PCS with Pets to Germany: Complete Military Pet Travel Guide for Ramstein

Start Planning 6+ Months Before Your PCS

Pet travel to Europe has strict requirements with specific timelines that cannot be rushed. Missing a deadline can mean your pet can’t travel with you. Start this checklist as soon as you receive orders:

Step-by-Step Timeline

6+ Months Out: Microchip

• Your pet MUST have an ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit, ISO 11784/11785)
• The microchip must be implanted BEFORE or on the same day as the rabies vaccination
• Most US microchips are ISO-compliant — verify with your vet
• If your pet already has a non-ISO chip, you may need to carry a compatible scanner or get a new chip

6+ Months Out: Rabies Vaccination

• Must be a current rabies vaccination administered AFTER the microchip
• The vaccine must be an approved inactivated virus vaccine
• If this is your pet’s first rabies vaccine, they need to wait 21 days before the titer test blood draw
• Keep all vaccination records — the vet’s name, license number, vaccine lot number, and dates are all required

5-6 Months Out: Rabies Titer Test

This is the most time-critical step:

• A blood draw at your vet, sent to an EU-approved laboratory
• In the US, the approved lab is the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory
• Results must show 0.5 IU/ml or greater
• After a successful titer test, there is a 3-month waiting period before your pet can enter the EU
• The 3-month wait starts from the date of the blood draw, not the results date
• A valid titer test does NOT expire as long as rabies vaccinations are kept current (no lapses)
• Cost: approximately $100-$150 for the lab test plus vet visit fees

2-4 Weeks Out: USDA Health Certificate

• Your pet needs an international health certificate (APHIS Form 7001)
• Must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian
• Valid for 10 days from the date of examination for travel
• Must then be endorsed by USDA APHIS — either at a local APHIS office or through the online VEHCS system
• The endorsed certificate must state the pet is:
  • Microchipped (with number)
  • Currently vaccinated for rabies
  • Titer test results on file
  • Free of clinical signs of disease
  • Free of external parasites

At the Vet (10 Days Before Travel): Final Exam

• Tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus) — required for dogs entering Germany, must be administered 1-5 days before entry
• The treatment must be noted on the health certificate with date and product name
• Final health check and certificate issuance

Flying with Pets to Germany

Airline Options

• Patriot Express (Rotator): The military charter flight allows pets in the cabin (small) and cargo (large). Limited pet spots — book EARLY
• Commercial airlines: Each airline has different pet policies. Popular options:
  • United Airlines — PetSafe cargo program for larger pets
  • Lufthansa — allows pets in cabin (under 8 kg/17.6 lbs including carrier) and cargo
  • American Airlines — cabin only for small pets on transatlantic flights
• Pet shipping companies: PetRelocation, Air Animal, Happy Tails Travel — they handle everything for a fee ($2,000-$5,000+)

Cargo vs. Cabin

• In-cabin: Usually for pets under 8 kg (17.6 lbs) in an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat
• Cargo/checked baggage: For larger pets. Must use an IATA-compliant crate
• Temperature restrictions: Most airlines won’t fly pets in cargo if ground temps exceed 85°F or drop below 45°F — plan your travel dates accordingly
• Snub-nosed breeds (brachycephalic): Many airlines restrict or ban bulldogs, pugs, boxers, etc. from cargo due to breathing risks

Arriving in Germany with Pets

• EU Pet Passport: Once in Germany, visit a German veterinarian to get an EU Pet Passport. This replaces your US health certificate for travel within the EU
• Registration: Dogs must be registered with the local German municipality (Gemeinde) — there is an annual dog tax (Hundesteuer), typically €50-€150/year
• Veterinary care: The Ramstein Veterinary Treatment Facility provides care for military pets, or use German vets (often very good and affordable)
• Pet insurance: German Hundehaftpflichtversicherung (dog liability insurance) is mandatory in some German states and strongly recommended everywhere

Pet-Friendly Housing at Ramstein

• On-base housing: Pets allowed with restrictions (breed/size limits, registration required)
• Off-base housing: Many German landlords accept pets, but always get written permission in your lease. Landlords can restrict the number and type of pets
• TLA housing: DODSC TLA apartments are pet-friendly — your pets can stay with you from day one

Breed Restrictions in Germany

Germany has federal and state-level breed restrictions:

• Banned breeds (Kategorie 1): Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier — import is generally prohibited
• Restricted breeds (Kategorie 2): Various breeds require temperament testing and special permits depending on the German state (Rheinland-Pfalz for KMC)
• SOFA status: Military members under SOFA may have some exceptions, but this is complex — consult the Ramstein Legal Office and Veterinary Treatment Facility before PCSing with a restricted breed
• On-base restrictions: The installation commander may have additional breed restrictions

Cats Traveling to Germany

Cats follow the same basic requirements as dogs:

• ISO microchip required
• Rabies vaccination required
• Rabies titer test with 3-month wait
• USDA health certificate endorsed by APHIS
• No tapeworm treatment required for cats (only dogs)
• No dog tax for cats in Germany
• Indoor/outdoor cats are common in German villages — but be aware of hunting season regulations

Returning to the US with Pets

Coming back to the US is much simpler:

• Dogs need current rabies vaccination certificate
• No titer test required for return to US
• CDC may require additional documentation depending on current import rules
• Check the latest CDC pet import requirements before your return PCS

Emergency Checklist