Entering Germany with a dog or cat: paperwork, breeds and rules by region

Arriving from Italy or another European Union country, the common conditions for non commercial movement of pets apply. They are the same ones you would use for France or Spain, and they turn on three things: identification, rabies vaccination and a travel document.

This is where Germany really differs from other countries. Rules on so called dangerous dogs are set by each Land, so there is no single national list. Some breeds appear almost everywhere, others only in certain regions, and the practical consequences range from a simple leash requirement to permits, temperament tests and, in extreme cases, a ban on bringing the dog in.

The practical advice is simple: if your dog belongs to, or resembles, one of the breeds historically included in these lists, treat the trip as a special case rather than a routine outing. Carry photographs, any temperament certificates and proof of third party liability insurance, which is required anyway in many areas.

Even for dogs not on any list, daily life in town follows local rules worth knowing before you meet a sign. Germans are generally very respectful of designated areas, times and spaces, and checks, when they happen, tend to be thorough.

• A leash is required across most urban areas, stations and public transport, often with a maximum length set by local by-laws.
• A muzzle is expected on many forms of transport and in some crowded areas, even for dogs not deemed dangerous: keep one within reach.
• Off leash dog areas are signposted and fenced: outside them, the default is a dog on a lead.
• Picking up after your dog is always expected, with real fines where it is ignored.
• Access to shops, restaurants and accommodation varies: ask first, because it depends on the venue and local rules.
• During nesting season and in woodland, some seasons and natural areas impose a leash to protect wildlife.

The Hundesteuer, the municipal dog tax, concerns residents more than passing tourists, but it is worth knowing if you plan a long stay or a move. It is a municipal levy, so the amount and conditions change from town to town, and it often rises sharply for breeds deemed dangerous.

1. 1

   Tell a holiday apart from a move

   For a short stay the tax usually does not apply to you. If instead you take up residence, registering the dog and paying the tax become a local duty you should not overlook.

2. 2

   Contact the destination town

   The amount, exemptions and registration deadlines depend on the individual municipality. Ask the tax office how and when to register the dog and which documents are needed.

3. 3

   Check whether insurance is compulsory

   In several Länder third party liability insurance for the dog is mandatory, either always or for specific breeds. Arrange or extend a policy valid in Germany before you leave if this applies to you.

4. 4

   Keep the receipts

   Record payments, policies and correspondence in your pet's diary, so you have a tidy trail to show at a check or on renewal.

The cat is normally not subject to this tax. Some municipalities, however, have rules on identifying and registering outdoor cats to manage strays: if you are moving with a cat that goes outside, look into this point too.

With the rules behind you, the logistics of the trip remain. Germany is a comfortable country for moving around with a pet, provided you respect each operator's rules and book ahead where it matters.

1. On long distance trains small dogs in a carrier often travel as hand luggage, while large dogs may need a dedicated ticket, a leash and a muzzle.
2. Check the operator's rules before boarding: they differ between national, regional and urban services, and are not the same as in Italy.
3. For lodging, always filter for pet friendly places and ask ahead about surcharges, size limits and house rules.
4. In the car, secure the carrier or use proper harnesses and plan regular stops, especially in summer: never leave the animal in a parked car in the sun.
5. Save in advance the contact of a veterinary clinic near your destination and useful numbers for out of hours emergencies.
6. Update the pet's profile with weight, current treatments and allergies, so the information is ready if you need a vet on the spot.

You cross the border with documents, but you live the stay by the local rules: owners who check the Land and the town before leaving avoid almost every problem.