Does anyone have information on moving to Germany with pets (dogs)?

2017-02-03T13:58:09-05:00

I am joining active duty after 6 years in the National Guard. I signed my contract for my first duty station to be in Germany. Everything for moving my wife and daughter over with me is fairly straight out and has a step by step process. I have found limited info on moving my two dogs over. One male Patterdale Terrier around 40lbs and one female Fox Terrier around 30lbs. Any info will be helpful.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2017 2:13 PM

2017-02-03T14:13:13-05:00

I didn't have pets with me, but I knew those that did. Chances are, they will have to be quarantined for a bit to ensure they aren't bringing in sickness and what not. Contact your Recruiter or MEPS to see if they have a POC for you to contact to get clearer information.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2017 2:30 PM

2017-02-03T14:30:54-05:00

Best of luck on bringing your dogs with you, I wouldn't want to be separated from my two dogs either.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 3 at 2017 11:55 PM

2017-02-03T23:55:53-05:00

My advice is for you to go to the nearest military installation and get an overseas levy brief. They cover all this stuff in the levy brief. You will need to have vet examine your pet and then fill out the paperwork. You also have to check with the office your arranging your travel through on whether your pets can move at the same time as your family. Airlines have slapped crazy restrictions on this process over the last 6 years because of some pet deaths in transit.

Who is your sponsor? You must have a sponsor in USAREUR. You will get to Germany and not be able to drive. You will need your sponsor to help you get around and prepare for your arrival. If you arrive in Frankfurt, you will need to get your pet in another terminal from where you land.

Response by SFC Wesley Arnold, Jr made Feb 4 at 2017 4:42 AM

2017-02-04T04:42:52-05:00

Things might have change a bit I was in Germany 90-92. They have some restrictions on breed (or did) but yours would still be fine. Have to have their Vet shot records, not sure if anything else is needed. I know their is a health certificate you have to have it you transport any animal across state lines (except private pets); so you might need a physical. Except a quarantine both in and out of country. *** Best thing I can say it contact the nearest military installation veterinarian and check with them. *** (if really close most of your requirements will probably be cheaper on post verses civilian veterinarian)

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2017 2:42 PM

2017-02-04T14:42:32-05:00

Taking a dog to Germany is easy, and Germany is one of the most dog-friendly countries in the world! Talk to you veterinarian and explain where you'll be headed, he/she can complete an international travel form that indicates all current vaccinations. Also, Germany has no quarantine, so you'll be able to leave from the airport with your dog, so long as you have the certificate from your vet. As a side note, you can also take your dog with you most anywhere in Germany, including many restaurants. That said, the Germans are VERY big on obedient dogs, and they will expect your dog to be obedient. If this is an issue, begin working with your dog now. Good luck and enjoy the bratwurst!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2017 9:23 AM

2017-02-08T09:23:03-05:00

SPC Hartman, we moved to Germany with 4 dogs in 2012. The only requirement was ther certificate from the on post vet and updated vaccines. All of which the vet can inform you of. If you are flying during the warmer months beware most airlines will not let you take a pet that has to be in the belly of the plane. We flew all of ours with Lufthansa because they have exceptions. We paid 1500 Euro so you can do the math. Hit me up if you need more info. Good luck.

Response by TSgt Alan Richard "Rick" Thomas made Feb 13 at 2017 2:12 PM

2017-02-13T14:12:22-05:00

Ask your sponsor, my sponsor advised against it. There was a long quarantine going both ways when I went. My parents agreed to keep our dog and she was so happy to see us 3 years later.

Response by Cpl Rebecca Nicholson made Mar 21 at 2017 9:13 PM

2017-03-21T21:13:56-04:00

My sister was able to move all 13 (yes, I wrote 13...) of her cats Germany twice and Korea once. They have to be immunized of course. Now this was some 15 years ago, things could have changed, but I remember be floored every single time the Army paid to have them shipped over with her.