Dog Tax

For dog lovers, sharing your life with a furry friend is one of life’s greatest joys. But in Germany, owning a dog comes with a few surprises like the dog tax. For newcomers, this might seem like an odd or even puzzling concept. So, whether you're thinking of getting a dog in Germany or already have one, here are some key things you should know about this unique tax.

How much does it cost?
In Germany, the amount of tax to be paid varies from region to region. Here is a list showing how much tax you should pay for your first dog in some regions of Germany. Even in the Saarland the cost and legislation greatly depend on the state in which you are.

• Saarbrücken: 120€
• St. Ingbert: 84€
• Hannover: 150€

For the next dogs, the amount changes to:

• Saarbrücken: 168€
• St. Ingbert: 114€
• Hannover: 276€

Other things to know about the dog tax
Certain breeds of dogs are considered dangerous in Germany and precautions such as leashing them everywhere outside the house and making them pass a good behavior test are required. Moreover, more taxes are required to be paid for such breeds. In Hannover it can go up to 720€/year. Examples of Dangerous Breeds:

• Pitt Bull
• Bullmastiff
• Spanish Mastin
• Bullterrier
• Mastino Napoletano
• Argentinian Dogo
• American Staffordshire Terrier

In both Saarbrücken and Hannover, exemptions from the dog tax are possible under certain circumstances. Common exemptions include:

• Service dogs, such as guide dogs for the blind or therapy dogs.
• Rescue or working dogs used for tasks like police work or herding.
• Adopted dogs from animal shelters may also be exempt in some cities.
• In some cases, dog breeders and those keeping dogs for professional or commercial purposes can receive tax relief.

The specific rules for exemptions can vary by municipality. For more information, you can visit local government portals for Saarbrücken and Hannover

"How should I register my dog?

Registration Deadline:
You must register your dog within two to four weeks of acquiring it or after moving to Germany. If you have a puppy, it should be registered once it is three months old.

Documents Needed:
To register your dog, you will need:

• Personal ID.
• Liability insurance (which is mandatory for dog ownership in Germany).
• Information about your dog, including breed, age, and the date of acquisition.

Dog Tax Tag (Hundesteuermarke):
After registering your dog, you will receive a Hundesteuermarke (dog tax tag), which is required by law to be attached to your dog's collar when in public.