Shipping Pets

All dogs and cats must be registered with the Veterinary Treatment Facility during in-processing. There is a two-pet limit for all on-post housing and off-post government-leased housing. 

Germany does not quarantine, but requires a health certificate, which cannot be more than 10 days old when entering the country. Rabies vaccination must be at least 30 days old. In England, your pets will be quarantined for six months at your expense. Therefore, traveling through England is not recommended. Your military veterinarian can provide information about host country requirements. Although German law does not have any quarantine requirements, the USAG Bavaria Hohenfels Community requires you to register your pet on the installation.  Ask your sponsor for more assistance if travelling with pets.

To ensure that your pet has a safe and comfortable air trip, here are a few tips:

• Make an appointment with your veterinarian for a check-up. Tell your veterinarian that you are planning to travel overseas.
• Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated no earlier than 10 days before departure. This certificate is very important.
• Feed your pet a light meal six hours before flight time and exercise him before putting him in the carrier.
• Make a reservation for your pet. The U.S. government does not pay for shipment of pets. You will have to pay all costs involved.
• Book a direct flight, if possible.
• Purchase a United States Department of Agriculture-approved shipping crate. It should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit and change positions comfortably.
• Ensure the words "Live Animal" are on the carrier and arrows indicators showing the upright position of the carrier.
• Line the bottom with some type of bedding to absorb waste.
• For trips longer than 12 hours, attach a plastic bag containing dry food on the top of the carrier with feeding instructions for airline personnel.

Requirements for shipping your pet:

• A rabies vaccination must be given at least 30 days and not more than 12 months prior to entry or a booster given not more than 12 months prior to entry and not more than 12 months after previous rabies vaccination.
• A health certificate or an equivalent certificate must be in the German language and dated no later than ten days prior to arrival in Europe. You can attain this certificate at most military vet clinics.
• Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old and must have been weaned for at least five days.
• You are required to have a separate pet carrier for each pet. Cages or other shipping containers must meet stringent standards for size, ventilation, strength, sanitation and handling. The airline carrier will provide you with their exact specifications.

For local kennel listings, call the post veterinary treatment facility at DSN 590-3470 or CIV 06371-9464-3470 or from the U.S. 011-49-6371-9464-3470.

There are several kennels in the Hohenfels area.  Prices can vary, for example a rustic farm setting or individual heated kennels with dog run.

Dog Breeds Restricted in Bavaria

One of the first things you should know, as a pet owner PCSing to Germany, is the country’s breed restrictions. Germany has specific laws that prohibit some dogs from the region.

The state of Bavaria enacted a law in 2002 classifying dog breeds into two categories and restricting specific breeds deemed dangerous. Class 1 dogs — both pure and cross breeds — are not allowed in Bavaria. These dogs have been shown to react aggressively with little provocation and have been traditionally used as fighting dogs, based on studies evaluated by the Bavarian government. Owners must provide proof of pedigree.

The following breeds, and mixes with these breeds, are not authorized in Bavaria:

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Pit-Bull
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Any dog mixed with any breed listed above
• Bullterrier

In Bavaria, Class 2 breeds, as well as their crossbreeds, are also presumed to be dangerous and aggressive. Owners must provide proof the animal does not possess tendency for heightened aggression. Typically, these dogs are required to pass a temperament test with a licensed provider and then registered with the host nation safety and public order office. Tests can cost up to several hundred euro, and dogs must be at least nine months old to be eligible, according to USAG Ansbach. Dogs that fail the mandatory test are treated with the same legal provisions as Class 1 breeds and are illegal in Bavaria.

• Alano
• American Bulldog
• Bullmastiff
• Bull Terrier
• Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff/Italian Corso Dog)
• Dogo Argentino
• Dogue de Bordeux
• Fila Brasileiro
• Mastiff
• Mastino Napoletano
• Mastin Espanol
• Dogo Canario (Perro de Presa Canario)
• Rottweiler
• Perro de Presa Mallorquin (Ca de Bou)

NOTE: Owners of temperament-approved Class 2 dogs are required by German mandate to keep the pet muzzled and on a leash in public areas. Additionally, the dog walker must be least 18-years-old and physically capable of controlling the dog. Only one Class 2 pet can be walked at a time.

Whether a service animal or emotional support animal, breed restrictions still apply. Additionally, it doesn’t matter what breed is listed on the medical records. This depends on the animal’s appearance and pedigree. This is a German law, and is enforced by German authorities.

Class 1 breeds — or Class 2 breeds that fail a temperament test — are subject to confiscation, confinement at the owner’s expense and more. Do not try to sneak a banned breed into Germany.

Contact the veterinary treatment facility in Hohenfels for confirmation at DSN 590-3470 or CIV 06371-9464-3470 or from the United States of America DSN 314-590-3470, or CIV +49 011 6371-9464-3470

Germany is a pet friendly country. Pet owners might have to pay additional fees at hotels. Generally, pets are allowed in restaurants, but they must be well behaved. Pets may travel on public transportation if the pet owner purchases a ticket (same as children 6-14 years of age), for the train (Deutsche Bahn) following rules apply:

You do not need a ticket for small dogs and other small pets (up to the size of a cat) if the animals are taken in a suitable transport carrier.

For larger dogs you need your own ticket. You only pay half the fare.

Dogs not traveling in a carrier must be on a leash and wear a muzzle.

Guide dogs and designated assistance dogs always travel free of charge and do not have to wear a muzzle on the train.

Pet owners are always liable for their pets. If living off post keep in mind that it is up to the landlord to approve or disapprove of pets. Ask the landlord before signing a lease. Any agreement must be in writing.

Heartworm

Dogs are not in a heartworm free area and therefore dogs need to be kept on their preventive treatment. Whenever you travel keep them also on preventive treatment.

Animal Shelters

Due to many incidents of pet abandonment by Americans the local Tierheim (animal shelter) will not allow service members to adopt animals.