Plan animal movements, cross-border sales and rescue transfers around the applicable welfare, health, documentation and customs requirements.
Identify the movement before choosing the rules
Commercial transport, non-commercial pet travel and a transfer of ownership do not necessarily follow the same route. A rescue label does not establish an exemption. We assess origin, destination, species, purpose, ownership change and the role of each operator.
Permissions and documentation
Requirements may include transporter authorisation, competence evidence, vehicle approval, journey documentation, health certification and TRACES procedures. Imports from third countries need a separate check of entry conditions and controls. Wildlife trade can require additional species-protection documents.
Border problems and interrupted journeys
If an animal is detained, a certificate is rejected or transport is stopped, preserve the decision, transport records and communications. We examine the legal basis, possible corrective action and routes to urgent relief while animal care and welfare arrangements continue.
Example: an overseas horse purchase
The purchase contract should allocate responsibility for export documents, veterinary examinations, transport, insurance and the point at which risk passes. A favourable purchase price is of limited value if the horse cannot lawfully enter the destination country.
Preparing for advice
Please provide the relevant contracts or official correspondence, a dated account of events and any technical or veterinary reports. Identify the parties, the country or German state involved, and every known deadline. We will agree the appropriate next step after reviewing the documents.
Related services
Legal framework & further reading
Reviewed 8 November 2026. Examples are illustrative and do not describe reported client matters.
Discuss your matter
Send a short description, the parties involved and any deadline. We check conflicts and agree the scope and fees before starting work. For urgent matters, telephone our office as well.