New rules for entering Germany from Russia with pets

From 16 September 2024, when travelling from Russia and Belarus to the EU with cats, dogs and ferrets, the results of a rabies antibody titre test will be required, with a waiting period of 3 months from the date the blood sample is taken.

If travel from the EU to Russia and Belarus and return to the EU after 16 September is planned, the test should be carried out while in the EU, since the three-month period does not apply to the re-entry of a pet whose passport confirms that the test was performed and documented with a satisfactory result before the animal left the EU.

Dogs, cats and ferrets

When entering Germany from Russia with dogs, cats and ferrets, the following conditions must be met to prevent the introduction and spread of rabies:

1. The animal must be marked with a microchip (animals born before 3 July 2011 may be marked with a clearly legible tattoo).
2. The veterinary certificate must confirm a valid rabies vaccination. The vaccination is valid for the period specified by the manufacturer. Consult your veterinarian if necessary. The primary vaccination must be administered no earlier than 21 days before crossing the border.
3. From 16 September 2024 to enter the EU from Russia with dogs, cats and ferrets, you will need to present the result of a test determining the antibody titre to the rabies virus. This decision was adopted by the European Commission on 19 April 2024.
   
    • This test may be performed only at one of the certified laboratories: List of certified laboratories
    • The test is performed no earlier than 30 days after the vaccination date and at least 3 months before the date of travel
    • The test result must show an antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml
   
4. Puppies may be brought into Germany or transported in transit through its territory from the age of 15 weeks (rabies vaccination after 12 weeks + 21 days for immunity to develop).
5. A necessary condition for entry is that the animals travel accompanied by a responsible person. The accompanying person must provide a written declaration stating that the animal is not being moved for sale or transfer of ownership.
6. Import may be carried out only directly. If transport takes place through third countries not listed (countries not specified in Part 2 of Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013), the owner or authorised person must provide their own declaration confirming that, while passing through these countries, the animal had no contact with animals not vaccinated against rabies and did not leave the vehicle and/or airport.
7. For non-commercial purposes, up to five animals may be brought in per accompanying person. The animals must not be intended for a change of ownership. In exceptional cases, this maximum number (five animals) may be exceeded if the animals are being transported to take part in competitions, exhibitions and sporting events, or for training for such events (not for sale). These animals must be at least 6 months old, and written confirmation of their registration to participate in one of the specified events is also required.

Compliance with these requirements must be confirmed by an official Russian veterinarian in the veterinary certificate. A standard EU model applies to veterinary certificates in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 576/2013. The veterinary certificate must be drawn up in German or English. You must also carry documents such as the vaccination record and confirmation of the blood test result.

Please note that documents are checked and/or identification is carried out for any pet (dog, cat, ferret) entering or returning from a non-EU country. For this purpose, the accompanying person must declare the animal to customs.

Birds

When entering Germany with birds, the following conditions must be met to prevent the introduction and spread of avian influenza (AI):

1. Birds not vaccinated against AI must undergo quarantine in Russia, their country of origin, under the supervision of an official veterinarian for at least 14 days. On or after the seventh day, a test must be taken and examined for the H5 and H7 antigens or genome, with a negative result. However, instead of 14-day quarantine with a blood test, birds may be kept in isolation in Russia, their country of origin, for at least 30 days. Alternatively, birds from Russia, their country of origin, may be quarantined for 30 days in the destination country, an EU Member State, at an appropriately authorised establishment.
2. Birds vaccinated against H5 and H7 may avoid quarantine altogether if they have been vaccinated at least twice with an H5 and H7 vaccine and the last vaccination took place no less than 60 days and no more than 6 months before import.
3. For non-commercial purposes, up to five birds may be brought in per accompanying person.

When entering with birds, you must carry a veterinary certificate (concerning the birds' health). It must be signed by an official Russian veterinarian and is valid for 10 days after it is issued. When transported by water, its validity is extended for the duration of the sea voyage. You must also carry a declaration from the bird's owner. The model veterinary certificate and the contents of the owner's declaration are set out in Decision 2021/1938.

Please note that documents are always checked and/or identification is carried out when entering from a non-EU country. For this purpose, the accompanying person must declare the animal to customs.

Other animal species besides dogs, cats, ferrets and birds

Unlike the legal provisions concerning dogs, cats, ferrets and birds, the rules on combating animal diseases in respect of the transport of other pets within the EU have not yet been harmonised; German national legislation therefore applies in this case.

When entering Germany with rabbits, you may bring up to three animals without additional procedures. However, if you wish to enter with more than three rabbits, the provisions applicable to the commercial trade in these animals apply. Hamsters and guinea pigs may accompany their owners when entering Germany without any special requirements applying to them.

Where a sanitary and veterinary authorisation is required, it should be requested from the supreme veterinary authority of the federal state through which you plan to enter the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. In addition, legal requirements for species protection must be observed.

Other information

When leaving Russia with animals, requirements such as proof of ownership and species protection provisions, as well as customs regulations, must be observed. Proof of ownership relates to the veterinary certificate that you sign as the animal's owner. If necessary, you should consult a lawyer regarding the acquisition of ownership rights in the Russian Federation.

Information on species protection legislation and customs regulations is provided by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation or customs authorities. As a rule, you can also obtain the relevant information from the transport company.

To avoid difficulties upon entry from the outset, please clarify any outstanding questions with your veterinarian before departure.

Further information about bringing pets into Germany is available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The original article is here.

Sources:

European Commission website

European Union website