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. 

Shipping Pets – Pet Travel and Quarantine

Moving with a pet to Germany requires advance planning. Pet owners are responsible for ensuring that their dog, cat, or ferret meets all applicable U.S., EU, German, airline, and installation requirements before travel.

Important

Germany does not routinely quarantine pets that meet all applicable entry requirements. However, additional veterinary or regulatory measures may apply if an animal does not meet the applicable entry requirements. 

Because requirements can vary depending on the country of departure, route, airline, and type of travel, contact your military veterinary treatment facility well in advance of your PCS.

Before You Travel

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian and let them know that you are planning to travel internationally with your pet.

Make sure your pet has a microchip that meets EU requirements. The microchip must be implanted or read before the rabies vaccination used for EU entry.

Make sure your pet has a valid rabies vaccination. For a primary rabies vaccination, the animal must be at least 12 weeks old and at least 21 days must have passed after completion of the primary vaccination protocol before the vaccination is considered valid for EU entry. A booster vaccination given within the validity period of the previous vaccination does not normally require a new 21-day waiting period. 

Obtain the required EU Animal Health Certificate when applicable. For entry from a non-EU country, the certificate must be issued by an authorized veterinarian and is generally valid for entry into the EU for 10 days from the date of issue. 

Depending on the country from which you are traveling, a rabies antibody titration test may be required. Requirements depend on the country of departure and its current EU classification. Check the current EU requirements before travel. 

If a rabies antibody titration test is required, additional waiting periods apply. Do not schedule international travel until all applicable waiting periods have been completed.

Keep your pet's vaccination records, microchip information, health certificate, and any required laboratory results with you during travel.

Check the requirements of your airline or other transportation provider. Airlines may have additional requirements concerning pet carriers, reservations, temperature restrictions, documentation, and the transport of animals.

If traveling by air, use a carrier that meets the requirements specified by your airline. Carrier requirements can differ depending on the aircraft, airline, and whether the pet travels in the cabin or as manifested cargo.

Clearly identify the carrier with your name, destination information, telephone number, and appropriate live-animal markings as required by the airline.

Make sure your pet has adequate food and water for the journey. Follow airline instructions regarding feeding and watering during transport.

Whenever possible, book a direct flight to reduce travel time, transfers, and handling of your pet.

EU Entry Requirements

For pets entering the European Union from a non-EU country, the animal must meet applicable EU animal-health requirements.

Generally, dogs, cats, and ferrets must:

• Be identified with an approved microchip.
• Have a valid rabies vaccination.
• Be accompanied by the appropriate documentation.
• Meet any applicable rabies antibody testing requirements based on the country of departure.
• Enter the EU through an appropriate Travelers’ Point of Entry, where documentary and identity checks may be conducted.

Rabies Vaccination

For a primary rabies vaccination:

• The pet must be at least 12 weeks old when vaccinated.
• The microchip must be implanted or read before the vaccination.
• At least 21 days must pass after completion of the primary vaccination protocol before the vaccination is valid for EU entry. 

Rabies Antibody Titration

A rabies antibody titration test is not automatically required for every pet traveling to Germany. Whether it is required depends on the country from which the pet is entering the EU and the applicable EU country classification. 

If a titration test is required, the test must meet EU requirements, including the required antibody level and applicable waiting period. Plan well in advance because this requirement can significantly extend the preparation timeline. 

Health Certificate

When entering the EU from a non-EU country, an appropriate animal health certificate may be required.

The certificate must be completed by an authorized veterinarian and must meet the EU requirements applicable to the country of departure and the type of movement.

For non-commercial pet travel, the EU health certificate is generally valid for 10 days from the date of issue for entry into the EU. 

Do not obtain the health certificate too early. Coordinate the timing with your veterinarian and your travel date.

Traveling With Multiple Pets

Check the requirements of your airline before booking travel with more than one pet.

Airlines may limit the number of animals permitted on a flight and may have specific requirements concerning carriers and how animals can be transported. These are transportation-provider requirements and not necessarily German or EU legal requirements.

Pet Carrier Requirements

If your pet is traveling by air:

• Use a carrier approved by your airline.
• Make sure the carrier provides adequate ventilation, strength, security, and space for the animal.
• Follow the airline's requirements for carrier dimensions and construction.
• Label the carrier with the required identification and contact information.
• Follow the airline's instructions for food, water, and handling.
• Always verify the current requirements directly with your airline before traveling.

After Arrival at USAG Bavaria

Dogs and cats arriving at USAG Bavaria must be registered with the appropriate Veterinary Treatment Facility.

For government housing, current USAG Bavaria guidance also requires owners to register their dogs and cats with the post veterinary clinic within two weeks of acquiring the pet or the pet's arrival at the permanent duty station, and owners must maintain current vaccination documentation. 

Government housing may also have additional pet restrictions, including limits on the number of pets. Current Military OneSource information for Hohenfels states that there is a two-pet limit for on-post and government-leased housing.

Traveling to Other Countries

Pet requirements are not the same in every European country.

If you plan to travel outside Germany with your pet, check the requirements of the destination country before making travel arrangements. Additional requirements may apply for rabies documentation, health certificates, parasite treatments, or other veterinary documentation.

Do not assume that meeting German entry requirements automatically means your pet meets the requirements for another country.

Important Reminder

Pet travel regulations can change. The requirements that apply to your pet depend on:

• Country of departure
• Destination country
• Transit countries
• Type of transportation
• Airline requirements
• Whether the move is commercial or non-commercial
• Your pet's species, age, microchip, and vaccination history

Start the process as early as possible. Some requirements, particularly rabies vaccination and antibody testing when applicable, can require several months of preparation.

Hohenfels Veterinary Treatment Facility:

• Telephone: +49 (0)6371-9464-3470
• DSN: 314-590-3470 

The Hohenfels Veterinary Treatment Facility is located in Building 746. Appointments should be scheduled in advance; current information indicates that walk-in veterinary services are not available. 

For the most current pet travel requirements, contact the Veterinary Treatment Facility before purchasing airline tickets or making final travel arrangements.

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

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

For further information, please reach out to the vet clinic via email or the website.

Dog Breeds Restricted in Bavaria

One of the first things you should know as a pet owner PCSing to Germany is that Germany and the State of Bavaria have specific regulations concerning certain dog breeds. Breed restrictions may affect whether a dog can be brought into Germany, kept in Bavaria, and/or kept in U.S. Government housing. Requirements can differ depending on the dog's breed, crossbreeding, individual classification, and local regulations.

Before making travel arrangements for a restricted-breed dog, contact the Hohenfels Veterinary Treatment Facility (HVTF) and the appropriate German local authority for guidance.

Bavaria's Classification of Restricted Dogs

Under the Bavarian Regulation on Dogs with Increased Aggressiveness and Dangerousness (Verordnung über Hunde mit gesteigerter Aggressivität und Gefährlichkeit – KampfhundeV), certain breeds and their crosses are classified as Category I or Category II.

Category I – Breed Classification

For the following breeds and groups of dogs, including their crosses with other dogs, the status as a Kampfhund (dog subject to special dangerous regulations) is presumed by law:

• Pit Bull
• Bandog
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bullterrier
• Tosa Inu

For these dogs, the legal presumption cannot be overcome simply by demonstrating that the individual dog has a good temperament. Keeping a Category I dog in Bavaria is subject to strict legal requirements and requires authorization from the competent German authority. Authorization is generally only possible under exceptional circumstances.

Category II – Breed Classification

For the following breeds, the status as a Kampfhund is presumed unless the owner proves to the competent authority that the individual dog does not display increased aggressiveness or dangerousness toward people or animals:

• Alano
• American Bulldog
• Bullmastiff
• Bullterrier
• Cane Corso
• Dogo Argentino
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Fila Brasileiro
• Mastiff
• Mastin Español
• Mastino Napoletano
• Perro de Presa Canario (Dogo Canario)
• Perro de Presa Mallorquin
• Rottweiler

The same rules apply to crosses of these breeds with one another or with other dogs, as specified by Bavarian law. 

For a Category II dog, the presumption may be rebutted by an appropriate temperament assessment (Wesenstest) conducted by a qualified veterinarian. The resulting documentation must be accepted by the competent German authority before the dog's legal status is changed.

Important: A temperament assessment does not automatically authorize bringing a dog into Germany. Import and entry restrictions are separate from Bavarian ownership regulations.

Import and Entry Restrictions

Germany also has federal legislation restricting the importation or movement of certain dogs into Germany.

The following breeds and their crosses are generally prohibited from being imported or brought into Germany:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bullterrier
• Bullterrier

The federal restrictions also apply to certain crosses. In addition, dogs of other breeds may be subject to restrictions when the law of the German state in which the dog will be kept presumes the dog to be dangerous. 

Do not ship or transport a restricted-breed dog to Germany before confirming its eligibility with the appropriate authorities. Contact the Veterinary Treatment Facility well in advance of your PCS.

Leash and Muzzle Requirements

There is not one blanket Bavaria-wide rule requiring every Category II dog to wear a muzzle and remain on a leash in every public area.

Leash requirements and other restrictions may be imposed by the municipality or competent local authority. Additional individual restrictions can also be ordered when necessary to protect public safety.

Therefore, dog owners should check the regulations of the specific German municipality where they will live. 

Temperament Testing and Category II Dogs

If a Category II dog is eligible to be kept in Bavaria, the owner may need to obtain documentation demonstrating that the individual dog does not exhibit increased aggressiveness or dangerousness.

The assessment must be performed by an appropriately qualified veterinarian, and the documentation must be submitted to and accepted by the competent German authority.

Do not assume that completing a temperament test automatically makes a dog legal to import, keep, or house on a U.S. installation. Separate federal, state, municipal, and housing regulations may apply.

U.S. Military Housing and Restricted Breeds

German breed regulations apply in addition to U.S. military policies.

Even if a dog is legally permitted to enter or remain in Germany, U.S. Government housing may have additional restrictions concerning the number or breeds of pets permitted in on-post or government-leased housing.

Pet owners should therefore confirm both:

German legal requirements, and USAG Bavaria housing requirements before bringing a restricted-breed dog to Bavaria.

Service Dogs and Assistance Animals

A dog's status as a service or assistance animal does not automatically eliminate applicable German legal requirements.

The requirements may depend on the dog's legal status, breed, documentation, and the specific German regulation involved. Owners of service or assistance animals should contact the Veterinary Treatment Facility and the appropriate German authority before traveling to Germany to determine which requirements apply to their individual animal.

Important Reminder for PCS Moves

Dog breed regulations can be complicated because German federal law, Bavarian state law, local municipal regulations, and U.S. military policies may all apply at the same time.

If you are planning to PCS to Bavaria with a dog that may be a restricted breed or a mixed breed, contact the Veterinary Treatment Facility as early as possible. Do not rely solely on a breed name provided by a breeder, shelter, veterinarian, or pet passport. The legal classification of a mixed-breed dog may also need to be determined.

Hohenfels Veterinary Treatment Facility:

• Camp Linderburg, Linderburg Str.
• Building 746
• 92366 Hohenfels, Germany
• Commercial: +49 (0)6371-9464-3470
• DSN: 314-590-3470

Email: usarmy.rheinland-pfalz.phc-europe.mbx.hohenfels-vtf@health.mil

Veterinary services are by appointment. Clinic hours and availability may change, so contact the facility directly for current information.

For further information or questions regarding the legality of a specific dog, please contact the Hohenfels Veterinary Treatment Facility before making travel arrangements.

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), the 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; 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.

For further information, please reach out to the vet clinic via email or the website.