, courtesy and self-discipline are prominent aspects of the society. Animals are not allowed to run loose in Germany.

Pet owners are liable for any damage their pet may do: Anything from digging up your landlord's flowerbed to causing a car to hit a telephone pole while veering to miss the animal. Most insurance companies offer pet liability insurance at a nominal fee.

Health Certificate

Before you ship your pet, a veterinarian must verify the health of the animal and issue a certificate dated within 10 days of your arrival. The certificate must be in German and English and state that the animal is in good health and had a rabies vaccination more than 30 days old but less than one year. Military vets are usually familiar with this certificate, but civilian veterinarians may require several weeks lead time to order the certificate from the Department of Agriculture. Don't wait until the last minute to discuss the health certificate with your vet. The time limit for the validity of the certificates and vaccination is subject to change and varies dependent upon the air carrier.

Picking up your pet

If your pet flew with you, you will pick it up at the baggage claim area. If you choose to ship your pet ship it to Frankfurt Air Base Germany. At Frankfurt International Airport you should pick up your pet at the civilian air freight terminal.

Shipping Unaccompanied Pets

For information concerning permits or shipping of unaccompanied pets, contact the Frankfurt Customs Veterinary Clearance office at +49-69-690-78372.

Shipping Pets

When you ship your pet, it will be at your own expense. Arrange pet shipment well in advance by contacting your current traffic management office or airline. If you ship your pet separately, ship it to Frankfurt, Germany. At Frankfurt International Airport, you pick up your pet at the civilian airfreight terminal.

Air Mobility Command Space Available Pet Program

When you travel on permanent change of station orders between the U.S. and oversea bases on AMC military chartered flights, you can now move more than two pets per family on a space-available basis only. You should contact your local transportation office to request additional spaces. The transportation office will make the request and print out a confirmation. You should take the confirmation to the passenger terminal to gain approval to move additional pets. Upon arrival at the Ramstein Passenger Terminal, travelers with pets will be assessed a veterinarian examination fee of 55 Euro per pet. The examination is in accordance with the European Union Ordinance #998/2003. The fee is not reimbursable on travelers orders and will be payable by credit card only.

Pets flying as extra baggage

Pets fly on same flight as the Military Member. The Military Member must have PCS Orders. Fees are charged based on kennel and pet size and weight. Every airline has different requirements and prices which are subject to change. Contacting the airlines directly is the best way to get the most current information.

Pets flying as cargo

This is the most expensive and limiting option. Temperature restrictions apply at all airports the pet will fly thorough, so the timing of flights is particularly important. Contact the airlines directly for specific Instructions.