For Expats

How to Register Your Dog in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 5, 2024

Acquiring a new dog is an exciting experience, but it also comes with some administrative responsibilities. In Germany, it is mandatory to register your dog with the local municipality for dog tax. This comprehensive guide explains the dog registration process, necessary deadlines, and required documents, ensuring you comply with all legal requirements.

Why You Need to Register Your Dog in Germany

Every dog owner in Germany must register their pet to comply with local regulations. Registration helps municipalities keep track of dog ownership, manage dog populations, and ensure public safety. Failure to register your dog can result in fines and legal issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering Your Dog

1. Registering a New Dog or After Moving

When you acquire a new dog or move to a different municipality, registration is essential. The process is straightforward:

Find the Right Office: Locate the tax and municipal treasury office of your municipality.
Online Registration: Many municipalities offer online registration. Check the official website of your municipality for this option.
Alternative Methods: You can also register via email, post, or phone. Personal appearances are rarely required nowadays.

2. Special Cases: Registration with the Dog Registry

In certain federal states like Hamburg and Lower Saxony, you must register your dog with a specific dog registry. This includes:

Dog Tax Registration: Registering for the dog registry automatically covers the dog tax.
Requirements: You need liability insurance for your dog and a microchip for identification.
Fees: Processing fees range from 15 to 30 euros.

Required Documents and Information

To ensure a smooth registration process, gather the following information and documents:

Information Needed:

Name and registered address
Dog’s details: age, breed, date of acquisition
Previous owner’s name and address (if applicable)
Previous residence address (if applicable, for re-registration)
Proof of knowledge or a permit for breeds classified as dangerous

Documents Needed:

ID card or passport
Dog’s microchip number
Proof of liability insurance for the dog
Money for any applicable fees

Deadlines for Dog Registration

It’s crucial to adhere to the registration deadlines to avoid penalties. The general deadlines are:

Puppies: Register after the 3rd month of life
New Acquisitions: Register within 2 to 4 weeks of acquiring the dog
Moving: Register within 2 to 4 weeks of moving

After Registration: Next Steps

Once your dog is registered, you will receive:

A tax assessment notice
A dog tax tag with an individual identification number

Dog Tax Tag

Your dog must wear the dog tax tag visibly whenever it leaves the house, including in your garden.

Dog Tax Payments

Depending on your municipality, you will need to pay the dog tax annually or biannually. The amount varies, ranging from 30 to 190 euros per year, with smaller communities generally charging less than larger cities. The tax for a second dog is often higher than for the first.

Deregistering Your Dog

If your dog dies, you give it away, or you move to a new municipality, you must deregister your dog within two weeks. The deregistration process is similar to registration and can often be done online. Required documents include:

Death certificate from the vet (for death)
Copy of the handover contract (for giving away)
Intake certificate from the shelter (for giving to a shelter)
Confirmation of registration from the new residence (for moving)
Dog tax tag
Deregistration form from the local municipality
ID card or passport

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