Top 10 German Dog Laws For Expat Pet Owners (2025)

Scenario: you’ve just landed at BER airport, juggling suitcases and your golden retriever Noodle. He looks thrilled, tongue lolling, tail wagging. You look less thrilled when your new neighbor casually mentions, “Hope you’ve registered him — fines are steep.”

Welcome to Germany: a land of beer, bureaucracy, and dog laws. The rules may feel irritating, but they exist for good reasons — to keep dogs safe, neighbors happy, and the sidewalks free of surprises. 

This is the guide I wish I’d had before moving my dog here — easy to read, practical, and packed with what every expat dog owner in Germany needs to know.

10 German Dog Laws Every Owner Must Know

1. You Must Register Your Dog (Hunderegister)

Every dog in Germany must be registered in the Hunderegister (dog registry) with the local authority. Skipping this step can result in fines of up to €10,000. Some owners avoid registration to dodge the tax, but the city usually catches on quickly. Registration also makes it easier to reunite with your dog if they go missing.

2. Dog Tax (Hundesteuer)

Unlike cats, dogs in Germany have to pay Hundesteuer (dog tax). The annual dog tax varies depending on the city. In Berlin, the tax is about €120 for the first dog, but the fee rises for a second pet or “listed breeds.” Treat this like rent or utilities — it’s a fixed cost of owning a dog here. And yes, your dog technically has its own tax number.

3. Dog License or Competence Test (Hundeführerschein — Dog Handling License)

Depending on the state (Bundesland) you live in, you may need a Hundeführerschein (dog handling license) or to pass a competence test, especially if your pup weighs more than 20 kg or stands taller than 40 cm. For restricted breeds, this requirement is mandatory. 

Think of it like the DMV, except with more barking.

4. Breed Restrictions & Bans

Not every dog breed is welcome in Germany. The four breeds banned nationwide are:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Bull Terrier

Other breeds, such as Rottweilers, face state-level restrictions. Always check breed rules before importing your dog.

5. Leash Laws (Leinenpflicht)

Germany enforces strict Leinenpflicht (mandatory leash rules). In Berlin, dogs must be leashed unless you hold a recognized dog handler certificate. Most parks have designated off-leash zones, but leashes are a must outside those areas. Surprise inspections are common, so always carry one even if your dog is well-trained.

6. Dog Liability Insurance (Hundehaftpflicht)

In Berlin and many other German states, Hundehaftpflicht (dog liability insurance) is mandatory. This covers damages if your dog causes an accident, bites someone, or knocks over a cyclist. Many landlords won’t rent to pet owners unless they see proof of insurance, so it’s often non-negotiable.

7. Animal Welfare Laws (Tierschutzgesetz — Animal Protection Act)

Germany enforces some of the strictest animal welfare laws in Europe under the Tierschutzgesetz (Animal Protection Act). You cannot:

• Keep a dog tied up all day
• Confine them in a crate long-term
• Leave them without daily human interaction

Violating the Tierschutzgesetz can mean fines up to €25,000.

8. Shock and Prong Collars Are Illegal

Using shock collars, prong collars, or other aversive tools is illegal and considered animal cruelty. Stick to harnesses and positive reinforcement training.

9. Picking Up Poop Is Mandatory

Germany’s streets are famously clean. Not picking up after your dog can cost you €10–150 in fines. Locals won’t hesitate to call you out. Always carry biodegradable poop bags — Big Brother is watching.

10. Barking and Noise Restrictions (Ruhezeit — Quiet Hours)

Dogs can’t bark endlessly — neighbors have legal rights to peace and quiet. Quiet hours in Germany, called Ruhezeit (quiet time), run from 22h to 6am (and, in many places, also mid-day). Persistent barking during these hours can trigger complaints, inspections, and even official fines.

Mental Notes on Dog Legislation in Germany

First, your dog must be microchipped and have an EU Pet Passport (or official veterinary certificate) before entry into Germany. 

This document proves vaccinations like rabies and is checked at the border, so it’s truly the first step before you even land at BER airport. 

Daily life is simple: pet food is widely available in supermarkets and at specialized Zoohandlung (pet stores) such as Fressnapf or Futterhaus, so stocking up on kibble and toys isn’t a challenge. 

Public transport has its own dog rules: small dogs in a carrier usually travel free, while larger dogs need a ticket (often the price of a child’s fare) and sometimes a muzzle on trains, buses, or trams. 

And remember that the Hundeführerschein (dog handling license) is not uniform nationwide. Some Bundesländer (states) require it for all owners, others only for restricted breeds, and in some cases, it’s mandatory if a dog has shown dangerous behavior. 

Always check the local rules in the state where you’re moving; details matter.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really have to register my dog?
Yes. Dog registration in the Hunderegister (dog registry) is mandatory across Germany and directly linked to Hundesteuer (dog tax).

Are pit bulls banned in Germany?
Yes. Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Bull Terriers are banned nationwide. Other breeds may face state restrictions.

How much is the dog tax?
Most cities charge the first dog between €90 to 150 per year. Rates increase for additional dogs and restricted breeds.

Is dog insurance mandatory?
Yes, in Berlin and several other states. Even where it’s optional, most landlords demand proof of Hundehaftpflicht (dog liability insurance), many owners consider it a deal-breaker.

What happens if my dog barks at night?
Occasional barking is fine, but prolonged barking during Ruhezeit (quiet hours, 10 pm–6 am) can lead to complaints, inspections, and fines.

More Pet Resources for New Berliners

Once you’ve conquered the legal Everest, you might need a place for them to stay while you take some days off and get settled. Check out our guide to the best pet boarding options in Berlin, or pay homage to them at one of the best dog hotels in Berlin. Stock up on essentials for a rainy day (or Sundays) at the Top Pet Supply Stores in Berlin. And when you’re up for it, don’t miss our recs of Dog-Friendly Restaurants, cozy Dog-Friendly Cafés, and the Best Dog Parks for Expats for core memories and adventures.

From Bureaucracy to Bark Parks

Germany’s dog laws may feel like a huge snowball about to hit you in the face. But once you’ve got the legal dodging down: registration, Hundesteuer, Hundehaftpflicht, and poop etiquette, you’ll realize you’re in one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe. 

Today, Noodle struts proudly through Berlin’s Tiergarten, leash clipped and poop bag at the ready. And me? I finally sleep soundly, knowing I’ve beaten both bureaucracy and barking laws — one paw print at a time.

Need help?

🐶 A4ord Animal Care in Berlin connects you with English-speaking vets, pet sitters, and boarding options trusted by Berlin expats.