A4ord Blog | Berlin Pet Guide: Moving to Germany with Your Dog or Cat.

I arrived in Berlin with two suitcases, one dog named Bruno (half golden retriever, half chaos), and one cat named Cleo, who gave me a glare that said, “This is the last time I fly economy.” Everyone back home swore, “Berlin is so pet-friendly!” What they didn’t warn me about: my dog would get a tax bill before I managed to set up Wi-Fi.

This is the guide I wish I’d had — cobbled together from rookie mistakes, late-night forum rabbit holes, and more bureaucratic twists than a Franz Kafka plot.

Before You Arrive: Pack the Paperwork (and the Litter)

Germany thrives on paperwork, and pets are part of that obsession.

What to prep before boarding your flight:

Microchip + rabies vaccination (mandatory, no exceptions)
EU pet passport (if already in the EU) or an official EU health certificate for imports (rules here)
Airline-approved carrier — Bruno sulked, Cleo treated hers like a personal limousine
Two-week stash of familiar food or litter — switching brands suddenly can end in drama worthy of a telenovela.

Tip: Once you land, the real circus begins.

First Weeks: Bureaucracy Never Blinks (Even If Your Cat Does)

Here’s a simplified list of steps and tips to make your existence bearable when moving.

Dogs: mandatory Hundesteuer — about €120/year for the first pup, higher for additional ones, and ~€600/year for “dangerous breeds”.
Cats: smug freeloaders — not a cent in taxes.

Housing: Welcome to the Document Jungle

Apartment hunting in Berlin feels less like browsing listings and more like competing in an Olympic sport where the medal goes to whoever has the thickest paperwork.

For Pets, Landlords usually demand:

Cats + small dogs = usually OK under “Kleintiere” (small animals)
Larger dogs = may trigger “permission only” clauses and heftier deposits
Not legal: charging extra monthly “pet rent”
Legal workaround: asking for a higher security deposit to cover paw-related damages

💡 Pro tip: Temporary furnished housing (think Wunderflats or Airbnb) buys you time to build your paperwork stack without stressing your pets.

Pet Insurance: Because Everyone Gets a Policy (Even the Dog)

In Berlin, insurance is a love language — you, your dog, and even your toaster probably need some.

Pet health insurance: ~€15–30/month for cats, €20–50/month for dogs. A single 3 a.m. emergency visit can repay the premiums.
Dog liability insurance (mandatory in Berlin): covers accidents like chewed doorframes, toppled cyclists, or Bruno’s “oops” moments in cafés.

On the BVG: Carriers, Tickets, and Side-Eye

Berlin’s public transport is sprawling, affordable-ish, and occasionally smells like döner. Pets ride along, but with rules.

Cats: free in carriers (though Cleo’s yowls turned my first U-Bahn ride into a horror soundtrack)
Dogs: need a ticket, or a Hundemonatskarte if they’re regular commuters.

💡 Pro tip: Certain breeds must wear muzzles on trains. Better to carry one than argue with a BVG inspector at rush hour.

Sundays: Berlin’s Weekly Plot Twist

On Sundays, the city goes into hibernation. No shopping, no IKEA runs, no “oops, out of litter.”

Classic hazard: the cat box runs dry at 9 p.m.
Solutions: train-station supermarkets, Spätis, or stash supplies like a pro prepper.
Quiet hours: 22:00–06:00 daily, plus Sundays. Your dog’s barking can set off neighbor complaints faster than fireworks on New Year’s.

💡 Pro tip: Keep litter (cats), old newspapers (dogs), and some human comfort snacks on hand. Survival kits aren’t just for camping trips.

Neighborhoods: Where Paws Hit the Pavement

Each Berlin neighborhood (Kiez) has its own vibe — and pet personality.

Neukölln & Kreuzberg: noisy, diverse, plenty of dog parks. Great for pets who thrive on chaos.
Prenzlauer Berg: stroller central, bio pet food shops, cats surveying from balconies. Pricey but polished.
Charlottenburg: wide boulevards, leafy calm, and stately parks. Ideal for dogs that need their daily kilometers.
Friedrichshain: artsy, edgy, with cafés that let pets pretend they’re influencers.
Steglitz & Zehlendorf: more suburban, family-friendly, quiet, and packed with green spaces for long walks.

🐾 Berlin Expat Pet Owner Checklist (2025)

✅ Before You Arrive

☐ Microchip + rabies vaccination (mandatory)
☐ EU pet passport (if already in EU) or EU animal health certificate for entry from abroad.
☐ Airline-approved carrier + airline pet fee (€75–200)
☐ Two-week supply of pet food or litter (foreign brands can be scarce in Berlin)

✅ Housing Must-Dos

☐ Confirm pet clause in rental contract
☐ Deposit ready (max 3× Kaltmiete)
☐ Take handover photos at move-in (to avoid deposit disputes later)

✅ Transport & Mobility

☐ Buy Deutschlandticket (€58/month) or BVG pass - only small pets travel free
☐ Hundemonatskarte if your dog will commute regularly
☐ Muzzle for larger or listed breeds (required on BVG)

✅ Everyday Setup

☐ Dog liability insurance (mandatory in Berlin)
☐ Pet health insurance (optional but recommended)
☐ Explore dog parks & pet-friendly green spaces: Tempelhofer Feld, Treptower Park, Volkspark Friedrichshain
☐ Join expat/pet owner groups (Facebook, Reddit, MeetUp)

✅ Emergency Numbers

AniCura Tierklinik Berlin-Biesdorf – Alt Biesdorf 22 | +49 30 5143760
Tierklinik Düppel – Oertzenweg 19b | +49 30 838 624 22
Tiernotdienst Berlin (24/7 Vet Emergency Service) | +49 1579 2330082
Poison Control (Charité) | +49 30 19240

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my pet to Germany without a microchip?
No. All cats and dogs must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies before entering Germany.

How much is the dog tax (Hundesteuer) in Berlin?
About €120 per year for the first dog, €180 for additional dogs, and ~€600 for breeds classified as dangerous. Cats are not taxed.

Are dogs allowed on public transport in Berlin?
Yes. Small dogs in carriers are free, larger dogs need a ticket or monthly pass. Certain breeds require a muzzle.

Do I need pet insurance in Germany?
Dog liability insurance is mandatory in Berlin. Health insurance for pets is optional.

What are the best neighborhoods for pets in Berlin?
Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain are popular for younger expats with pets.

From Bureaucracy to Belly Rubs

After all the paperwork is done and you and your pet are settled, check out A4ord Pet Services, the go-to for expats who want fabulous, vetted, English-speaking support. You won’t regret it!

Moving to Berlin with Pets – The Complete Guide (2025)