Apply for a license as a transportation company

Once you have submitted the required paperwork and documents, they will be reviewed by the Veterinary Office and your information will be recorded. If you meet the requirements, you will then receive your license.

• Requirements you must meet to obtain a Type 1 permit (transport duration up to 8 hours):
  • You are based in Germany or have a representative in Germany.
  • You have demonstrated that you have sufficient and qualified personnel, as well as sufficient and appropriate equipment and procedures.
  • There is no record of you or your representatives having committed any serious violations of EU and/or national animal welfare laws in the past three years. If your veterinary authority determines that you have sufficiently demonstrated that you have taken all necessary measures to prevent further violations, a license may still be granted, if appropriate.

• Requirements you must meet to obtain a Type 2 permit (transport duration longer than 8 hours):
  • They meet all the requirements for Type 1 certification.
  • You have submitted valid certificates of qualification for all drivers and supervisors assigned to long-distance trips.
  • You have submitted valid registration documents for all road vehicles intended for use in long-distance transport.
  • You have submitted details regarding your procedures for recording and tracking your road vehicles.
  • You have submitted details about your procedures for maintaining constant contact with your drivers.
  • They have submitted emergency plans to be implemented in urgent situations

• Application for Licensing as a Transportation Company
• The following documentation and statements are required for Type 1 certification:
  • Proof of sufficient and qualified staff
  • Proof of sufficient and appropriate equipment
  • A statement that you or your representatives have not committed any serious violations of Community and/or national animal welfare laws in the past three years
  • A statement that you or your representatives have not applied for authorization from any other competent authority in Germany or a Member State

• The following supporting documents are also required for Type 2 certification:
  • Certificates of qualification for all drivers and attendants assigned to long-distance transport
  • Valid registration documents for all road transport vehicles used for long-distance transport
  • Proof that you can track and record the movements of your road vehicles and maintain constant contact with the drivers
  • Emergency plans that come into effect in urgent situations

Please check with your local veterinary office to see if you need to submit any additional documents.

Regulations on Fees for Official Acts of the Veterinary Administration

• Animal Welfare Transport Regulation (TierSchTrV)
• Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG)
• Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 of December 22, 2004, on the protection of animals during transport and related, and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No. 1255/97

• Objection
• Lawsuit in Administrative Court

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal applications accepted: No

• Licensing as a Transportation Company Under the Animal Welfare Regulation

• The transport of animals is subject to requirements designed to ensure animal welfare during transport. Pursuant to Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005, no one may transport animals or arrange for their transport if such transport could cause injury or unnecessary suffering to the animals.
• In addition, the following conditions must be met:
• Prior to transport, all necessary precautions were taken to keep the duration of transport as short as possible and to meet the animals’ needs during transport.
• The animals are ready for transport.
• Means of transport shall be designed, constructed, and maintained, and shall be used, in such a way as to prevent injury and suffering to the animals and to ensure their safety.
• Loading and unloading equipment shall be designed, constructed, and maintained, and shall be used, in such a way as to prevent injury and suffering to the animals and to ensure their safety.
• Persons handling the animals are appropriately trained or qualified to do so and, in the course of their work, do not use force or any other methods that could unnecessarily frighten the animals or cause them unnecessary injury or suffering.
• Transport to the destination takes place without delay, and the animals' well-being is regularly monitored and appropriately maintained.
• The animals have sufficient floor space and headroom, commensurate with their size and the planned mode of transport.
• The animals are provided with water and food—in quantities and of a quality appropriate to their species and size—at appropriate intervals, and are allowed to rest.

Hesse Ministry of Economic Affairs, Energy, Transportation, and Housing