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Below is valuable information for pet owners in Germany on the required and recommended animal vaccinations and the owners' obligations concerning tattooing or microchip identification of pet dogs and cats. Find out about the laws concerning restricted breeds - other pet animals, and guard and attack dogs - in Germany; and the laws concerning taking pets into public places and on trains and busses in Berlin. There is information on how to buy or sell a pet and what to do if an animal is lost or found. Finally, there is information on the German national animal organisations, on finding a veterinarian and further general information. Domestic pets are very popular in Germany. Dogs in particular are often seen out and about in restaurants and shops and travelling on public transport. However recent laws, particularly in Berlin, are tightening up on hygiene issues and other risks to the public from animals, such as attacks by dangerous dog breeds. This page aims to give an overview of the current situation.
Pets in GermanyThe regulations in force about what pets may be brought into Germany exist mainly to control the movement of cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, ornamental fish, parrots and parakeets, carrier pigeons, some other bird species, and horses. Anyone with rare or unusual pets should seek advice from the German Embassy in their country of origin. Some species will be subject to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Owners should consult the CITES website in their home country or the German Embassy in their home country for their specific breed. Those renting accommodation should check that the landlord will allow animals before moving in. Owning a PetAll pet owners have various statutory obligations. The main piece of legislation in Germany is the German Animal Welfare Act.
Basic common sense rules apply regarding providing adequate food and water, suitable housing and avoiding anything which could be interpreted as ill-treatment. Rules also govern the professional care and medical treatment of animals. Kennel owners and breeders have to demonstrate that they too have suitable premises and measures in place to care for animals. All pet owners are required to make sure that their animal does not cause harm to others or damage property. Some pet owners choose to arrange liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) specifically for this purpose. IdentificationAll dogs in Germany must be microchipped for identification. The microchip allows them to be identified and reunited with their owners if they get lost. Tattoos are no a longer valid pet identification in Germany. Cats do not need to be microchipped. Dog Tax (Hundesteuer)Dogs in Germany must be registered at the local town hall and dog tax (Hundesteuer) must be paid. This is the equivalent of a dog licence and the cost varies between local councils and different breeds of dog are taxed at different rates (for example a Chihuahua costs less than a Doberman), and in some places owners must pay per dog. In Berlin, for example, second and subsequent dogs are charged at a higher rate than a single dog so as to discourage people from owning too many. In other states the same rate is charged irrespective of whether one or two dogs are owned and some states do not levy a charge for a second dog. Dog tax must be renewed annually. On arrival in Germany, dog owners have 30 days to register their dog and pay the tax.
Guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf and other assistance dogs used by disabled persons as well as dogs used by forestry officials and gamekeepers are exempt from dog tax. Cats do not need a licence. Other animals such as rodents and birds seldom need any specific form of ID. Statutory and Regular Vaccinations in GermanyAll dogs must be vaccinated annually against rabies. No other vaccinations are compulsory. However, vets recommend that all caring owners vaccinate their pets annually for the following: Dogs:
Cats:
Restricted BreedsRecent attacks on members of the public by certain breeds of dog have led to new legislation. The Law on Restrictions for the Introduction and Importation of Dogs (Hundeverbringungs- und einfuhrbeschränkungsgesetz HundVerbrEinfG) came into force in Germany on 1 April 2001. Certain breeds of dog considered as dangerous are no longer allowed into the country. The customs authorities enforce this law. In the main, the following breeds and their cross-breeds will be refused entry:
In addition, some other breeds are outlawed by various districts. Dog owners would be well-advised to check with their local authorities. Exceptions are sometimes made for tourists and disabled persons as long as satisfactory paperwork can be supplied to the effect that the dog is not considered of a violent nature.
Buying & Selling a PetAnyone looking for a pet can always approach one of the many rescue centres (Tierheim). They usually have plenty of animals for re-homing. Animals in rescue centres are almost always have up-to-date vaccinations.
It is also possible to go direct to a breeder or to a pet shop. Animals are not normally sold to children. Animals are also often advertised for sale or "wanted" adverts placed on the Internet or in newspapers. Anyone who is no longer able to look after an animal must re-home it or take it to a rescue centre or shelter. It is against the law to abandon a pet. Lost & Found AnimalsAnyone who finds an animal should report it. Go to any police station or one of the official animal collecting points. Many of these are located at animal rescue centres around the country. Look in the Yellow Pages for Animal Rescue Centres (Tierheim) in the area.
Anyone who loses an animal should notify the local police and rescue centres. Tagged or micro-chipped animals are more likely to be reunited with their owners. In the case of dogs and cats especially, their micro-chip can be read the owner contacted. Animals are typically held in a holding compound for just a few days before being moved to an animal rescue centre while attempts are made to either reunite them with their owners or re-home them. Europetnet is a pet database operating throughout Europe for finding lost animals. Pet owners need to register the animal's microchip number with the Europetnet database. This will allow for the missing animal to be traced from any member country in Europe.
Pets in Public PlacesAlthough dogs are welcomed in many places, certain establishments (typically those selling food) may not allow them. If this is the case a sign will be displayed which is an image of a dog and the words "Unfortunately, we have to wait outside" (Wir muessen leider draussen warten). The same rules often apply to children's play areas and to cemeteries. Dogs should be kept on a lead in public places:
Although there is no legal requirement to clean up after a dog in public, people are becoming increasingly sensitive about it. Animals on Public TransportDogs are commonly carried on trains. Most public transport companies allow dogs to travel free, but some (including in Berlin) may demand a standard ticket for two or more dogs.
National Animal Organisations
As dogs are perhaps the preferred pet in Germany, there are a number of organisations devoted to their welfare and rescue:
Local Pet Organisations in BerlinRescue centres are listed in the Yellow Pages under Tierheim. Tierheim Berlin has a veterinary practice, rescue centre for cats, dogs, birds and other animals, a re-homing service amongst other things. It has a constant requirement for volunteers and donations to continue its work.
Veterinarians (Tierarzt)Most vets will have some knowledge of English because it tends to be the international veterinary language. Pet owners can approach any vet but it is often useful to ask locally for recommendations. Vets can be found under Tierarzt in the Yellow Pages. Most vets will provide an out of hours number for emergencies.
Further Information
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This is the "Essential Animal Information for Pets in Germany" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Berlin. AngloINFO Berlin's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in Berlin, in English!". AngloINFO Berlin is your Berlin information source, for everyone living in Berlin or moving to Berlin, covering everything from the Berlin property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to Germany, to all aspects of everyday life in the Berlin international community for those living their lives in Germany. » Find out more about AngloINFO in Germany | ||||||||||||||||||||||
