Formalities to bring your pet in Germany

The  link that was deleted from my previous post pointed to a page that does an exceptionally good job of summarizing what needs to be done to bring pets into Germany.  I followed their guidance and transported my dog from the US to Germany with no difficulty.  So that others may benefit from what I learned, here are the main points to keep in mind:

* Pets are welcome in Germany, but there are some very specific hoops you must jump through to avoid any possibility of quarantine.
* Get a folder or binder to save all your pet's paperwork…you will need to keep these papers handy throughout your trip and your move.
* If you are transporting a dog, make sure it is not one of the breeds that cannot be brought into Germany (e.g., bull terriers, pit-bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire bull terriers).
* Be sure you understand the time window during which any treatments or paperwork must be completed based on your country of origin and travel date.
* Get your pet “chipped” or tattooed, along with a rabies booster shot.
* Depending on your country of origin, additional vaccinations or blood tests may be needed, and/or inoculations against parasites such as ticks and tapeworms.
* You may need to get an EU health certificate completed by a veterinarian, and/or an EU pet passport.
* If flying, be aware that transport rules can vary from one airline to another.  Airlines often post online checklists and guidelines to help you as you are preparing your pet to travel. Use them to avoid discovering at the last minute some issue you could have avoided easily. 
* If they will travel in a kennel or carrier, acclimate your pet to it if it is new to them, or if you use it infrequently.  Build up their confinement time to the length of the flight over a week or two. In this way your pet learns that they will not be staying in the kennel forever, and they will see you again soon every time – which will lessen their anxiety on the day of the flight.
* Look in advance at the local leash and pet registration laws for where you will be living in Germany.  You may need to get permission from a landlord or other authorities to have your pet living with you.

It sounds like a lot to process, but really it takes just a few hours.  And can you honestly imagine moving to a new country without your best friend at your side?