A guide for dog owners in Bamberg: everything you need to know (as of 2024)

Dog tax in Bamberg: costs and payment methods

Dog tax for the first dog

An annual dog tax is levied in Bamberg, which every dog owner must pay. For the first dog, the dog tax is 66 euros per year. This amount is comparatively moderate and is used by the city to finance facilities and services that also benefit dogs and their owners.

Dog tax for multiple dogs

If you own several dogs, the dog tax increases for each additional dog. For the second dog, you have to pay 132 euros per year. From the third dog onwards, the tax is 165 euros per dog per year. This sliding scale is intended to help keep the number of dogs in a household manageable and to distribute the workload for the city administration fairly.

Payment and due date

The dog tax must be paid annually in advance. You will receive a tax assessment notice from the city council, which contains the exact payment details and due dates. As a rule, you can pay the tax by bank transfer or direct debit.

Registering your dog: This is how it works

Where do you have to register your dog?

In Bamberg, you are obliged to register your dog with the city administration within two weeks of acquiring it. You can either do this in person at the Bamberg town hall or conveniently online via the town's service portal. It is important to adhere to this deadline in order to avoid possible fines.

Required documents

You will need the following documents to register your dog:

• Your identity card or passport
• The purchase contract or proof of the dog's origin
• The dog's vaccination certificate, if applicable

After registration, you will receive a dog tag, which your dog should always wear on its collar. This tag serves as proof that the dog tax has been paid correctly.

Compulsory leash in Bamberg: Where and when does it apply?

General obligation to wear a lead

In Bamberg, there are certain areas where your dog must generally be kept on a lead. These include

• All public streets and squares
• Green spaces and parks, except in designated dog meadows
• Pedestrian zones and heavily frequented areas of the city center

This regulation serves to protect both the general public and your dog's safety. Make sure that the leash is no longer than 1.5 meters to ensure control over your dog.

Off-leash zones

There are also special zones in Bamberg where you are allowed to let your dog run free. These areas are usually signposted and are located in less frequented areas. However, it is important that your dog is easy to call off in these zones and behaves in a friendly manner towards other dogs and people.

Compulsory muzzling: to which dogs does it apply?

Dog breeds with compulsory muzzling

In Bamberg, certain dog breeds that are classified as potentially dangerous must be muzzled. These breeds include

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• bull terrier
• Pit bull terrier
• Rottweiler
• Tosa Inu

Owners of these breeds must ensure that their dogs always wear a muzzle in public areas. The city council can also order dogs that are individually classified as dangerous to be muzzled if incidents are known.

Exceptions to the muzzle requirement

In some cases, the muzzle requirement can be lifted under certain conditions, for example if a corresponding expert opinion is available that certifies the dog's non-aggressive behavior. However, this decision is at the discretion of the city council.

Further important information for dog owners in Bamberg

Disposing of dog waste

One of the most important duties of dog owners in Bamberg is the proper disposal of dog excrement. It is mandatory to remove your dog's droppings from public paths, green spaces and parks. The city provides special dog waste bag dispensers and waste garbage cans for this purpose. Violations of this regulation can be punished with a fine.

Liability insurance

Although there is no general obligation to take out liability insurance for dogs in Bavaria, it is strongly recommended. Liability insurance protects you against financial damage that your dog could cause, e.g. through an accident or a bite. Such insurance is particularly useful for dogs classified as dangerous.

Regular vaccinations and health care

Even if there is no legal obligation, your dog should be regularly vaccinated and dewormed to ensure its health and the health of other dogs. There are numerous vets in Bamberg who can help you with the care and preventative care of your dog.

Conclusion

As a dog owner in Bamberg, there are a number of rules and regulations that you must observe to ensure a harmonious coexistence with your fellow human beings and other dogs. From registering your dog and complying with the leash and muzzle requirement to the proper disposal of dog waste - these guidelines will help you to keep your dog responsibly and in compliance with the law. By adhering to these guidelines, you are helping to ensure that Bamberg remains a dog-friendly city.