Register your dog - why, why and how does it work?

Are there any exceptions?

It doesn't matter how big your dog is or what breed it is. Exceptions are dogs classified as dangerous, so-called listed dogs such as pit bulls or American Staffordshire terriers .

There are special rules regarding keeping dogs and the amount of tax to be paid, and you should definitely find out more if you want one of these dogs. Not only are they often significantly more expensive, but they are often associated with significant restrictions or are even completely banned.

Who receives discounts?

There are of course exceptions to the tax liability rule. For example, “working dogs” such as assistance, rescue, guide or therapy dogs are exempt from tax. This makes sense, because otherwise hardly anyone would want to work as a professional dog handler. Dogs in animal shelters are also not subject to tax.

In addition, some cities offer discounts or even exemption from dog tax for pensioners and welfare recipients, which you can apply for when registering your dog .

However, appropriate proof of entitlement, such as a disability card, must be presented. The city decides whether the exemption or discount is granted.

When do I have to register my dog ​​at the latest?

If you get a new four-legged friend, your dog should usually be registered within 2 to 4 weeks.

You must register puppies no later than when they reach the age of three months. Here, too, the requirements sometimes vary.

Always stay up to date

To avoid missing any deadlines, find out about the exact regulations in your city before you buy a dog . In most cases, you can find the exact regulations on the city's website or directly from the public order office.

How is registration carried out?

You can often register your dog online using a form provided, but you can also do it in person, by phone or by email. You can get more information about dog tax from the municipal treasury and tax office, the public order office or the specialist department for dog ownership.

What do you need to register a dog?

Registering your dog tax is free of charge. To register your dog correctly, you should have the following information ready:

• Name of the dog
• Age and race
• How long have you had the dog?
• if applicable, specific characteristics
• Proof of expertise, permit to keep animals – if required

You will need the following documents to register your dog:

• Identity card or passport
• Dog's microchip number
• Certificate of dog liability insurance
• Money for applicable fees

Dog tax tag – what is it?

After successfully registering your dog, he will receive a free tag with a unique identification number that will allow him to be identified at any time. This tag cannot be transferred to other dogs.

When does the dog have to wear the tag?

Your dog must always wear the tag visibly when he leaves the house or apartment, even on your own property. Even dogs that are exempt from tax receive such a tag so that the eligibility and reason for the exemption can be checked at any time.

And if he loses the brand?

If your dog loses the tag or it gets damaged, you must immediately report this to the city by phone or in writing, and the tax office will promptly send you a new dog tax tag free of charge.

How and when do you deregister or change your dog tax?

Deregistration or re-registration can occur for various reasons:

• Your dog has died
• You had to give him to the animal shelter
• You change your place of residence or domicile
• You sell or give away your dog

You will certainly have other things on your mind than deregistering your taxes, especially when your beloved four-legged friend dies. Nevertheless, you should pay attention to the deadlines.

After the reporting period has expired, the city can still demand payments until the end of the calendar month.

You can find the deadlines for this notification on the city’s homepage, or you can inquire by phone.

To deregister you will need the following documents:

• Owner’s identity card
• if necessary, a killing certificate from the veterinarian
• the dog tax tag
• the last registration certificate from the tax office
• the unsubscribe form

You should re-register your dog when you give it away or give it away as a gift. Registration by the new owner alone is not sufficient. All notifications must be made in writing. You can also ask the city whether this can be done by email or letter.

What happens if I don't register my dog?

You may be asking yourself "What's all this for?" and are afraid of the bureaucratic hassle and the costs of dog tax. Are you therefore considering simply not registering your dog, no one will notice? Not a good plan, because some cities and municipalities carry out regular checks. If you are caught without a dog tax tag on your dog, you may have to expect high fines.

Not registering your dog is considered an administrative offence. So it's better to play it safe and register your new companion to avoid even higher costs.

Conclusion

If you want to get a four-legged family member, there are a few things to consider. Of course, most people only think about the cost of food, the initial equipment for their puppy, etc. when they decide to get a dog.

However, there is much more to consider than that, because in Germany you are obliged to register your dog . It is therefore best to find out early, i.e. before you get your dog, what you have to consider regarding dog registration and dog tax.

This way you are also legally on the safe side and can enjoy everyday life with your new four-legged friend!

Dog chews available for happy and contented four-legged friends!