How do I adopt an animal in Berlin?
The main place is Tierheim Berlin in Lichtenberg, and there are smaller associations too. You browse the online profiles, book a meeting, visit a few times, then sign a contract and pay the adoption fee.
Where to look: Berlin's largest animal shelter is Tierheim Berlin in Lichtenberg (Falkenberg). Profiles of the cats, dogs and small animals looking for a home are on its website. There are also smaller associations in Berlin without a shelter, which keep animals in foster homes (Pflegestelle).
The process usually works like this:
- Browse the online profiles and book an appointment for the animal you're interested in.
- In a first conversation you talk about your life, home, working hours and experience with animals.
- You visit the animal several times; with dogs you can go for walks together.
- If it's a good match, you sign a protection contract (Schutzvertrag) and pay the adoption fee (Schutzgebühr).
Fee: The adoption fee depends on the shelter and the animal. In Germany it's usually around €200–400 for dogs and €50–200 for cats, and generally includes vaccinations, microchipping and neutering. Ask the shelter for the current amount.
Prepare in advance: If you rent, get your landlord's written permission; shelters may ask for it. If you're adopting a dog, factor in the costs of registration, liability insurance and dog tax.
Christmas break: Tierheim Berlin usually pauses adoptions over the Christmas and New Year period, so animals aren't given as presents and then returned.
Where you can get help
- Tierheim Berlin
Berlin's largest animal shelter: cats, dogs and small animals looking for a home, and how adoption works.
- Stiftung Warentest: Haustiere – diese Rechte haben Mieter
Tenants' rights to keep cats, dogs and small animals, and when the landlord's permission is needed.
This information is based on community experience and is not legal advice. Rules can change; check important things with the responsible office.