Dogs in the capital: A guide for dog owners in Berlin (as of 2024)

Do you live in Berlin and want to introduce your dog to all the city has to offer? Berlin offers countless opportunities for dog lovers: green parks, dog-friendly cafés and exciting events. But before you and your dog explore the city, there are some important rules to follow that will help you avoid trouble and fines. In this article, you'll find out everything you need to know about registering your dog, dog tax, leash and muzzle requirements and other important information.

Dog tax in Berlin

The dog tax is a municipal tax that is levied in Berlin. It is used to cover the costs of public facilities and measures in connection with dog ownership. The amount of dog tax can vary depending on how many dogs you own.

• For the first dog: 120 euros per year
• For each additional dog: 180 euros per year

Dog tax is an annual tax that you have to pay for your dog. This tax can be paid either annually or quarterly. The dog tax is not only a financial obligation, but also an important contribution to dog ownership in Berlin.

Exceptional cases

There are some exceptional cases in which you can be exempt from the dog tax. These include, for example

• Guide dogs: dogs that serve as companion or assistance dogs for people with disabilities are generally exempt from the tax.
• Animal welfare dogs: Dogs that have been adopted from an animal shelter or a recognized animal welfare organization can be exempt from tax for a certain period of time.

Registering your dog

Before you can officially keep your dog in Berlin, you must register it with the relevant authorities. This registration must take place within four weeks of acquiring the dog. Registration takes place at the tax office for dog tax in Berlin.

Documents required

You will need the following documents to register your dog:

• Identity card or passport
• Proof of purchase or adoption of the dog (e.g. purchase contract or adoption certificate)
• Vaccination certificate of the dog (for proof of rabies vaccination)
• Proof of exemption from dog tax, if applicable

Where does the registration take place?

You can either register in person at the relevant tax office or online via the Berlin citizen portal. It is important that you register on time to avoid possible penalties or additional payments.

Leash obligation in Berlin

There is a general leash requirement in Berlin, which ensures that dogs must be kept on a leash in certain areas to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

Leash requirement in the city

• Public streets and squares: Dogs must generally be kept on a lead here.
• Public transportation: Here too, dogs must be kept on a lead.
• Shopping centers and pedestrian zones: In heavily frequented areas, the leash requirement is unavoidable.

Exceptions to the leash requirement

Dogs are allowed to run and play freely in some designated dog exercise areas. These areas are often found in parks and green spaces and offer dogs the opportunity to run free.

• Grunewald: A large area in the west of Berlin that offers dog exercise areas.
• Tempelhofer Feld: A former airport that is now a huge recreational area.
• Treptower Park: One of the many parks in Berlin that offer dog exercise areas.

Compulsory muzzling in Berlin

In addition to the obligation to keep dogs on a lead, there are also muzzle regulations that apply to certain dog breeds.

Dog breeds with compulsory muzzling

In Berlin, there is a list of dog breeds that are classified as dangerous and must therefore wear a muzzle in public. These include

• Pitbull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire bull terrier

Exceptions and exemptions

Owners of these breeds can apply for exemption from the muzzle requirement under certain conditions. This usually requires a character test to confirm that the dog is not dangerous.

Further important information for dog owners in Berlin

Berlin offers a wide range of opportunities for dog owners, but also requires compliance with certain rules and obligations. Here are some other important points to bear in mind:

Dog waste disposal

Disposing of dog waste is a serious matter in Berlin. There are numerous dog toilets and dispensers for dog waste bags in the city. It is important that you dispose of your dog's waste properly to avoid fines.

Dog liability insurance

In Berlin, it is compulsory to take out dog liability insurance. This insurance protects you against financial damage that your dog could cause and is an important part of responsible dog ownership.

Chipping and registration

All dogs in Berlin must be chipped and registered with a pet registry (e.g. TASSO or Findefix). The chip contains a unique identification number that helps to identify your dog in the event of loss or theft.

Conclusion

As a dog owner in Berlin, you have many opportunities to enjoy the city with your four-legged friend. But with the joy comes some obligations. The dog tax, registering your dog and complying with the leash and muzzle requirement are crucial to ensure the harmonious coexistence of people and animals in the capital. By sticking to the rules, you are helping to make Berlin a dog-friendly city where everyone can feel at home.