Adopting pets requires careful consideration to ensure a happy and harmonious home environment.
Take Heed: Cats and Dogs from Vacation Spots Could Carry Dangerous Diseases, Warns Institute
Germany's Institute for Consumer Protection and Veterinary Affairs issues a stern warning – pets from vacation countries might be harbingers of dangerous diseases. Don't forget, an EU pet passport is essential for all animals entering the country. A passport should include the owner's information, pet's unique chip number, and verified rabies vaccination records. Strict conditions apply if pets are meant to be given to others.
"Those who still wish to import a pet from abroad despite the inherent risks should thoroughly research whether all entry conditions are undoubtedly met," says Klaus Meyer, head of the Institute for Consumer Protection and Veterinary Affairs.
Keep this advice in mind, even when you're acting as a flight benefactor for a furry friend overseas. Such animals often lack essential vaccinations or the necessary papers. As a transporter, you bear responsibility for abiding by all entry regulations. At Düsseldorf Airport, seizing and quarantining pets for disregarding import regulations is not uncommon. The consequences are more than just a time of distress for the animals; the "saviors" may also face substantial costs for housing and fines. In such cases, it’s advisable to think twice before transferring a pet.
Vacationers should also check with German veterinary offices regarding regulations and procedures for pet entry and, if necessary, for souvenirs like reptiles, amphibians, insects, and ornamental fish bought during their travels. Moreover, specific veterinary and entry regulations apply for the acquisition and transport of poultry, birds, and bees.
Crucial Points to Remember:
- Mandatory Documents: Pets need a microchip, pet passport, and rabies vaccination. If transferring to others or from non-EU countries, additional requirements apply.
- Rabies Vaccination: All dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12-weeks-old must be rabies-vaccinated. The vaccination must be performed after microchipping. For pets entering from EU countries or specific unlisted countries, a hiatus of 21 days after vaccination is required before travel. For pets from unlisted countries, a 30-day wait and a successful rabies titer test are mandatory.
- Rabies Titer Test: High-risk or unlisted countries necessitate a rabies titer test by approved labs, with the results allowing up to three months of entry. The test's validity gets prolonged for life if timely booster vaccinations are administered.
In the end, ensure that your pet from a vacation country has a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination obtained after microchipping, a pet passport registering vaccination details, and a successful rabies titer test (if applicable) done in approved labs. Adhering to these guidelines helps in controlling the introduction and spread of dangerous diseases like rabies.[1][2]
- The Institute for Consumer Protection and Veterinary Affairs advises that while traveling, individuals should carefully investigate entry requirements for pets from foreign countries to avoid the transmission of dangerous diseases.
- If you're opting to bring a pet acquired from a travel destination, it is paramount that the pet has a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a pet passport which includes necessary information such as the owner's details and unique chip number.
- Additionally, anyone planning to bring exotic pets like reptiles, amphibians, insects, or ornamental fish from their travels should consult German veterinary offices for specific regulations and procedures. Similarly, the acquisition and transport of poultry, birds, and bees are subject to unique veterinary and entry regulations.
