Are you preparing to study abroad in Germany and can’t bear to leave your pet? Are you interested in information about raising pets in Germany? Then let’s learn about the regulations for raising pets in Germany with My Career! 

1. Things to note when raising pets in Germany

1.1 Coming to Germany with your pet

The EU in general and Germany in particular have strict regulations on the transport of animals from non-EU countries to EU countries for personal and commercial reasons. Those who bring animals into Germany for non-commercial purposes must comply with the following regulations . 

Basic immigration law

Puppies and kittens under 15 weeks of age are not allowed into Europe, as they only receive their first rabies vaccination at 12-24 weeks of age, followed by a three-week waiting period.

A non-EU individual travelling to Germany is allowed to bring up to five animals, but only as household pets, not for commercial purposes.

Only cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs and other rodents, horses, turtles or tortoises (if not rare species), ornamental fish, parrots, parakeets, pigeons and other birds are approved as pets by the German Customs Office (Zollamt). If you want to bring any other animals to Germany, please check with the German consulate in your country.

Pets can enter Germany three weeks after being vaccinated against rabies. Don’t forget to bring the relevant documents. Each pet must also be marked with a microchip or tattoo. If you are coming from a country considered to be at high risk of rabies, your pet must undergo a Standard Blood Test one month after vaccination and three months before entering Germany.

Each pet must be accompanied by an official veterinary certificate (“Tier aus Nicht-EU-Staat”). The certificate must state the microchip or tattoo number, vaccination details and blood test results (if applicable).

It is best to consult the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for more information on your airline’s pet regulations. Each German state also has its own list of prohibited dog breeds.

Germany has quite strict laws governing the ownership of so-called ?dangerous dogs?. The following dog breeds (including crossbreeds) are banned from Germany and therefore cannot be brought into the country:

• Pit bull terrier
• American Staffordshire terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull terrier

1.2 Pet adoption in Germany

At any given time, there are hundreds of thousands of animals in animal shelters (Tierheim) looking for a new home, so if you have decided to adopt a pet, this is the place to go. All animals in shelters are vaccinated and have passports and microchips. Some places may want to inspect your home to make sure it is suitable for the pet you are looking to adopt.

Even if they don’t ask, be prepared to answer a lot of questions, as animal welfare is not something that is taken lightly in Germany. Before you can bring your new family member home, you’ll need to complete certain paperwork, provide proof of identity, and pay an adoption fee.

There is currently a black market for pets in Germany, usually online or in stores around the border with Germany. In these places, puppies and kittens are sold to stores too early, separated from their mothers at a young age without proper food or water, and are therefore often weak and sick and prone to death.

Signs of a black market for pets in Germany: sketchy online ads, no mother visits, no proper permits, meeting on the street and asking for immediate payment, or even hidden areas at the markets. You should avoid adopting pets here as this is considered illegal and a form of abetting bad guys.

You can also search online through various web portals and social media, but be very careful and check the pet’s paperwork, especially vaccination records, very carefully. Responsible sellers will charge a fee and sign a sales contract (Kaufvertrag).

1.3 Living with pets in Germany

Before you sign a lease with a landlord, you should be clear that you intend to have a pet in your apartment. Some landlords may have opinions about this. Almost all landlords are good with small pets.

There will also be restrictions on certain dog breeds that are considered dangerous. Owning a cat in Germany is much easier. Kleintiere (small animals) may not be banned and do not require additional permits.

1.4 Visit the vet

Every pet owner hopes to never have to visit a Tierklinik (animal clinic) for an emergency or major surgery. But you will definitely need to find a local Tierarzt (veterinarian). When you arrive in Germany with your pet or adopt a new pet, register with the local veterinarian (Tierartz) of your choice. Your veterinarian will be happy to advise you on all necessary vaccinations.

Rabies vaccination for dogs is mandatory, other diseases do not require a visit to the doctor, but each animal has its own typical medical problems so a visit is inevitable.

1.5 Pet supplies

There is a huge market for pet food, supplies and services in Germany. You can find almost everything online, as well as in pet stores across the country, such as Fressnapf and Futterhaus. 

A good tip is to join one or more Facebook groups in your area to read about the lives and well-being of pets, or to view and share cute pictures of your pets. There are also people who offer help in finding lost animals that may be helpful to you.

1.6. Dog tax

Dog owners are required to pay an annual dog tax (Hundesteuer). However, you may be eligible for a tax exemption or reduction if your dog is a service dog or rescue dog. The tax does not apply to other animals.

2. What every dog ​​owner needs to know

There are some rules about your day-to-day life with your dog, but these vary from state to state. However, the basic rules are more or less the same in all states. Dogs are allowed in parks, and they don’t need to be leashed unless specifically mentioned.

Many parks have designated areas for dogs to run and play. Dogs are not allowed in the playgrounds and must be leashed in residential and public areas. If a dog poops in a public area, the dog owner is responsible for cleaning it up or they will be subject to a hefty fine.

Dogs are allowed on public transport and in most restaurants, cafes, theme parks, shopping centres and shops, but not in supermarkets. On some public transport you may need to buy a ticket for your dog.

3. Insurance for your pet

Pet insurance in Germany will cover most vet bills. Furthermore, in keeping with the insurance-loving nature of Germans, you must take out Hundehaftpflichtversicherung (dog liability insurance). This will cover any damage caused by your dog.

Since medical expenses can be quite expensive, consider signing up for German pet health insurance (“Tierkrankenversicherung”). You’ll still need to pay for vet visits out of pocket, but your insurance will then reimburse you for standard procedures like:

• Preventive treatment
• Neuter
• Surgery
• Travel insurance

As for the cost of pet health insurance in Germany, it ranges from €130 to €300 per year for a cat and a minimum of €250 per year for a dog. Insurance policies are often quite restrictive (for example, maximum coverage is limited to €2,000, or the deductible does not exceed 20%). There are also some insurance companies that cover vaccinations.

4. Where to meet other pet owners?

Start by searching for Facebook groups in your area. They are also a good source of information.

• Ở Berlin: Dog Owners in Berlin, Kittens & Cats Need Home,Pet Friendly Berlin, Berlin & Hund
• Ở Hamburg: Expat Dogs in Hamburg
• All Germany: Germany Pet Adoption , Cats & Dogs for Adoption

You can also search for local Meetups or try your luck with Google using phrases like “Hundebegegnungen [city]” or “[animal] besitzer [city]”.

Thus, raising a pet in Germany is not as easy as in Vietnam. You should consider carefully about raising a pet in Germany because this depends a lot on whether you have the time and enough money to have another family member.

And to learn more useful information about life in Germany as well as prepare the best luggage when studying abroad in Germany, follow My Career now!