Flight rules for Germany - Page 1

I am planning to take a dog to the Sieger Show in Germany from the USA. I can not find what Germany requires as far as paperwork for the flight. I know what the airlines requires, just not what Germany will require once we get there. Do I just bring all of his vaccination records. The breeder is taking care of all the details with the sieger show but they do not know what the German customs will require. Also, the airlines say that if the dog and crate are over 100 lbs they will not take him! I can't imagine that there are no dogs going to the sieger show that over 100 lbs combined weight?!!! Maybe give the person weighing in a "tip"?!! Thanks for your help.

To ship a dog on a flight to Europe you need a current rabies vaccination (original rabies certificate required)and an international health certificate that has been stamped by the USDA. Also you have to make sure the airline you are flying doesn't have an embargo that time of year since August is hot. Lufthansa is your best choice and once you get your reservation on the flight, you have to make a reservation for your dog and confirm it.

Don't forget the EU form.

For flights to Germany, check out http://www.germany.info/relaunch/info/missions/consulates/newyork/faq/answers/pettravel.html As stated above, the required health certificate (EU Form 998) must be endorsed by the USDA Veterinarian Services - you can find your available offices here: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/official.html I have found that the best way to start is to contact your USDA office for instructions - for example, my local office requires that the form be completed in blue ink by my vet. Also be aware that only a one year rabies vaccine is acceptable and no sooner than 30 days from date of departure. I also travel with the USDA health certificate just in case the personnel at the airlines don't recognize the EU form. Having done this several times, we have yet to be asked for this document but its better to be safe than sorry. With the weight restriction, there are airlines that do not have such requirement. I know of many that manage to take their dogs on airlines that do have the weight restriction, but again, I'd rather err on the safe side and not be stuck paying freight charges for cargo. Last year when traveling to Europe, we had a dog/crate that may be slightly over a 100 pounds - I was quoted freight charges of $1500 each way should he be over the limit. I just crossed that airline off my list.... A week later, one of our World Competitors came over to Germany on that airline with quite a large dog - never to be weighed!

dic, Each airline has it's own set of rules regarding pet travel. The 100 pound limit sounds like an American Airline restriction. If you are flying with American, email me through this site. I take dogs back and forth, routinely with this airline and work for that company. I can talk you through the process. I am not familiar with other other airline requirements. Stephen

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/iregs/animals/ge_cat.dog.certif.pdf This link will take you to the form you need for your vet and USDA vet's signature and certification.