Dog tax in Stuttgart: What you should know
Dog tax for one or more dogs
Dog tax is a municipal tax that every dog owner must pay. In Stuttgart, the fees are regulated as follows:
- First dog: For the first dog, you pay a tax of 108 euros per year in Stuttgart.
- Second dog: If you own a second dog, the tax increases to 216 euros per year.
- Third dog and others: For each additional dog, the tax is also 216 euros per year.
The dog tax is levied once a year and is used to finance public facilities and services related to dogs, such as dog parks and poop bag stations.
How and where do you register your dog?
As soon as you take a dog into your household, you are obliged to register it with the City of Stuttgart within one month. You can do this in various ways:
- Online: You can register your dog conveniently from home via the Stuttgart citizen portal.
- In person: You can also visit the citizens' office or the Stuttgart tax office in person to register your dog.
- By post: It is also possible to register by post. To do this, send the completed registration form to the relevant authority.
You will need the following information for the registration:
- Name and address of the dog owner
- Breed, sex and age of the dog
- Microchip or tattoo number of the dog (if available)
After registration, you will receive a dog tag, which your dog should always wear on its collar so that you can prove that the tax has been paid during inspections.
Compulsory leash in Stuttgart: When does your dog have to be on a leash?
In Stuttgart, dogs must be kept on a lead in certain areas and situations. Here are the most important points to bear in mind:
Public transportation and public places
- Public transport: Dogs must be kept on a lead on SSB (Stuttgarter Straßenbahnen AG) buses and trains.
- Parks and green spaces: In most public parks and green spaces, dogs must be kept on a lead unless expressly signposted otherwise.
- City center and pedestrian zones: Even in the city center and in busy pedestrian zones, your dog should always be kept on a leash.
Dog meadows and off-leash areas
Stuttgart offers several dog meadows and off-leash areas where your dog can run around off-leash. The most popular include:
- Dog exercise area in Rosensteinpark
- Dog meadow at Killesberg
- Off-leash area in the palace gardens
Dogs can run off the lead here as long as they are under the supervision and control of their owner.
Compulsory muzzling: Which dogs are affected?
In Stuttgart, certain dog breeds are required to wear a muzzle. This regulation primarily affects breeds classified as dangerous and their crossbreeds. The following breeds are subject to the muzzle requirement:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- bull terrier
- Pit bull terrier
- Staffordshire bull terrier
In addition to these specific breeds, the muzzle requirement can also be imposed on individual dogs if they have become conspicuous through aggressive behavior. In such cases, an individual assessment is carried out by the public order office.
Further important information for dog owners in Stuttgart
In addition to the dog tax, the leash and muzzle requirement, there are a few other regulations and tips that you should be aware of as a dog owner in Stuttgart:
Dog waste disposal
In Stuttgart, there is a strict obligation to dispose of dog waste. There are numerous dog waste bag dispensers available in the city. Disposal takes place via the normal waste garbage cans. Failure to comply with this regulation can lead to fines.
Vaccinations and health
All dogs should be regularly vaccinated and dewormed to ensure the health of your four-legged friend and the environment. Vaccinations against are particularly recommended:
- distemper
- parvovirosis
- rabies
Dog training and behavioral training
The City of Stuttgart offers various courses and programmes for training and socializing dogs. A well-trained dog not only contributes to safety in public, but also promotes harmonious coexistence between humans and animals.
Stuttgart is a dog-friendly city, but it has clear rules and regulations for dog owners. By adhering to these regulations, you contribute to the safety and cleanliness of the city and at the same time ensure the well-being of your dog and the community.