Getting a puppy in Germany?

[Alisa2089]

Has anyone ever tried to get a puppy in Germany? DH and I have decided that we want to add another dog to our fur and feather family. I saw a website that helps military families in Europe get puppies, but they were almost 2 grand!!! I have also heard German shelters do not allow americans to adopt their dogs because they are afraid they will abandon the animal when they PCS, which is terrible.

I am already looking in the classifieds on bookoo and stars and stripes, but I didn't see the particular breeds we are interested in.

I don't think this really matters, but we are looking for a smaller dog, particularly maybe a cavalier king charles spaniel or a maltese. Our dog Kallie has spent most of her life with another dog as a companion with DH's parents, and we can tell she is not as happy alone.

If you know of a great way to make this happen that would be great! I hope everyone is doing well.

[DakotaCowgirl]

You can get from a breeder; but, you have rules like Puppy school, Training, ect.

You're best bet is to just get from someone who is PCSing and not being a good puppy parent.

[ArmyGirlfriend-x]

DB's friend just adopted a Jack Russell I believe from Graf? Perhaps just ask around on post too, bear in mind once you return to the states though the dogs will have to be quarentiened (sp?) and need to always be up to date on shots. Be aware of breed restrictions, some posts do not allow bully breeds ( dumb) so just do your research and be mindful

Pets are a life time commitment, IMO.

[*Stephanie*]

Keep checking the classifieds, stuff pops up every day. We looked at getting a dog in Germany but it was ridiculously crazy expensive. It was cheaper to fly home and get a dog and fly it back truthfully.

[Alisa2089]

Originally Posted by ArmyGirlfriend-x DB's friend just adopted a Jack Russell I believe from Graf? Perhaps just ask around on post too, bear in mind once you return to the states though the dogs will have to be quarentiened (sp?) and need to always be up to date on shots. Be aware of breed restrictions, some posts do not allow bully breeds ( dumb) so just do your research and be mindful Pets are a life time commitment, IMO.

We have brought Kallie back to the states for a visit in the past, and to get through customs all Kallie needed was a rabies vaccination certificate. When we ETS our Sun Conure will have to be quarantined, but they are a lot more lenient with dogs.



Thanks for all the advice guys! I guess I will just keep looking at the classifieds. If we have to wait until we go back to the states that's alright.

[Nie]

It is extremely difficult to adopt from a German shelter, unfortunately a lot of PCS'ing Americans leave their animals behind which is a major issue in the eyes of Germans. Dogs are very protected under law and they actually have requirements for their well being (how long they can be crated, how long they can be left alone, how often depending on size/breed they need to be walked etc). I would suggest checking the Bookoo site and the newspapers. When I traveled with my dogs they needed to have their international health certificates/rabies vaccination forms and microchip information.

[Alisa2089]

Its so sad that people would abandon their dogs like that. My pets are a part of my family and I could never imagine just leaving them behind like that! As a PP said, pets are a lifetime commitment!

Kallie has gone too and from the states a couple times and we have had to do the USDA international health certificates twice for her, and then one for our parrot. As long as you follow the directions and do it the way they need you too you are usually good to go! I've noticed though that the paperwork isn't checked as much as they warn you, which always strikes me as odd.

I guess I will just keep checking bookoo and stars and stripes! I am actually surprised at how many dogs have come and gone on stars and stripes! All of them adult dogs so far, but I will keep looking! Thanks for the help guys!

[Jenni Penni]

DH and I have a bookoo success story! That's where we got Caesar, our 8 month old golden retriever. I had to browse the bookoo sites of almost every military base in Germany, but we finally found him in Bamberg. Stars & Stripes didn't do anything for me, there never seemed to be updated posts.

Good luck!

[Alisa2089]

Thanks Jenni! That's awesome to hear. I didn't even think of going to ALL of the bookoo sites for the nearby bases.... Congrats on your puppy!

[Jenni Penni]

Originally Posted by Alisa2089 Thanks Jenni! That's awesome to hear. I didn't even think of going to ALL of the bookoo sites for the nearby bases.... Congrats on your puppy!

Thanks!! It worked out really well. And really only ended up being an hour drive to go get him