Pet Information > ASK Experts > Travel with Pets > traveling from the US to Germany & the Netherlands

traveling from the US to Germany & the Netherlands

25 10:04:58

Question
We are a military family frying direct from Atlanta to Frankfurt on Lufthansa in June with a Westie and Pom.  We are moving to the Netherlands.  Right now our plan is to take the train from Frankfurt to Geilenkirchen and then have a friend pick us up at the train station and take us to Brunssum, the Netherlands.  The dogs have all their vaccinations, microchips and will have a health certificate the week of our travel from a US vet.  Is it OK to take the dogs on the train?  And will we have any issues crossing into the Netherlands since the dogs will enter Europe through Germany.  We will have military orders, passports for ourselves and the dogs records with us.

Thank you,
Troi

Answer
You really should have no problems.  Most railway service in Europe take pets.  Nothing like the
USA.  They can go to most restaurants, etc as well.
Some trains may require you to muzzle the dogs, so best to be prepared.
I highly recommend you take time out in FRA to secure the EU pet passport.  Any vet can provide
this.  Might take you an extra day or so.  Certainly much you can see and do in Frankfurt!
Be sure you have the EU form 998 English-German to clear customs in FRA
Should need nothing else, but would not hurt to also have the EU English-Dutch form 998, but really should
not need it.  Be sure ALL paperwork is endorsed by usda
Chances are you could travel all over Europe without ever showing pet papers, but why take any
chances..??
The dogs should enjoy this trip very much.
A few years ago I traveled all over Europe with my mini schnauzer (not to UK, of course) and she
had a ball.  Had lunch at the Red Ox in Heidelberg.
Regards, Jerry