Planning a move to Germany with a pet? Here is what your dog or cat needs, plus a free removals quote from one vetted partner mover.
In short: Pets do not travel in the removal vehicle with your furniture. They move separately, by air or by an approved pet-transport route, with their own paperwork. For a move from the UK to Germany, your dog, cat or ferret needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination and an Animal Health Certificate from an approved vet, dated no more than 10 days before travel.
We connect your household move with one vetted partner mover, who can point you to a trusted pet-transport specialist for the animal itself. Pet rules change, so always confirm current requirements before you travel.
For a move from the UK to Germany, the basics for dogs, cats and ferrets are: These are sometimes called overseas removals or house removals to Germany, and the removal services described here cover all of them.
Moving from another EU country is simpler: an EU Pet Passport is the standard document. Rules can change and some breeds or species have extra conditions, so check the current requirements well before your move date.
This is the part people often miss. A removals company moves your household goods, not live animals. Your pet travels by a different route, usually by air with a specialist, or by an approved road service for shorter trips. That keeps your pet safe, comfortable and legal at the border.
When you enquire about your move, mention that you have a pet. Your partner mover cannot carry the animal, but can help you plan the timing and point you to a trusted pet-transport specialist who handles the crate, the route and the paperwork.
If you are moving the other way, UK entry rules apply. Pets need to be microchipped, have a valid rabies vaccination and travel with the right documentation, entering through a designated point. Timing matters, because some steps have minimum waiting periods. Plan the pet side early, alongside your removal, so the dates line up.
This guide is written and maintained by Darren Benjamin, founder of International Removals Companies (DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company number 07425576). Darren has worked in international removals and logistics for over 20 years and has been a director of a UK removals company since 2013.
The international movers and international moving companies we work with hold FIDI FAIM Certified, BAR Overseas, IAM, EUROMOVERS and FEDEMAC accreditations where confirmed. Only FIDI FAIM is an audited certification, checked by Ernst and Young. To hold it, a moving company must pass more than 200 independent quality checks and be re-audited every three years.
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Moving between the UK and Germany means switching between pounds and euros. German landlords normally ask for a deposit of two to three months' cold rent (Kaltmiete) in euros before they hand over the keys, and that is usually the first large euro payment you will make. International Removals Companies can connect you with a trusted currency exchange partner at no charge. Ask about this when you request your Germany removals quote.
Registration and customs are handled locally. The local Bürgeramt handles Anmeldung and the local Zollamt processes customs clearance.
This is a customer convenience only. International Removals Companies does not give exchange rate advice, forecasts, savings claims, urgency claims or instructions to transfer money.
See our verified Germany partner movers for more on the partner network and accreditation details.
Almost all UK to Germany road freight crosses at the Channel Tunnel from Folkestone or by ferry from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk. From there the standard corridor runs east through Belgium on the E40, crossing into Germany near Aachen and joining the A4 and A3.
The A3 runs from the Dutch border south-east through Cologne, Frankfurt and Nuremberg to Austria. The A2 runs east from the Ruhr through Hannover to Berlin. The A7 runs the full length of the country from Flensburg on the Danish border south to Bavaria. Most German deliveries use one of these three.
Intercontinental sea freight enters at Hamburg or Bremerhaven on the North Sea. Baltic ferries from Sweden and Finland arrive at Lübeck-Travemünde, Kiel and Rostock. Air freight goes through Frankfurt Airport, which handles more cargo than any other airport in Europe.
The connected partner moving company confirms which corridor and entry point suits your specific route, volume and destination Bundesland.