Pets in Germany | Dog Tax, Vets, Insurance & Pet Services

Pets

Germany is one of Europe’s most pet-friendly countries, but owning a pet also comes with responsibilities. From finding a veterinarian and understanding dog tax to adopting a pet, arranging insurance and discovering pet-friendly places, this guide will help you and your furry family members feel right at home.

🐾 Finding Your New Pet

Thinking about welcoming a new pet into your family? Germany offers several options, from adopting a rescue animal from a Tierheim (animal shelter) to buying from a reputable breeder or working with a rescue organisation.

Each option comes with its own process, costs and responsibilities, so it’s important to make an informed decision. Our comprehensive guide will help you understand what to expect, how to choose a responsible seller or shelter, what questions to ask, and how to avoid common scams and illegal puppy trading.

➡️ Explore our guide to Finding Your New Pet in Germany

Finding Your New Pet in Germany

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: On this page 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

Banned and Restricted Dog Breeds in Germany 🚫🐕

Germany has strict regulations on certain dog breeds, and some are not allowed to be brought into the country at all. In addition, each Federal State may have its own list of restricted breeds and extra requirements.

Up-to-date details can be found on the Zoll (Customs) website.
Some breeds classified as “dangerous” may be permitted in certain states, but they must be registered at the Ordnungsamt and may require additional tests or licenses.

Getting Started

🐶 Register Your Dog

Unlike cats and most other pets, dogs usually need to be registered with your local municipality shortly after you move or become the owner. Registration is used to administer Hundesteuer (dog tax) and may also be linked to your local dog register, depending on your federal state.

🏥 Find a Veterinarian

Registering with a local vet is one of the first things every pet owner should do. A veterinarian can provide routine healthcare, vaccinations, emergency treatment and advice to help keep your pet healthy.

🛡️ Pet Insurance

Unexpected veterinary bills can quickly become expensive. Germany offers several types of pet insurance, including health insurance for your pet and liability insurance for dogs, which is mandatory in some federal states.

Agila and Allianz offer pet insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung).

🐾 Register Your Pet's Microchip

A microchip is one of the best ways to help reunite you with your pet if it ever goes missing. While importing pets requires a compliant microchip, it’s also worth registering your pet’s chip with a recognised German pet recovery database.

📋 Know the Rules

Germany has clear rules designed to keep pets, owners and the public safe. While some regulations vary between federal states, there are a few responsibilities that every pet owner should understand.

The official legal requirements for dog ownership in Germany can be found on the Gesetze im Internet – Dog Regulations website.
While not all Federal States have laws requiring you to pick up after your dog, it’s considered basic courtesy, especially in shared public spaces.
Carrying dog waste bags is a simple way to keep paths, parks, and pavements pleasant for everyone.
Many parks and public areas have special bins for disposing of these bags, making it quick and easy to do the right thing.

Registration, taxes and permits

In most states, dogs must be added to the dog registry (Hunderegister) in your area. Search for example “Hunderegister Hamburg”. Please note, not all States (Bundesländer) require you to regsiter your animal. In order to register the dog, the animal needs to be chipped and covered by liability insurance.
Dogs must be registered for dog tax /Hundesteuer. You can register for the taxes at the Bürgeamt. See for example the information from Stuttgart or Berlin. Depending on where you live the registration can be done online.
Dangerous breeds – If your dog falls in the dangerous breed, you must register it at the Ordnungsamt

Identification badge, chip and handler licence

As mentioned before, the rules and regulations can differ per federal state. Most states require dogs to have an identification badge and a chip. When you take your dog for a walk, the dog’s name, your address and the dog tax disc must be on the dog’s collar.
You might also be required to get a licence to prove you can handle your dog (Hundeführerschein)
Information about the Hunderegister can be found on the Hundeinfoportal

Wesenstest

A Wesenstest (literally “temperament test” or “behaviour assessment”) is an official evaluation used in Germany to determine whether a dog behaves safely around people and other animals.

It’s most commonly required for dogs that are classified as dangerous breeds (Listenhunde) or for dogs that have shown aggressive behaviour. The exact rules vary between Germany’s federal states (Bundesländer).

If a dog fails the assessment, authorities may require:

The dog to be muzzled in public.
The dog to remain on a lead.
Behavioural training.
A repeat assessment.
In serious cases, additional restrictions may be imposed by the local authority (Ordnungsamt).

Cats

Info on the web

Caring for your pet

Owning a pet in Germany is about more than food, toys and walks—it’s a long-term commitment to providing a safe, healthy and enriching life. Germany has some of the world’s strongest animal welfare laws, and pet owners are expected to meet their animals’ physical, social and behavioural needs.
Understanding these responsibilities will help your pet live a happy and healthy life while ensuring you comply with local regulations.

🐶 Walking Your Dog

Daily exercise is essential for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. While Germany is very dog-friendly, owners are expected to keep their dogs under control and follow local rules.

🦮 Keep your dog on a lead where required. Leash laws vary between federal states and may also apply in forests, nature reserves and public parks.
💩 Always pick up after your dog and dispose of waste in the appropriate bins.
🐕 Respect areas where dogs are not permitted, such as children’s playgrounds and some beaches.
😊 Ensure your dog is well socialised and under control around people and other animals.
🚫 Some municipalities require certain breeds to wear a muzzle in public.
Tip: Germany has many designated off-lead areas (Hundewiesen or dog parks) where dogs can run and play safely. Check your local municipality to find the nearest one.

🐾 Pet Etiquette Tip: Always carry dog waste bags when you’re out walking. Even if it’s not a legal requirement in your area, it’s a sign of respect for your neighbours and keeps public spaces clean and welcoming for everyone.

🏡 Living Space & Housing

our pet should have enough space to move comfortably, rest and express its natural behaviours.

For dogs:

Provide a comfortable sleeping area.
Dogs should not be permanently confined to small spaces or crates.
They need regular exercise, social interaction and opportunities to explore their surroundings.

For cats:

Indoor cats should have scratching posts, climbing opportunities and environmental enrichment.
Access to windows and elevated resting places helps satisfy natural behaviours.
Fresh water should always be available.

Germany’s Animal Welfare Act requires owners to house and care for animals in a way that meets their species-specific needs.

🐱 Can Cats Roam Freely?

Unlike dogs, cats generally do not have to be kept on a lead and many owners allow their cats to roam outdoors.

However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Some municipalities now require free-roaming cats to be microchipped, registered and neutered to help reduce stray cat populations.
Indoor cats can live happy, healthy lives if they have enough stimulation and enrichment.
If your cat roams outdoors, consider fitting a quick-release safety collar with an ID tag.

Please note: Cat regulations vary by municipality, so always check your local authority’s rules.

🐦 Birds and Noise

Birds can make wonderful companions, but owners should be mindful of their neighbours.
Excessive or persistent noise may lead to complaints, particularly in apartment buildings.

To help keep everyone happy:

Place cages away from shared walls where possible.
Provide enrichment to reduce boredom-related calling.
Cover cages at night if appropriate for the species.
Be considerate during Germany’s quiet hours (Ruhezeiten).

Remember that birds are highly social animals and many species should not be kept alone.

🥩 Feeding Your Pet

A balanced diet is one of the most important factors in keeping your pet healthy.
Many newcomers are surprised that supermarkets generally only stock small bags (1–5 kg) of pet food, while specialist stores and online retailers sell large economy packs.

🏪 Specialist Pet Stores

These stores typically carry large bags of dry food (up to 20 kg), multipacks of wet food and a wide range of specialist diets.

Fressnapf – Germany’s largest pet store chain with hundreds of branches and an extensive online shop. Stocks food, accessories, BARF products and veterinary diets.
Das Futterhaus – Another popular nationwide chain offering quality pet food, accessories and regular promotions.
Kölle Zoo – Large specialist pet stores with an excellent range of premium food, aquatics, birds, reptiles and small animals.

Online Retailers

If you have larger dogs or several pets, ordering online can be more convenient and often cheaper.

Zooplus – One of Europe’s largest online pet retailers, offering bulk discounts, subscription deliveries and an enormous selection of brands.
Bitiba – Budget-friendly sister company of Zooplus with many of the same products at competitive prices.
Medpets – Ideal for prescription diets, supplements and veterinary products.

🥩 Raw Feeding (BARF)

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) is a popular feeding method in Germany, particularly for dogs. Many specialist pet shops and online retailers sell frozen raw meat, organs and complete BARF meal plans.

While many owners report positive experiences, raw feeding requires careful planning to ensure meals are nutritionally balanced and prepared hygienically. Improperly balanced diets or poor food handling can lead to nutritional deficiencies or foodborne illness.

If you’re new to BARF, speak to your veterinarian or an animal nutrition specialist before making the switch.

🐶 Fleas and Ticks in Germany

Germany has a high tick population, especially from March to November, although mild winters mean ticks can be active all year. Fleas are also common and can affect both indoor and outdoor pets.

Tick prevention is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended by veterinarians, particularly for dogs that walk in forests, fields or long grass.
Germany allows a wide range of licensed flea and tick treatments. Some products can be purchased without a prescription from pharmacies, pet shops or online, while others require a veterinarian’s prescription depending on the active ingredient and product classification. Pet medicines must be used according to their approved instructions

⚠️ Important

Never use dog flea or tick products on cats, as some ingredients (such as permethrin) are highly toxic to cats.
Always follow the dosage instructions.
Ask your veterinarian which product is most suitable for your pet’s lifestyle and health.

Tick-Borne Diseases in Germany

Tick-Borne Diseases in Germany Ah, Germany in the warmer months — forests deep and green, meadows humming with life, and a welcome sun drawing us outdoors. But lurking in the undergrowth and grassy paths is a small but serious threat: the tick. These little bloodsuckers aren’t just an itchy nuisance. In Germany, they can carry diseases that pack a real punch. If you’re spending time in nature — hiking, gardening, picnicking, or simply enjoying

❤️ Animal Welfare

Germany has some of the strongest animal welfare laws in Europe. Pet owners have a legal responsibility to provide appropriate food, water, shelter, veterinary care and opportunities for their animals to express natural behaviours.

Animal cruelty, neglect and abandonment are criminal offences and can result in significant fines or prosecution. If you suspect an animal is being mistreated, you can report your concerns to your local veterinary authority (Veterinäramt) or an animal welfare organisation.

You can also report any issues regarding animal cruelty at the Tierschutsbund under the Tierquälerei page

Pet Sitters & Kennels

Apps and Websites

Leaving your beloved pet behind is never easy. Modern pet sitting apps make it simple to find trusted carers, compare reviews, book securely, and receive updates while you’re away.
Browse our recommended apps below and choose the one that’s right for you and your pet.

Looking for someone to care for your pet while you’re away? Besides the pet-sitting apps above, you can also find experienced pet sitters and boarding services throughout Germany.
Browse the resources below to find the option that best suits your pet, whether you need a few daily visits, overnight care, or longer holiday boarding.

Pawtel

Pawtel – Trusted pet care, wherever you and your pets are Pawtel is an app that connects pet owners with trusted, vetted pet care professionals. From pet sitting, boarding, daycare, and dog walking to grooming (including mobile and salon), training, and veterinary care, Pawtel brings a full range of services together in one place, so you can find the right person for your dog or cat with confidence. Founded and owned by South Africans living in Berlin, Pawtel grew out of a simple belief: your pets deserve genuine warmth and personal attention, whoever is caring for them. Every provider on the platform is registered and approved before they can offer their services, giving you real peace of mind whether you are booking a weekend sitter, a groomer, or a check-up. Available in English and German and serving pet owners across Germany and many other countries, Pawtel is proud to support pet lovers everywhere, including fellow South Africans building a life abroad. Find trusted pet care at pawtel.app.

South African Pet Sitters in Germany

Below are some South African pet sitters who live in Germany and would love to spend some time with your fur babies.

🌈 Saying Goodbye: When a Pet Passes Away

Losing a pet is never easy, and many owners are unsure what to do next.
In Germany, you generally have several options:

Individual or communal cremation through a licensed pet crematorium.
Burial in a pet cemetery.
Burial on your own property, provided legal conditions are met (for example, animal size, not in a water protection area and with sufficient burial depth).
Your veterinarian can usually arrange cremation or lawful disposal if preferred.

It is not permitted to bury your pet in public parks, forests or other public land.
The TierKBG (Tierkörperbeseitigungsgesetz Gesetz über die Beseitigung von Tierkörpern, Tierkörperteilen und tierischen Erzeugnissen) governs the rules and regulations for disposing of animals.
Rules can vary by Bundesland.