🔄 Updated : June 22, 2026📊 Difficulty : Easy

Germany is a very welcoming destination for dogs, with simple entry requirements (standard EU rules) and infrastructure designed with animals in mind. Here’s what you need to know.

Entry requirements

Requirement Details
💉 ISO microchip ISO 11784/11785 identification, implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination.
🦠 Valid rabies vaccination First vaccination from 12 weeks of age, followed by a 21-day waiting period.
📕 EU pet passport Issued by a veterinarian (records identification + vaccination).

The EU pet passport applies to dogs traveling from within the EU. Arriving from outside the EU (US, UK, Canada…)? The EU-wide entry rules apply to Germany — see our full guide to traveling to the EU with a dog.

🟠
Double-check. Every country may regulate certain breeds classed as dangerous (breed categorization, muzzle, insurance) and access to beaches/public transit. Check Germany’s local regulations before you go.

Compare with other destinations using our dog entry requirements checker by country.

Once there: a very dog-friendly country

Germany has a reputation for being open to dogs: they’re frequently welcome in restaurants, hotels and public transit. Dogs travel on Deutsche Bahn trains (small dogs for free, large dogs with a half-fare ticket and often a muzzle). Some breeds are regulated differently depending on the Land (federal state) — the so-called “dangerous dogs” legislation — so check your destination region if your dog may be affected.

How to get there with your dog

By plane, compare airlines in our flight comparison tool; Germany is also easy to reach by car and by train.

✈️ Which airlines fly to Germany? Eurowings, Lufthansa, Aegean Airlines, Air Algérie, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air France, Air India — compare them in our dog flight comparison tool.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs travel on German trains?
Yes: small dogs ride for free, and large dogs travel with a half-fare ticket and usually a muzzle.
Are there restricted breeds in Germany?
Yes, legislation on so-called dangerous dogs varies from one Land (federal state) to another. Check the rules of your destination region.

Sources

European Commission — Traveling with pets and other animals in the EU, accessed June 2026. Rules can change: double-check before departure.