Have questions or concerns about your upcoming PCS? Depending on their destination, passengers must check in with their pets two to four hours before their departure time. Read more about German regulations for bringing a pet to Germany. At the same time, the new law also requires dog owners to arrange personal liability insurance cover. And while this guide to PCSing to Germany refers to Grafenwoehr, it also applies to anyone moving to Vilseck. European Union pet owners are now required to have pet passports when traveling with their animals. Food can be attached to the top of the crate in a plastic bag. You can write off the expenses on your taxes, but that’s it. Now that we’ve covered breed restrictions, here is a list of the things you’ll need to travel with a pet. They cannot enter playgrounds or cemeteries. Required Documents to PCS with a Pet to Germany. This will largely depend on where you’re relocating from. Be sure to have all required paperwork completed when entering the country. It’s always easier to go to a military vet because they know the paperwork requirements best. How to PCS to Germany with Pets - Bavarian News, U.S. Army... Posted: (4 days ago) One of the first things you should know as a pet owner about PCSing to Germany is the country’s breed restrictions. Jerry is one of the few professional pet shippers that is a veteran. You should also keep a plastic bag with you when on excursions with your dog. You may also have to pay around €200 in international import fees. All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the vet. NOTE: Owners of temperament-approved class 2 dogs are required by German mandate to keep the pet muzzled and on a leash in public areas. Ensure that your pet has adequate food and water for the journey. For more information regarding breed restrictions and requirements for dangerous breeds while in Germany, visit Military Installations, This is a starter list, compiled with the help of the, Travel with a microchip reader that can read your pet’s microchip or contact the veterinary officials at the intended port of arrival to verify that they have a reader capable of reading your pet’s microchip. Owners must provide proof the animal does not possess tendency for heightened aggression. There are also occasional seasonal restrictions for certain aircraft or airlines. PCSing with pets can be overwhelming (believe me, we’ve been there). You may change your settings at any time. This can add more stress to an already stressful situation. If you are issued government-leased or on-post housing, you will also have to show proof of registration at the on-post Vet Clinic and notify the Housing Office of any pets. It also includes other data such as records of vaccinations and clinical examinations. Former teacher turned blogger turned mom turned full time travel addict, LeAnna has never been one to live life by the rules. Pets normally travel in the aircraft baggage hold area but may be accepted for shipment in the cabin area if they meet the requirements. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. If you don’t remember anything else during your travels, be sure to remember to save and keep every bit of military-related paperwork with you. Provide a three-inch clearance above the tallest point on the pet’s body (head or ears when standing in a natural position). Also, the American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend sedating or medicating your animal prior to the flight. As it goes, Germany is an easy country. Contact | The number and implant dates of both microchips must be documented on the pet’s health certificate. However, while pets are welcome in Germany, you must adhere to certain strict German rules relating to your pet’s relocation. This will require the dogs to wear a muzzle outside the home and in general to be on a lead. When traveling, the pet owner must ensure that the rabies vaccination in the passport is valid or else renew the pet’s vaccination. If your pet is unfriendly, then put a warning on the crate. Providing pedigree and being prepared is the owner’s responsibility. Need more information about PCSing to Germany? Existing owners will have about five years to sign up for insurance cover. What do military members need to know most about PCSing with pets? The new law means current dog owners have five years to make arrangements for the chip, which has to be implanted by a veterinary surgeon. PCSing to Germany was so exciting. One of the first things you should know as a pet owner about PCSing to Germany is the country’s breed restrictions. PCSing To Germany: Moving or Selling Your Vehicle March 18, 2015 by AHRN Blog Team Leave a Comment Moving overseas can be stressful, but knowing what to expect – especially where expenses are concerned— can help you manage your family’s budget. However, many expats will be arriving by public transport or airplane. As something the military doesn’t pay for, it can be a dauting task to prepare for an overseas PCS when you’ve got pets. For the complete list of pet carriers, go, The International Air Transport Association, or IATA, lays out some, Be sturdy and properly ventilated (four sides of ventilation for international flights). Air Mobility Command authorizes families traveling on PCS moves to transport pets on DoD-sponsored airlines, such as Patriot Express, according to AMC’s pet brochure guide. Get the latest alerts, news and information. Notify the airline that you would like to be accompanied by your pet when you book the flight. Alongside expert advice and guidance, their range of insurance products include surgery protection and liability cover. Do not try to sneak a banned breed into Germany. Whatever your questions about PCSing with pets, we are here to guide you through the process. Owners must provide proof of pedigree. Germany has specific laws that prohibit some dogs from the region. Dogs that fail the mandatory test are treated with the same legal provisions as class 1 breeds and are illegal in Bavaria. If your pet does not have an ISO compliant microchip, you will need to: If you are PCSing from a country other than the U.S., there may be additional requirements, which you can find on the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website. We just went through this process 7 … GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- PCSing with pets in tow makes an already hectic process a little more complicated. Never sedate your pet prior to air travel. However, the practitioner must be authorized for this purpose by the competent authorities. Germany is not merely pet-friendly, but practically treats pets as kings. Whether you are in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, State Department, Department of Defense, or … Be aware that no more than five pet dogs, cats, and ferrets can be imported into Germany for non-commercial purposes. EU pet passports are available from a veterinary practitioner. Owners must ensure that the animal does not foul the pavement. In general, families are usually limited to two pets. Here is a one-stop checklist to help get you settled in a timely manner: ARRIVAL Attend in-processing briefings, including housing brief. Privacy Policy & Data Security | First and foremost: be aware the responsibility for moving your pet is on you, the owner. Check out my arrival guide! The container must have ventilation and room for movement. Roof must be solid. There are a few things you’ll need to know if you’re planning to relocate to Germany with your pet. Both water and food bowls must be attached to the inside of the front door and be refillable from the outside of the crate without opening the door. Woof at us below! Dishes of water often appear at even the most expensive restaurants. Pets. You can of course change your mind and withdraw your consent at any time, by returning to this site after clearing the cookies on your computer or device. Otherwise, you can buy a train ticket so they can travel with you at about half the normal fare. Thankfully, there are plenty of expat-friendly German insurance companies offering pet coverage. Pet space is very limited on Patriot Express flights and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information regarding breed restrictions and requirements for dangerous breeds while in Germany, visit Military Installations pet shipping guidelines. Many overseas destinations require that pets have microchips with a number that matches the number on the health certificate. The International Air Transport Association, or IATA, lays out some basic requirements for travel pet carriers, but every airline maintains different standards. Here’s a pretty good summary about pets in Germany. GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — So, you are getting ready to PCS to Germany, and you’re scared, excited, nervous or all of the above. When this is the case you will see a sign with a drawing of a dog and the words ‘Wir muessen leider draussen warten‘ (unfortunately, we have to wait outside), or other written requests of the premises’ owners. Wondering how the overseas PCS works with your cat or dog? Expatica uses technology such as cookies and scripts to personalize content and ads, provide social media features, and analyze our traffic. As of 2020, families PCSing to Germany may only bring two pets, which can either be cats or dogs. Obtain ID card, as needed, and enroll/update in DEERS/IACS. For the complete list of pet carriers, go here. Below is a list of several resources that will make traveling with your pet a little less stressful. Laws have been introduced that mean certain breeds of dog are not allowed to be brought into Germany including: bull terriers, pit-bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire bull terriers or any crossbreeds of these dogs. Check the airline travel requirements for pet crates before buying a crate. The launch of the EU pet travel plan has coincided with moves towards tighter restrictions on pets in many EU nations. Every pet and family situation is different, however, so it’s important to contact your local veterinarian and transportation office for assistance in assembling all the appropriate paperwork. NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using. In future, the lead can be two metres long if the dog is in more open areas such as in parks, forests or sports grounds. Generally, the airline only allows one pet per passenger and a maximum of two pets per cabin; reconfirm this at least 48 hours in advance. Thankfully, our guide to bringing your pet to Germany provides information on the following: Arriving in Germany with your four-legged friend? Accessibility | In some places, you can avoid one year of fees by taking a course to get a dog license – Hundeführeschein – which involves an exam on your rights and duties as a pet owner. See the conditions as defined by the EU. This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Click below to consent to the use of this technology on our website – and don’t worry, we respect your privacy. NOTE: If your pet had a non-ISO compatible chip implanted at the same time as or before your pet’s most recent vaccination, your pet will not have to be re-vaccinated even if it had to be re-microchipped with an ISO compliant chip to travel to the EU. The Rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old at the time of the final health exam. The aim of the chip is to ensure that animals cannot simply be abandoned. Dog Breeds Restricted in Bavaria Bringing pets. Indeed, because pet owners in Germany are legally responsible for the animal and its behavior, it is advisable to arrange a special personal liability policy for pet ownership. ICE | Bringing your pet to Germany Transporting your pet to Germany. In some cities, you could face a fine. If you are PCSing to Germany, try your best to get a flight operated by Lufthansa. 27 Things You Must Know Before PCSing to Germany. USDA Germany Regulations & Assessments, other country info here as well, just choose the country you need. Contain no hard toys or objects that could bounce around and injure your pet. However, when the dog is in more crowded areas such as railway stations, department stores, on public transport or in a demonstration or festival, the dog will have to be on a one-metre lead. However, the country is also very stringent about its pet laws. Before moving back to the U.S. … Additionally, it doesn’t matter what breed is listed on the medical records. Make sure your furry family members have complete cover in your new home with Agila. Typically, these dogs are required to pass a temperament test with a licensed provider and then registered with the host nation safety and public order office. Class 1 breeds (or class 2 breeds that fail a temperament test) are subject to confiscation, confinement at the owner’s expense and more. This depends on the animal’s appearance and pedigree. PCSing Overseas with Pets – Flight Arrangements, booking our Westie’s flight. See which countries are low or high risk. If you wish to enter the country with your pet, German officials require proof that your cat or dog is vaccinated at least 21 days before the trip. In general, a flight-ready pet carrier must: It is very important to keep in mind ever airline is different, it is recommended to check with the airline or AMC officials for exact requirements. You will need a valid government-issued photo ID to pick up your pet. If you have pets, start the process now. Pets, it would seem, have a good life in Germany. Impressum | This is a German law, and is enforced by German authorities. In Germany, you will find that a vast majority of families have one or more dearly loved non-human member. Whether she is moving to a farm in Switzerland to learn to make cheese (Yes, CHEESE), jumping off a mountain to paraglide over Cinderella castles, or taking her baby all over the world with nothing but a backpack on their backs, LeAnna designs and defines her OWN life. Vaccinate your pet for rabies before departing for Germany. The container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation. Make sure their rabies vaccine is within one year but not less than 30 days before flying. Generally, as a dog owner, you must ensure that your pet does not endanger anyone or cause any damage to property. You should read the IATA requirements before traveling with your pet. I've got you covered. We have one cat and one dog. Dogs have to be kept on a leash in certain areas, such as public parks and buildings or on public transport. Once your pet arrives in country, you will have 14 days to register them with your on-post Vet Clinic. In most circumstances, your pet will be quarantined until a veterinarian can perform a quick examination and release them. One of the first things you should know as a pet owner about PCSing to Germany is the country’s breed restrictions. We'll send updates every Thursday afternoon and alerts as events dictate. If you plan on moving to Germany with pets, there are certain rules relating to importing them into the country. There are five important areas you need to consider long before your permanent change of station orders are cut. The airline normally insists you acquire a special traveling container for the animal. Have a cookie FOIA | Be sure to check with specific airlines for their rates and requirements. More pets require an exception to policy memo, regardless of whether you live on or off post, or in military or private housing. The new Berlin law additionally reinforces strict rules on so-called fighting dogs with the owners of 10 particular breeds, including bull terriers and American Staffordshire terriers. But they’re our family members. OR For 6 or more privately owned pets that are more than 6 months old and traveling in a group to the EU to participate in competitions, exhibitions, sporting events, or in training for events, within 5 days of the owner or designated person**. Pets can also travel on German public transport, usually for free. If you are PCSing from a country other than the U.S., there may be additional requirements, which you can find on the, Pet shipments will be in conjunction with PCS moves only IAW, If pet slots are not available on Patriot Express, your pet may need to travel commercially. Select Germany from the drop down menu (or any other country you might be moving to) and you will be presented with the specific country requirements for bringing your family friend. Dogs must have a license in Germany, usually for an annual fee. PCSing with pets can be stressful but even more so when your dealing with an Overseas PCS. It’s expensive to PCS with pets OCONUS (and sometimes even CONUS). Pets Information. Check out my arrival guide! Pets entering Germany from a country with a high incidence of rabies must have a Blood Titer Test one month after vaccination and three months prior to departure. One of the first things you’ll need to consider is taking out an insurance policy. These dogs have been shown to react aggressively with little provocation and have been traditionally used as fighting dogs, based on studies evaluated by the Bavarian government. We longed to stay in Germany longer, but the Air Force sent us home anyway. But Berlin’s city assembly passed a tough law in 2013 for dog owners in the German capital, which imposes specific restrictions on leads and requires chips to be implanted behind the animal’s ear. For 5 or less pets traveling to the EU within 5 days of the owner or designated person**. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted. We are right there with you. No other pet types are currently permitted by the DoD. Have your pet chipped with an ISO-compatible microchip. Providing pedigree and being prepared is the owner’s responsibility. Tests can cost up to several hundred euro, and dogs must be at least nine months old to be eligible, according to USAG Ansbach. Jan 3, 2014 - PCSing To Germany With Pets 101 Series. One of the first things you must arrange is how your pet will enter the country. Your choices will not impact your visit. Pets on the move: PCSing pets [Image 3 of 10] RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, RP, GERMANY 05.29.2020 Photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor Slater ... Germany, May 29, 2020. In some cases, they also seem to have little trouble flying with you on planes. See more ideas about pet 101, pcsing, pets. Step 1: Every country has different rules and regulations, so first things first, look up the specifics for your destination country. The rules differ between cities. #5: Not All PCS Moves Allow The Same Things, Including Pets. Typically, prices can range from $400 – 2,000, depending on the airline, pet size and weight, and location. The rules regarding approved types of containers for cats, dogs, ferrets, and birds flying in the cabin and as cargo were created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Only one class 2 pet can be walked at a time. Despite the apparent ease with which pets move around Germany, there are certain places, such as butchers, grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, private buildings or children’s playgrounds, where dogs are not necessarily welcome or they are not allowed to go to the bathroom. Germany has specific laws that prohibit some dogs from the region. One aim of the European Pet Travel Scheme, which covers cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, and rodents, is to provide proof that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies, with the passport also setting out details of the pet’s tick and tapeworm treatment. Don’t plan your move without reviewing these areas. It is very important to keep in mind ever airline is different, it is recommended to check with the airline or AMC officials for, Once your pet arrives in country, you will have 14 days to register them with your on-post, personal property consignment instruction guide, basic requirements for travel pet carriers. Write your name, your pet’s name and your destination address on the crate. I wanted to share some PCSing to Guam with Pets info that will hopefully help make this process a bit easier for Newcomers to the island. Several airline companies will ship pets for military families, including Lufthansa, American, Delta, Alaska and Hawaii Cargo. Within Europe, you may be able to drive to your new home. All German cities have various restrictions on the use of leads when taking dogs in public places. PCSing to Spangdahlem Checklist – checklist for pets … How To PCS to Germany with Pets: A Complete Guide. Search for accommodation that allows pets: Haustiere Erlaubt (pets allowed). Cats don’t require a license. Be constructed of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood. If you ship your pet separately, ship it to Frankfurt, Germany. If one microchip predates the rabies vaccine, then the number and implantation of both microchips MUST be documented on the EU health certificate.