Pet travel regulations for cars and trains in Germany

Pet owners in Germany must adhere to specific safety and ticketing regulations when traveling with animals by car or train.

When traveling by car, pets are legally classified as cargo and must be properly secured to prevent distraction to the driver and injury during sudden braking. The ACV Automobil-Club Verkehr recommends using stable transport boxes for cats, ideally secured on the rear seat or in the footwell. For dogs, larger animals are best suited for stable boxes in the trunk, while smaller dogs can use safety harnesses connected to seatbelts or Isofix points. Using the front passenger seat is generally discouraged, and airbags must be deactivated if a small box is placed there.

When using Deutsche Bahn, rules depend on the size of the animal. Small pets, comparable to the size of a house cat, may travel for free if they are kept in a secure, lockable transport box that fits as hand luggage under a seat or on a luggage rack. Larger dogs require a ticket, which costs half the regular fare. Large dogs must be kept on a leash and are required to lie or sit in front of, under, or next to their owner's seat. Service animals and guide dogs are permitted to travel free of charge without a ticket.