We live in The Netherlands but spend some of our summer vacation in Sweden. Last year we brought our cat for the first time, it took some preparation but all in all it went really well. We would like to bring our cat again this summer, but there's something I cannot figure out when it comes to the rules regarding rabies vaccination in Germany.

Our cat was vaccinated in May 2024, and according to his passport the vaccine is valid until May 2027. However, I'm sure that I have read that in Germany the vaccination cannot be older than a year. So that would mean that he would need to get a new shot now before we go. But when I read on this page (requirement 3) https://www.simplegermany.com/moving-to-germany-with-pets/ then I see it says that the vaccination needs to be valid, and that that depends on which type of vaccine it is.

Some extra info: we will be crossing the border between NL and Germany (potentially with border control), then we will drive to the ferry in Puttgarden with a few short stops, but we will not stay a night in Germany.

Does anyone know what the rules are exactly and possibly provide me with some links for info? I'll ask my vet, but last year I didn't get the idea that they knew a lot about the rules of travelling abroad.

Thanks in advance, please let me know if I need to clear anything up!

by Louproup

1 comment

  1. TFA/Vet Nurse:
    If you have a valid EU Pet Passport for your cat and the Rabies vaccination is correctly documented inside, you should be fine. Some vets boost rabies every year, some vets do it every 3 years. Either way, it’s valid.
    There should be, near the back of the booklet, a page that your vet can sign saying the cat is healthy. Have them check your cat over and sign this, at max, a week before leaving. Best would be 2 days or so before.

    Deworming at documenting it in the EU Passport would be good, but as far as I know not needed for cats.

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