I want to share a story about a journey that changed my life. It is the story of how I brought my little furry friend from the quiet streets of Minsk to the bustling heart of Europe. If you are a mature traveler who loves tours and adventure, you know that a trip is better with a companion. Transporting puppy from Belarus to Germany or Austria is not a simple walk in the park. It is a marathon of paperwork, vet visits, and patience. First of all, I had to learn that the rules changed recently. At that time, I did not realize how much the date 16 September 2024 would matter.
The Big Change: Why it Got Harder
Before you pack a single bag, you must understand the law. The European Union decided that Belarus and Russia are now high-risk countries for rabies. This happened on 16 September 2024. Therefore, you cannot simply cross the border with a standard health check anymore. Additionally, your puppy must now undergo a special blood test called a rabies antibody titer test.
I remember feeling overwhelmed. The thought of my puppy being stuck at a border was terrifying. However, I soon learned that if you follow the steps exactly, you can make it happen. You must start early. If you are wondering how long does it take to get a pet passport or the right papers, the answer is at least four to seven months. This is because of a mandatory waiting period that I will explain later.
Step 1: The Microchip and the First Shot
Your journey begins at a local vet station. First of all, your puppy needs a microchip. This chip must follow ISO standards 11784 or 11785. It is a tiny device that identifies your pet. Later, this chip will be linked to every piece of paper you carry. Plus, you must get the microchip before the rabies vaccination. If you do it the other way around, the authorities will not accept the vaccination.
Once the chip is in place, the vet can give the first rabies shot. The puppy must be at least 12 weeks old for this. I watched my puppy take the needle like a champion. At that time, I felt like the hard part was over. I was wrong. On the contrary, the real challenge was just starting.
Step 2: The Rabies Titer Test
This is the most important part of Transporting puppy from Belarus to Germany or Austria. You must wait at least 30 days after the rabies shot before the vet can take a blood sample. This sample checks if your puppy has enough antibodies to fight rabies. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Now, here is a tricky detail. Belarus does not have any laboratories approved by the European Union to do this test. Therefore, the vet must send the blood sample to a lab in a different country. I found out that many people send samples to Riga in Latvia, Vilnius in Lithuania, or Helsinki in Finland.
Gradually, the results will come back. It usually takes about two to three weeks. Finally, when you get that piece of paper, you might think you are ready to go. However, a huge rule stands in your way. You must wait exactly three months from the day the blood was drawn before you can enter the EU. This means your puppy will be around seven months old by the time you can travel.
Step 3: Getting the Right Papers
You do not just need a local book from the vet. You need a specific animal health certificate pdf style document. This is often called the “EU Health Certificate” for pets from non-EU countries. You must get this from a state veterinary station. It is only valid for ten days until you reach the border.
If you are a resident of Germany, you might ask about a germany pet passport. These blue books are only for pets that already live in the EU. When you arrive, a vet in Germany or Austria can issue one for you. People often ask, how long does a dog passport last? It lasts as long as your pet is alive and the rabies shots are kept up to date. Similarly, you might wonder when are pet passports coming back for third countries like Belarus. The truth is, they were never for us. We use the health certificate to enter, and then we get the passport once we are inside.
The Cost of the Move
Moving a pet is not cheap. I had to look closely at my budget. If you are curious about the pet passport germany cost, it involves many small fees. The titer test can cost hundreds of dollars because the blood goes to an international lab. Additionally, you have to pay for the microchip, vaccinations, and the official health certificate.
When you reach the border, you might also have to pay a VAT tax. This is often 19% of the value of the puppy plus the transport cost. Once you live in Germany, you must pay a dog tax called Hundesteuer. In a city like Berlin, this is about €120 per year for one dog. In other places, it can be higher. My friend Unhappy_Researcher68 on a forum said that their first dog cost €78, but the second dog cost even more.
Choosing Your Route: Air or Ground
Now you must decide how to travel. I looked into flying dog to europe in cabin. This is only an option if your puppy is very small. For example, Lufthansa allows dogs in the cabin if the dog and the carrier together weigh less than 8 kg. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. I saw a woman once with a tiny pug in a soft bag, and it looked quite cozy.
However, if your puppy is a larger breed, it must go in the cargo hold. This sounds scary, but airlines like Lufthansa have climate-controlled areas. They even have a special “Animal Lounge” in Frankfurt for layovers. A traveler named bjhsub shared that the crew updated them during the flight, which helped with the anxiety.
On top of that, you can look at how to get a dog to europe without flying. Some people prefer to drive. This allows you to stay with your puppy the whole time. You must still go through a Border Control Post (BCP) that has a vet on duty. Not every border crossing has one, so you must plan your route carefully.
Banned Breeds and Local Rules
Before you fall in love with a puppy in Belarus, check if it is allowed in Germany. Some breeds are banned from being imported at all. These include:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- American Staffordshire Terriers
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers
- Bull Terriers
Additionally, different states in Germany have their own lists of “dangerous” dogs. For example, in Bavaria, breeds like the Alano or American Bulldog are restricted. ErnaPiepenPott warned that finding a place to rent with a dog is already hard, and it is even harder if you have a breed on a “dangerous” list.
Entering Austria
If your destination is Austria, the rules are very similar to Germany. You must still provide a valid rabies vaccination and a titer test. You also need to announce your arrival at least one working day in advance using a document called a Common Health Entry Document or GGED-A.
When I arrived in Austria, I had to use the “Red Channel” at the customs office. You must declare your pet even if you think you have everything ready. If you do not declare the animal, you could face big fines.
Settling into Your New Home
The first few days in Germany or Austria will be a whirlwind. You must register your dog at the local city hall or Rathaus. This is for the dog tax. You should also register the microchip in a database like TASSO or safe-animal.eu. This ensures that if your puppy gets lost, someone can find you.
Gradually, your puppy will adjust to the new sounds and smells. I noticed my puppy was a bit tired after the long trip. A user named Grizzly-Redneck said their pet acted a bit “whiney” for a few days, but then it was fine. I spent a lot of time walking in the local parks. Germany is very dog-friendly. You can take your well-behaved dog into many cafes and shops.
My Advice for You
If you are planning on Transporting puppy from Belarus to Germany or Austria, please listen to my advice. First of all, do not try to skip any steps. The border vets are very strict. If your paperwork is wrong, they can send the puppy back or put it in quarantine at your expense. In the worst cases, they might even euthanize the animal.
Also, keep all your documents in a folder. I made three copies of everything. This included the rabies titer results, the vaccination records, and the health certificate. It made me feel much more secure at the airport.
FAQ
Can I bring my puppy to Germany?
Yes. You can certainly bring a puppy. However, the age of the puppy matters. For a pet from Belarus, the puppy must be around seven months old. This is because the puppy needs a rabies shot at twelve weeks. Then, you must wait 30 days for a blood test. Finally, a three-month waiting period follows the test.
How do I import a pet to Austria?
First of all, you must get a microchip. Later, the vet gives a rabies vaccine. If you come from Belarus, a rabies antibody titer test is mandatory. Additionally, you must notify the border vet at least one working day before you arrive. You must use a specific document called a animal health certificate pdf or a GGED-A form.
How much does it cost to fly a dog to Austria?
The price depends on the size of the animal and the breed. A professional relocation service might estimate the cost between $2,000 and $6,000 for a full trip. Additionally, you may pay extra fees for vet checks and airline-approved crates.
How to ship a dog to Germany?
You can use a plane or drive a car. If you use a plane, you can choose to have the pet in the cabin or the cargo hold. On top of that, you must enter through a specific airport like Frankfurt or Munich. You must register the pet with the airline at least 72 hours before the flight.
How to avoid dog tax in Germany?
The dog tax is usually mandatory for everyone. Some cities give a discount for the first dog. However, the price often goes up for every extra pet you own. A few groups, like seniors or owners of guide dogs, might get an exemption in certain places.
Does Lufthansa allow dogs in cabin?
Yes. Lufthansa allows small dogs and cats to fly as flying dog to europe in cabin baggage. The pet and the carrier together must weigh 8 kg or less. The bag must fit under the seat in front of you.
What European country is easiest to move to with dogs?
Germany is known for being very dog-friendly. You can take a well-behaved dog into many shops and cafes. Similarly, Austria has clear rules that make the process smooth if you have the right papers. Some people find the germany pet passport system very helpful once they reside there.
Does Austrian Airlines allow dogs?
Most major airlines in Europe follow the same safety standards. You must check with the airline to see if they have space. Always register your pet early to be safe.
Which airline is the most pet friendly?
Many travelers share positive stories about Lufthansa. A user named bjhsub said the crew was very helpful during a long flight. Another traveler, meowiyerd, claimed they would never trust another airline because Lufthansa handled their cats so well.
Is it better to ship or fly a dog?
It depends on your travel style. Flying is much faster for the animal. However, some owners choose how to get a dog to europe without flying by driving. This way, you can stay with your puppy during the whole trip.
Is it stressful for dogs to fly?
The flight can be a bit scary for some pets. A traveler named Grizzly-Redneck said their cat was “whiney” for a couple of days after landing. Another owner noticed their dog had a minor stomach issue for a few days due to the stress.
Is it safe for dogs to fly in cargo?
Yes. Modern planes use cargo holds that are climate-controlled and pressurized. Lufthansa even has a special “Animal Lounge” in Frankfurt to care for pets during a layover.
Can I move to Germany with a dog?
Yes. You can move with your pet as long as you follow the vet protocols. First of all, you must check if your dog is a banned breed. Breeds like Pit Bull Terriers are generally not allowed to enter the country.
How to ship a puppy by air?
First, you need a crate that follows IATA rules. You should put a blanket and a water bottle inside. Finally, you must ensure the puppy has all its shots and the correct animal health certificate pdf.
What is the cheapest way to ship to Germany?
It is usually cheaper to travel on the same flight as your pet. This is called “excess baggage”. If the pet travels alone as “manifest cargo,” the price is often much higher.
Concluding words
Transporting puppy from Belarus to Germany or Austria requires careful planning because of new rabies rules. You must ensure your puppy has a microchip, a rabies vaccine, and a titer test from an approved lab. The entire process takes at least four months, and your pet must be seven months old to enter. Follow every step to ensure your furry friend arrives safely at your new home in Europe.
