Shipping Pets

In accordance with Army Regulation 40-905, U.S. Army Europe Supplement 1 to the basic AR and USAREUR Regulation 210-50, registration of pets at the local military veterinary treatment facility is required within two weeks of acquisition or arrival in the command. There is no fee involved.

While the presence of your pet is not required, the following information should be brought with you:

• Most recent vaccination information
• Existing pet medical records from last duty station 
• Sponsor's name, pay grade, social security number, home phone number and address
• Organization address and duty phone number

Garmisch does not have a military veterinary office; however, for support in this area, you may reach out to Hohenfels Veterinary Treatment Facility at +49 6371-9464-3470/DSN: 314-590-3470. 

If your PCS plan includes the shipping of the family pets, be sure to notify the transportation office well in advance of your departure to arrange for their transportation.

Also, inform your sponsor of any pets you are bringing. Before traveling, contact your local veterinarian. They can assist with the bi-lingual health certificate that must be completed no more than 10 days before arrival in the country and ensure all required shots are up to date. They will also assist with meeting the requirement for the microchip as discussed in the critical information section in the location overview.

Depending on your pet's temperament and age, you may wish to discuss with your veterinarian whether your pet should be sedated before the flight. Remember to hand carry the health certificate and shot records for all pets.

Germany does not have a pet quarantine but some countries do. Be sure to check when making travel arrangements to avoid any unnecessary delays.

As discussed in the critical information section of the location overview, any dog listed as a Class 2 dog must be registered immediately upon arrival in Germany. While there is no cost for registering these dogs, the dog may have to be taken to a German veterinarian to be temperament tested. There is a cost for this test, approximately Euro 150 ($210). This evaluation or test will determine whether a dog is aggressive or non-aggressive; however the test is not compulsory. The choice is left to the owner to either have the dog permanently wear a muzzle while in public or take the test. Dogs that pass this temperament evaluation are freed of the requirement to wear a muzzle. In the event that a dog does not pass the temperament evaluation, German officials will determine what measures must be taken. At a minimum, such dogs must be muzzled and kept on a leash while in public. For aggressive dogs, the officials could determine that liability insurance, impounding, neutering or even destruction are necessary. Dogs are registered at the Offentliche Ordnung and Umweltfragen (Office for Safety and Environment). Should a permit be granted, it is advisable to always carry the permit with you when you are with the dog.

Additional information shipping pets to Germany can be obtained from USDA APHIS | Pet travel from the U.S. to Germany - Requirements.

Pets in German Culture

The family pet in Germany is rarely a problem in public. German restaurants and establishments will post a sign, "Wir müssen draussen bleiben," if the dogs are not permitted inside. In general, pets are not permitted in U.S. public facilities and leash laws are in effect both in town and on the military installations. All animals must be leashed or under firm voice control. The locations of authorized pet walking areas in Breitenau Housing are posted. A posted sign "Tollwut" means that there is a prevalence of rabies in that area, so use caution and keep your animal leashed.

The purchase of pet insurance is encouraged for animals venturing outside your home. German law imposes total liability on the pet owner for any bodily or physical damaged caused by a pet. For example, if your pet runs into the path of a bicycle and causes an accident, you are responsible for any damage to the bicycle or injury to the rider. For travel in Europe, keep in mind that each country has different regulations. The Consulate of the destination country has the current requirements. The microchip, as previously discussed, will be required as proof of current immunizations when crossing borders.

This is not a heartworm area so medication is not needed. However, some areas of Europe are. If you plan to travel with your pet, you may need to administer medication during that time.