What am I required to do as a dog owner in Berlin?
You need to microchip your dog and register it in the Berlin dog register, take out liability insurance of at least €1 million and pay dog tax. Registering in the dog register also counts as registering for the tax.
Dog owners' obligations in Berlin are set out in the Berlin Dog Act (Hundegesetz). From the moment you get your dog, you need to:
- Microchip: Every dog must be microchipped. The chip number is recorded in the EU pet passport.
- Dog register (Hunderegister): Register your dog in the central register straight away. Online registration costs €17.50, by post or phone €26.50. This also counts as registering for the dog tax, so you don't need to register separately with the tax office.
- Liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht): Compulsory for every dog. Cover must be at least €1 million per incident, and your excess can be no more than €500 a year.
- Dog tax (Hundesteuer): €120 a year for the first dog, €180 for each additional dog. The tax office sends you a tax tag (Hundesteuermarke) that your dog must wear outdoors.
Everyday rules: Berlin has a general lead requirement, and you must carry bags to pick up after your dog outdoors.
If you move or your dog dies: Updating your address or de-registering in the register is free. Not registering or not reporting changes can lead to a fine of up to €10,000.
If you own a Listenhund: Extra rules apply to dogs classed as dangerous, such as Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Bullterrier.
Where you can get help
- Service-Portal Berlin: Hund im Hunderegister anmelden
Registering your dog in Berlin's central dog register; registering online also counts as registering for the dog tax.
- Senatsverwaltung für Verbraucherschutz: FAQ zum Berliner Hundegesetz
The Berlin Senate's official answers on lead requirements, the certificate of competence, liability insurance and dogs classed as dangerous.
- Service-Portal Berlin: Hundesteuer
Official information on registering for the dog tax in Berlin and applying for an exemption.
This information is based on community experience and is not legal advice. Rules can change; check important things with the responsible office.