Pets
The most important consideration if you wish to bring a pet to Germany is that you must have permission from the landlord.
Germans are very dog-friendly, dogs are routinely taken into almost any business establishment, including up-scale restaurants. Dogs are not allowed in grocery stores, butcher shops and other shops where fresh food is sold. Some Konditerei, or cafes, don't allow them either. Establishments that don't want you to bring your dog inside will have a small sign affixed on the window. It usually shows a picture of a dog and will read something like, Wir müssen leider daraussen warten (unfortunately, we must wait outside). Wherever you go, keep the pet leashed.
You can take your dog or cat with you when traveling. Train tickets in Germany can be purchased for them at about half the regular fare. Rules for air transport of animals vary from airline to airline, but, in response to customer demand, they are usually friendly about it. The airline should be notified when you book the flight if you plan to take a pet. It's almost always required that the animal be in a kennel that is sturdy, properly ventilated and large enough so that the animal may freely stand, turn around and lie down. Prescribed kennels are available at pet stores and from most airlines. Remember to check with the airline when in doubt. The kennel usually goes in a pressurized cargo bay, though some airlines allow passengers to carry their pets in the cabin if the kennel can fit under a seat.
Dogs must be registered once they are over 4 months of age, this can be effected at the Kasse und Steueramt in most cities, costing approximately €30 per annum. Cats do not require a license.
A pet owner is legally responsible for anything the animal does. Owners are subject to lawsuits if, for instance, a dog runs a motorcyclist off the road and he is disabled for life. A personal liability insurance policy for ownership of a dog costs about €72 a year in Germany. It's a good idea to obtain this insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung).
It is possible to bring a cat or dog from UK into Germany, there are various procedures an owner must undertake, the following is a guideline, however for the most up-to-date information please refer to the following website:-
http://www.maff.gov.uk.
is the system that allows pets from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet certain conditions. It also means that people in the UK can, having taken their pets to these countries, bring them back without the need for quarantine. The Scheme only applies to pet cats and dogs, is limited to pets coming into the UK from certain countries and territories and only operates on certain sea, air and rail routes to England.
To bring your pet cat or dog into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) you must carry out the following procedures.
Have your pet microchipped
Your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.
Have your pet vaccinated
After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies.
Arrange a blood test
After your pet has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure that the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.
Get a PETS certificate
showing that your pet has been microchipped, vaccinated and blood tested. You can get an official PETS certificate from a government authorised vet. Your pet must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm between 24 - 48 hours before it is checked in for the journey to the UK. Any qualified vet can carry out the treatment. The vet must also issue an official certificate of treatment to show that this treatment has been carried out.
An official declaration signed by the owner that the pet has not been outside the PETS countries in the previous six-months
If you are taking pet cats or dogs out of the UK, you are likely to need some certificates and documents in addition to the official PETS re-entry certificate.
Have your pet microchipped
Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.
An official export health certificate
This must be signed by a government authorised vet, known as a Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI). For details of how to get an official export health certificate, contact your local DEFRA Animal Health Divisional Office.
Germany currently require a separate bi-lingual certificate to show that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies. Your vet will be able to provide the certificate.
This summary may not be comprehensive and any of these requirements may be subject to change by the authorities of the country concerned. So before you travel to other countries with your pet, you are strongly advised to check with the Embassy of the country concerned what documentation is required for your pet to enter that country.
Your pet can be fitted with a microchip in any country. The rabies vaccination (including boosters), blood sampling, issuing the PETS certificate, the tick and tapeworm treatment and issuing the official certificate of treatment must all be carried out in either the British Isles, the Republic of Ireland or a qualifying country.
Your pet may not enter the UK under PETS until six months have passed from the date that your vet took the blood sample which led to a successful test result (see below). If the vet signs the PETS certificate after that six month period has passed, your pet may enter the UK immediately.
Before your pet enters the UK, you will have to sign a declaration (PETS 3) that it has not been outside any of the PETS qualifying countries in the previous six months.
