Gardening Rules
Did you know your garden and the local green spaces are living habitats for wildlife and insects?If you cut back or trim your plants too
Pets bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. They teach us patience, loyalty, and the simple happiness of living in the moment.
Adopting a dog in Germany involves several steps, legal considerations, and responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know:
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In Germany, you can adopt a pet from animal shelters (Tierheime), rescue organizations, and foster networks. Local Tierheime, run by organizations like the Deutscher Tierschutzbund, houses a variety of pets looking for new homes.
Online platforms like Tierheim Verzeichnis help locate shelters near you.
Adopting a pet in Germany involves a thorough process to ensure a good match between you and your new companion. Expect to fill out an application, go through a screening interview, and possibly have a home visit to ensure a safe environment.
Some shelters and rescues may also require proof of pet-friendly housing, liability insurance for dogs, and payment of the adoption fee. Once approved, you’ll sign an adoption contract and may have a trial period before the adoption is final.
The process is designed to prioritize the well-being of the animal and ensure responsible pet ownership.
Adopting a pet at a "Tierheim"
In Germany, pet ownership is a serious commitment, and animal shelters (Tierheime) carefully assess potential adopters to ensure a suitable match. Before adopting, you’ll go through a screening process to determine whether your home environment meets the needs of the pet you wish to adopt.
Dog adoptions typically involve a more thorough evaluation than cat adoptions, but in both cases, you should be prepared to answer questions such as:
- Does your landlord allow pets?
- Do you have access to a garden?
- Do you have other animals at home?
- Are there children in the household? If so, how old are they?
- Does anyone in your home have allergies?
- Will someone be home for most of the day?
- How much time can you dedicate to exercising a dog?
- What arrangements would you make if you needed to relocate?
- Adoption Fee – Ranges from €150–€500, covering vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering.
- The shelter will likely require proof that you have obtained dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) and that your dog is registered, with the necessary Hundesteuer (dog ownership tax) paid.
- It is quite common for dog adoption organizations to conduct an in-person home inspection. This ensures there are no hazardous objects or plants that could pose a risk to the dog. The visit is simply a precautionary measure to confirm that your home is safe and suitable for a new pet.
Adopting from Breeders
If adopting from a breeder, ensure they are registered with the VDH (Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen) VDH.de.
Adopting from Rescue Organisations
When adopting from a rescue organization in Germany, it’s important to ensure they operate legally and ethically. Here’s what to look out for:
Registration & Transparency
✅ Registered as a Non-Profit – Reputable rescues are often registered as eingetragener Verein (e.V.) or as a foundation (Stiftung).
✅ Legal Importation – If the organization rescues dogs from abroad, they must comply with EU animal transport regulations and provide proper documentation (passport, vaccinations, and microchip).
✅ Clear Contact Information – Legitimate rescues have a physical address, phone number, and a website with clear adoption policies.
Ethical Treatment of Animals
Health Records & Vaccinations – The organization should provide vaccination records, microchip details, and proof of deworming.
✅ Neutering Policy – Responsible rescues usually neuter/spay dogs before adoption or have a contract requiring it.
✅ No Unusual Fees – Adoption fees should be reasonable (€150–€500) and cover vet care, vaccinations, and administration.
Adoption Process
✅ Screening Process – A proper rescue will ask questions, conduct home checks, and ensure the dog is a good fit for you.
❌ No ‘Instant’ Adoptions – Be wary of organizations that allow adoptions without checks or pressure you to decide quickly.
Compliance with German Animal Welfare Laws
✅ Tierschutzgesetz (Animal Welfare Act) – The rescue should follow Germany’s strict animal welfare laws.
✅ TRACES Certification – If the dog is from another EU country, it should be registered in the EU’s TRACES system (Trade Control and Expert System) to prevent illegal puppy trafficking.
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