Expating to Germany--need advice! We'd agreed to adopt a dog (after much deliberation) before we kne

[blondeatlast]

We were planning to wait to obtain one until we got to Germany, but now I'm hearing that shelters in Germany won't adopt to Americans (this from a very reliable source, a friend of the family--also I'm seeing verification of that from internet chatter). This is no snap decision, we've discussed it for a long time, even "road-tested" a friend's dog when they went on an extended vacation--and loved it.

So now I'm considering adopting over here. I'm fairly familiar with the transport requirements/considerations, and the relocation service of my husband's employer is top-notch, so I'm sure all the i's will be dotted and t's crossed. I'm also very aware of Germany's breed restrictions and won't risk adopting a dog on thae list.

But there is still the worry over health and safety and well, everything else. I'm utterly torn. I want the dog very much--and from our travels there, we know that dogs in Germany are almost de rigeur, so I'm stewing over this.

So, do you think we should adopt over here and transport or wait and take the chance we may not be able to adopt there (which, quite frankly, would break my poor heart but seems the more humane approach!)?

Any advice is hereby wildly applauded and appreciated!

[travelingtypist]

1. You get through the quarantine period and you should be okay.

When I was over there, one of the officers I knew brought over
his pet skunk, so a dog should be no problem.

Edited to add I'm completely jealous. I lived in Heidelberg for
4-1/2 years when I was a baby, 18 to 22, and I loved it.

Congratulations. If you ever want to chat about places, things,
that'd be cool, too.

[InvisibleTouch]

3. No quarantine period to Germany...

...unless the rules have changed very recently. I've taken dogs back and forth from Germany a number of times, and there's no problem, no waiting period at all. If it's a small breed, it can ride in a carrier under your seat (but check to reserve your spot early, because there may be restrictions on how many small pets can be in the cabin), and if it's larger, it'll ride in a special cargo area for pets. Check on the requirements for rabies and other shots - there's often a time limit involved, for instance, rabies shot must have been given no more recently than 30 days ago. You will need a vet's certificate of health within 10 days (double-check) of your flight also, which is easy to get for a healthy animal.

[yy4me]

2. I think large animals go overseas in the cargo bay. I would

think twice about sending my special furry friend under those circumstances. We've all heard about the animals in cargo cages that freeze to death. When we visited Germany several times we saw tons of dogs, all varieties,but especially Golden Retrievers and Yellow Labs. Both are great dogs. Can you get a friend or co-worker to look into the particulars about adoption? Maybe one can act as intermediary for you. Come along while you (they) choose the pet, give them the $$$ to buy the dog on your behalf? You could visit the breeders or shelters together but this person would take the lead.
It might get tricky when you go to get the annual license and things like Rabies shots.

Where will you be, just as a curiosity? Love Germany, the people, scenery, the wine are fantastic.

[Eurobabe]

4. There is no quarantine period in Deutschland

just have to make sure the dog is up to date on all shots, and has a rabies vaccine within 30 days of arrival. It's very simple. I've brought my kittehs back and forth 4X. Ask me anything. :hi: