Supporting international employees moving with their animals
For many international employees, relocating to Germany is not just a professional move — it’s a family move. And for a growing number of assignees, that family includes pets.
From a mobility perspective, pets are often underestimated in relocation planning, yet they can become a major source of stress, delays, and unexpected costs if not anticipated correctly.
For HR and Global Mobility teams, understanding Germany’s pet import rules is key to ensuring a smooth relocation experience and avoiding last-minute complications that could impact an employee’s start date or well-being.
Why Pets Matter in International Relocations
Employees relocating without nearby family or support networks often rely heavily on their pets for emotional stability. When pet relocation is poorly planned, it can lead to:
Delayed arrivals or postponed assignments
Emergency boarding costs or last-minute flights
Longer lead times and increased costs to secure pet friendly housing for housing and settling-in
Proactively addressing pet relocation is therefore not a “nice to have”, but part of a well-managed mobility policy.
Germany’s Pet Import Rules: The Big Picture
Germany follows strict EU regulations regarding the entry of pets, particularly cats and dogs. While the process is manageable, it requires careful preparation and precise documentation.
In most cases, pets entering Germany must meet the following conditions:
Microchipping compliant with EU standards
Valid rabies vaccination administered after microchipping
An EU-compliant veterinary health certificate
Entry through an authorized point of entry
Failure to comply can result in quarantine measures, refusal of entry, or the pet being returned to the country of origin — all scenarios that HR teams aim to avoid.
Country of Origin Makes a Difference
From a compliance standpoint, Germany distinguishes between:
EU countries
Listed Non-EU countries
Unlisted Non-EU countries
Employees relocating from unlisted countries may face additional requirements, such as rabies antibody titration tests, which must be completed months in advance. This is where timelines become critical: missing one step can delay relocation by several weeks or even months.
For HR teams, early identification of the employee’s country of departure is essential to assess feasibility and timing.
Practical Considerations HR Should Anticipate
Beyond legal compliance, several operational aspects should be factored into relocation planning:
Airline restrictions and seasonal pet travel bans
Housing limitations, as not all German landlords accept pets
Local pet registration and mandatory dog tax (Hundesteuer) after arrival
Pet insurance and veterinary registration in Germany
These elements can influence housing searches, relocation budgets, and even assignment acceptance.
How HR & Mobility Teams Can Reduce Risk
The most common issues arise when pet relocation is treated as an afterthought. Best practices include:
Raising the topic early during pre-assignment discussions
Building realistic timelines into the relocation schedule
Working with relocation specialists familiar with German regulations
Aligning housing support with pet ownership constraints
Clear guidance reassures employees and prevents avoidable escalation later in the process.
How Eres Relocation Germany Supports Pet Relocations
At Eres Relocation Germany, we support HR and Global Mobility teams by integrating pet relocation into the broader relocation strategy. Our services include:
Assessment of pet eligibility and timelines based on country of origin
Guidance on veterinary and documentation requirements
Coordination with trusted pet relocation partners
Alignment of housing searches with pet-friendly criteria
Ongoing support before and after arrival in Germany
Our goal is simple: ensure that employees — and their pets — arrive safely, compliantly, and without unnecessary stress.
A Final Note for Global Mobility Teams
Pet relocation rules vary significantly across Europe.
If you would like to understand how pet import procedures differ in other European countries, or need guidance for multi-country mobility programs, our teams are happy to support you — just get in touch.
📩 Planning a relocation to Germany involving pets?
Contact our experts to secure a smooth, compliant move for your employees and their furry companions.
