Registration, Tax & Legal Obligations

A dog brings joy, daily routines, and responsibility — but there are also several administrative tasks that you, as a dog owner, should take care of shortly after purchase, adoption, or when your dog moves in. These include registration with your city or municipality, dog tax, microchip registration, possible insurance requirements, and, depending on the federal state, specific certificates or legal obligations.

Important: Many of these regulations are not standardized across Germany but depend on your municipality or federal state. You should therefore always check which requirements apply in your specific place of residence.

Registration & Dog Tax

In Germany, dogs generally need to be registered with the responsible city or municipality for dog tax purposes. Deadlines vary depending on where you live. In many cases, registration must be completed within approximately two to four weeks after purchase, adoption, or taking the dog into your household.

After registration, you will receive a dog tax assessment notice. Some municipalities also issue a dog tag, which your dog may need to wear visibly, or which you should at least keep safely.

If you move, give your dog to someone else, or your dog passes away, the dog must be deregistered with the previous municipality. When moving to another city or municipality, deregistration at the old place of residence and new registration at the new place of residence are usually required.

Important Tasks

• Register your dog with the city or municipality for dog tax purposes
• Check the registration deadline of your local municipality
• Keep the dog tax assessment notice
• Check whether a dog tag is issued
• When moving: deregister your dog and register it at the new place of residence
• In case of rehoming or death: deregister your dog with the municipality

Microchip, Registration & Recovery

A microchip is only truly useful if the chip number is linked to your contact details. That is why your dog should not only be microchipped but also registered with a pet registry such as TASSO or FINDEFIX.

The chip itself does not automatically contain retrievable owner data. It only carries an individual identification number. Only through registration can your dog be assigned back to you if lost.

Important Tasks

• Have the microchip checked or implanted by a veterinarian
• Save the chip number
• Register your dog with TASSO or FINDEFIX
• Keep your contact details up to date
• Update your details immediately when moving or changing phone numbers
• Save a current photo of your dog

Legal Requirements & Obligations

Depending on the federal state and municipality, different rules may apply to dog owners. These may include leash requirements, muzzle requirements, proof of competence, dog handler licence regulations, or special requirements for certain breeds.

Dog liability insurance is also important. In some federal states, it is mandatory; in others, it is strongly recommended. It protects you if your dog causes damage, for example by injuring someone, causing an accident, or damaging someone else’s property.

If you live in rented accommodation, you should also check whether keeping a dog is permitted. Ideally, you should obtain written permission from your landlord.

Important Tasks

• Check local leash and muzzle regulations
• Check whether proof of competence or a dog handler licence is required
• Clarify special requirements for listed breeds or dogs classified as dangerous
• Take out dog liability insurance or review your existing insurance
• If renting: obtain written permission to keep a dog
• Familiarize yourself with local dog rules for parks, forests, public transport, and off-leash areas

PetConnect Tip

Save important documents, the chip number, insurance details, veterinarian contacts, and emergency numbers in one place. This way, you will have everything quickly accessible in everyday life and in an emergency — especially when things need to move fast.