Pets, it would seem, have a good life in Germany. They regularly turn up (with their owners) for business meetings, dishes of water often appear when they are taken to even the most expensive restaurants and small areas are sometimes set aside for them in exclusive shops or hair dressing saloons when they visit with their owners.

You can buy a train ticket so they can travel with you on the German rail system. The tickets are about half the normal fare. These days they also seem to have little trouble flying with you on planes. But it is advisable to notify the airline that you would like to be accompanied by your pet when you book the flight.

The airline will normally insist that you acquire a special travelling container for the animal that is ventilated and allows the animal room to move and lie down.  If the pet carrier is the right size, it can be stored under the seat and your best friend can travel with you in the passenger cabin.

Otherwise, your little travelling companion will be dispatched to the dark reaches of the cargo section.

Vaccinations

If you want to bring a cat or a dog into Germany you should start organising it early as there is quite a lot of paperwork required. If all the documents are not fully completed the animal could be quarantined.

Animals will need a check-up and vaccinations for rabies with the documentation approved by the German consulate at your home base. The consulate will provide you with a bilingual veterinary certificate.

They must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days to one year before entering Germany. Proof is required at the border.

Not more than three animals can be imported into Germany without a special import license.  Once you arrive in Germany you will find that you will have to obtain the landlord’s permission before keeping a pet in rented premises.

If you and your animal friend travel to another European Union state, you will probably need a valid certificate of vaccination against rabies.

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