Gesundheitszeugnis Ausstellung für Tiere

Animal diseases pose a constant threat to livestock farming, the meat processing industry, hobby farmers and, last but not least, the consumer. Depending on the type of disease, an outbreak can result in different measures for the affected herd and possibly for the region. The measures can range from herd closures, bans on the sale of animals and area closures to the culling of individual animals or entire herds. For this reason, anyone who handles animals commercially, but also hobby farmers of susceptible animal species, must observe the rules of preventive disease protection.

Some animal diseases can also be transmitted to humans. The animal disease regulations then also serve to protect humans.

Official veterinary health certificates are issued by the Veterinary and Food Inspection Department for trips abroad, exports of animals or, if required, for visits to animal shows.

Import of animals

Animals may only be brought in from abroad (EU and third countries) with an appropriate health certificate from the official veterinarian or the competent veterinary authority;

Exception: pets from EU countries and certain third countries in tourist traffic). Animals imported into Germany from third countries or EU countries are under special observation. Animals imported from third countries must be reported to the Veterinary and Food Inspection Department.

Export of animals

The trade and export of live animals (with the exception of pets in tourist traffic) and products are subject to certain veterinary regulations.

Before animals are exported to another EU member state or a third country, they must be presented to an official veterinarian. The veterinarian checks the animals' state of health and fitness for transportation and then issues the required health certificate.

For dogs / cats

1. EU or pet passport, depending on the country of destination
2. Additional documents may be required

For horses

1. Equine passport, depending on country of destination
2. Additional blood test results may be required for certain equine diseases

The veterinary and food inspection office (specialist service) responsible for the place of residence specifies the documents that must accompany the animal(s) to be shipped and the products thereof.

Intra-Community movement, import, export and transit are subject to a declaration, an authorization, presentation to the competent authority or an inspection, as well as requirements under which live animals are kept, handled or moved, dead animals or parts of animals are handled or moved, or products are obtained, handled or moved, compliance with requirements for means of transport by which the animals, their parts or the products are transported, the presentation or accompaniment of certain certificates, certain marking, approval or registration of the establishments from which live or dead animals, parts of dead animals or the products originate or to which they are moved.

When transporting animals, for example horses, abroad, a health certificate is required for each animal.

This serves to protect against the spread of animal diseases in animal transport across national borders.