How many pets (companion animals) can I bring into Germany?

Germany allows 5 pets (companion animals) per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare pets (companion animals) at Germany customs?

Only above the allowance. Up to 5 pets (companion animals) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.

What happens if I do not declare pets (companion animals) in Germany?

If you declare the excess yourself, a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Abgabenordnung, § 375 Absatz 2 Satz 1, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship pets (companion animals) to Germany instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.

Can I take pets (companion animals) out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking pets (companion animals) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for pets (companion animals) apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Reisen mit Heimtieren: Hunde, Katzen und Frettchen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Es dürfen nicht mehr als fünf Tiere in einem Fahrzeug mitgeführt werden.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on pets (companion animals)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit pets (companion animals), 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Pets (companion animals) can I bring into Germany?

Restricted

You can bring Pets (companion animals) into Germany only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 5 piece

What you need to know

5 piece
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Reisen mit Heimtieren: Hunde, Katzen und Frettchen Bundesministerium für Landwirtschaft, Ernährung und Heimat (BMLEH)
Eingang, Durch-, Ausfuhren und innergemeinschaftliche Verbringungen nach tierseuchen- und lebensmittelrechtlichen Vorschriften; Beantragung einer Genehmigung Bundesportal (Bayern)

Questions about Pets (companion animals) in Germany

How many pets (companion animals) can I bring into Germany?: Germany allows 5 pets (companion animals) per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare pets (companion animals) at Germany customs?: Only above the allowance. Up to 5 pets (companion animals) there is nothing to declare; beyond it you take the goods through the red channel and pay the duty.
What happens if I do not declare pets (companion animals) in Germany?: If you declare the excess yourself, a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Abgabenordnung, § 375 Absatz 2 Satz 1, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship pets (companion animals) to Germany instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.
Can I take pets (companion animals) out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking pets (companion animals) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for pets (companion animals) apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Reisen mit Heimtieren: Hunde, Katzen und Frettchen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Es dürfen nicht mehr als fünf Tiere in einem Fahrzeug mitgeführt werden.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on pets (companion animals)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit pets (companion animals), 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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