Nearly Half of German Households Have a Pet: What Expats Should Know

Introduction

Almost half of all households in Germany own a pet, according to a new survey — making Germany one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe by household count. Cats and dogs lead the rankings, but fish, small mammals, and birds are also popular choices. For expats living in Germany or planning to move here, this is both a reassuring cultural signal and a practical prompt: Germany has specific rules around pet ownership that differ significantly from many other countries. From mandatory dog registration and the Hundesteuer (dog tax) to landlord permissions and breed-specific legislation, knowing the rules before you adopt or bring a pet from abroad will save you from costly surprises.

Which Pets Are Most Popular in Germany?

According to the survey, cats are the single most popular pet in Germany, with dogs a close second. Small animals — including rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters — rank third, followed by ornamental fish and birds.

Germany has a strong cultural affinity for pets, and dogs in particular are widely accepted in everyday public life. It is common to see dogs in restaurants, shops, and on public transport. Many employers also tolerate dogs in the workplace. This openness makes Germany a genuinely comfortable place for pet owners — provided you follow the rules.

What Expats Must Know Before Getting a Pet in Germany

Dog tax (Hundesteuer): If you own a dog in Germany, you must register it with your local municipality (Gemeinde or Stadtverwaltung) and pay the annual Hundesteuer. The amount varies significantly by city — in Berlin, for example, it is currently €120 per year for the first dog and €180 for the second. In some cities, so-called "dangerous breeds" (Listenhunde) are taxed at a much higher rate, sometimes exceeding €600 per year. Upon registration, your dog receives a metal tag (Hundemarke) that must be worn on the collar at all times in public.

Breed restrictions: Germany has breed-specific legislation that varies by federal state (Bundesland). Certain breeds — commonly including American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Bull Terriers — are classified as dangerous and may be banned outright or subject to strict conditions (muzzle, leash, liability insurance) depending on the state. If you are bringing a dog from abroad, check your specific state's regulations before arrival.

Landlord permission: Most rental apartments in Germany require explicit permission from the landlord (Vermieter) to keep pets — especially dogs and cats. This clause is typically in the rental contract (Mietvertrag). Small caged animals (hamsters, fish) are generally allowed without permission. Bringing a pet into a rental without permission can be grounds for eviction in serious cases. Always ask in writing before bringing a new pet home.

Bringing pets from abroad: If you are relocating to Germany with a pet, EU regulations apply for animals coming from within the EU (rabies vaccination, microchip, EU pet passport). Pets coming from outside the EU face stricter import rules, including specific timing requirements for rabies vaccinations and, in some cases, a waiting period. The Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture) publishes detailed country-by-country guidance.

Pet liability insurance (Tierhaftpflichtversicherung): For dogs, liability insurance is mandatory in several German states, including Berlin, Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, and others. Even where it is not legally required, it is strongly recommended — you are financially responsible for any damage or injury your pet causes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register my cat in Germany?

Unlike dogs, cats do not need to be registered with the municipality in most parts of Germany, and there is no cat equivalent of the Hundesteuer. However, some municipalities have introduced mandatory microchipping and registration for cats in recent years. Check your local Gemeindeverwaltung for current rules in your area.

Can my landlord refuse to let me keep a pet in my apartment?

In many cases, yes. German tenancy law (Mietrecht) gives landlords considerable say over pet ownership, particularly for dogs and cats. Courts have ruled on this issue extensively, and the outcome often depends on the specific wording of the rental contract and the size of the animal. If your contract has a blanket pet ban, you should discuss this with your landlord before signing or before getting a pet. A lawyer specialising in tenancy law (Mietrecht) can advise on your specific situation.

What do I need to bring my dog from a non-EU country to Germany?

Your dog must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and have a valid health certificate issued by an official veterinarian. Depending on the country of origin, a waiting period after the rabies vaccination may apply. Check the current requirements on the official portal of the Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft or consult a vet in your home country well in advance of your move.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Germany is a genuinely welcoming country for pet owners, and the high household pet ownership rate reflects that. But the administrative side — dog tax registration, breed checks, landlord permissions, and insurance — requires attention, especially for expats navigating German bureaucracy for the first time. The good news is that most of these steps are straightforward once you know they exist.

If you are planning to get a pet or bring one to Germany, start by checking your rental contract, then contact your local Stadtverwaltung to register and find out the applicable Hundesteuer rate. For breed-specific rules, check your federal state's current legislation directly.

Source: iamexpat.de