How to register a Dog in Germany? #

Whether you’ve just brought home a new puppy or moved to Germany with your furry friend, it’s important to understand your legal responsibilities as a dog owner. No matter the breed, all dog owners in Germany must follow some basic rules:

• Register your dog at the local Bürgeramt and pay the annual dog tax (Hundesteuer).
• Pick up after your dog and follow leash laws, which vary by city. You may get more flexibility if you earn a dog handler’s license (Hundeführerschein).
• In some states, this license is mandatory:
  • All states require it for “dangerous” breeds.
  • Lower Saxony requires it for all dogs.
  • North Rhine-Westphalia requires a test for dogs over 40 cm or 20 kg.

Also, get dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht),  it covers damage your dog may cause. Providers like Feather, Luko, and Getsafe offer affordable, fully digital policies in English.

Register your dog in your city’s Hunderegister, it’s usually online, and fees vary by location: #

• Berlin
• Munich
• Hamburg
• Düsseldorf
• Bremen
• Saarland
• Frankfurt
• Stuttgart

Also, check for “no dogs allowed” signs before entering any place. Dogs aren’t welcome in supermarkets or most public buildings, but many cafés, hotels, and restaurants allow them. Ask politely  many places even offer water bowls.

Dog registration in Germany made simple #

Registering your dog in Germany may sound complicated at first, but once you know the steps, it’s straightforward. Here’s the quick checklist every owner should remember:

• Register your dog at the Bürgeramt within the deadline.
• Pay the annual dog tax (Hundesteuer).
• Add your dog to the local Hunderegister.
• Get dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht) for peace of mind.
• Follow leash laws and clean-up rules, which vary by city.
• Check if a dog handler’s license (Hundeführerschein) is required.

By completing these steps, you’ll not only avoid fines but also ensure your furry friend is legally protected and welcome in your new community.

Thanks for reading. Hopefully this guide answered your questions and helped you feel more prepared for life with pets in Germany.

Planning to move with pets? Don’t miss our full guide on How to bring a pet to Germany?