Important Notes:

• Notify authorities if you move within Berlin or elsewhere in Germany.

• If your dog leaves Germany or passes away, you must deregister it.

• Registration or deregistration of your dog in the central register also counts as registration/deregistration with the local tax office.

​

Forms & More Info:

General information about keeping dogs in Germany

Information from the Animal Welfare Office - Dog Ordinance

​

2. Leash & Muzzle Rules

• In Germany, dog owners must follow state-specific rules regarding leashes and muzzles.

• The rules depend on:
  ✔️ The breed of the dog (especially “dangerous” or listed breeds)
  ✔️ The size or strength of the dog
  ✔️ Local regulations in parks, streets, and public spaces

​

• Common requirements include:

  • Leash in public areas – most dogs must be on a leash outside private property.

  • Muzzle for certain breeds – dangerous breeds or dogs with a history of aggression may need a muzzle in public.

• Rules can also vary within cities or municipalities, so always check local ordinances (Ordnungsamt) when moving to a new area.

• Violating leash or muzzle rules can result in fines or penalties.

​

💡Leash and muzzle regulations are different in every federal state (Bundesland). Before moving, check the official Hundegesetz (dog law) or Hundeverordnung (dog ordinance) for your state. Most states provide their laws online via their official government portals.

​

Official starting points to find local rules:

• Search “[Bundesland] Hundegesetz” or “[Bundesland] Hundeverordnung”

• Contact the local Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt after moving – they can provide up-to-date requirements.

​

3. Microchip

• In Germany, there is no nationwide law requiring all dogs to have a microchip.

• Requirements vary by federal state (Bundesland):

• Some states require all dogs to be chipped and registered.

• Others require chips only for dangerous breeds or large dogs.

• Some states have no legal obligation but still strongly recommend microchips for safety and identification.

• EU travel rule: If you bring your dog from another EU country or plan to travel across the EU, a microchip and an EU pet passport are mandatory. (BMEL – EU Pet Passport)

​

💡 How You Can Check Microchip Requirements

• Search for the dog law (Hundegesetz) or dog ordinance (Hundeverordnung) of the Bundesland you are moving to.

• Contact the local Ordnungsamt or Veterinäramt — they provide up-to-date information on registration, microchips, and other legal requirements.

• Even if your Bundesland does not legally require a chip, microchipping your dog is highly recommended to ensure they can be identified if lost and to comply with insurance or registration requirements.

​

4. Cleaning Up After Your Dog

• In Germany, dog owners are legally required to clean up after their dogs in public spaces.

• This rule applies to streets, parks, sidewalks, and other public areas.

• Dog owners must carry dog waste bags and properly dispose of the waste in designated bins.

• Fines for not picking up after your dog vary by city or municipality, typically ranging from €35 to €500.

• Some cities also have special areas or dog parks where dogs can run freely, but owners are still responsible for cleaning up.

​

💡 Tip:

1. Always carry dog waste bags when walking your dog.

2. Look out for public signs about dog waste disposal and local rules.

3. Check the Ordnungsamt website of your city or municipality for specific rules and fines.

4. Respecting this rule is not only legal but also helps maintain good relations with neighbors and the community.

​

5. Dog sitters

If you need a dog sitter or boarding services, these websites may help:

• Hundeschule Kramer

• Berliner Katzenpension

• Betreut.de - Tiere

• Hundehotel Resort

​

6. Our personal advice

Berliners are generally relaxed about well-behaved dogs off-leash in quiet areas. However, you may still be fined by the Ordnungsamt (municipal police) if caught.

​

7. Liability Insurance
Dog owner liability (mandatory in Berlin and several other federal states)

​

Important note on dog liability insurance:
Germany does not have one single federal rule on dog liability insurance — it’s regulated at the state (Bundesland) level. In some states the insurance is mandatory for all dogs, in others only for certain large or dangerous dogs, and in a few states there is no legal obligation, though it’s still highly recommended.

​

Federal states where dog liability insurance is mandatory for all dogs:
✔️ Berlin
✔️ Hamburg
✔️ Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen)
✔️ Saxony-Anhalt
✔️ Schleswig-Holstein
✔️ Thuringia (Thüringen)
✔️Bremen

​

States with a partial requirement (e.g., only for dangerous or large dogs):
Baden-Württemberg
Bavaria (Bayern)
Brandenburg
Hesse (Hessen)
North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)
Rhineland-Palatinate  (Rheinland-Pfalz)
Saarland
Saxony (Sachsen)

​

States with no current legal requirement (liability insurance is recommended):
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern).

​

📌 Personal liability and dog liability are separate: even if your private liability insurance covers some pet incidents, dog liability insurance may still be required by law depending on where you live.

​​

Find designated off-leash areas in Berlin:
Off-leash areas in Berlin

​

⚠️ Note: Off-leash rules vary across Germany. Always check local regulations when visiting other cities or municipalities.

If you’d like us to handle the registration process for you, please request a quote!