Life with pets in Germany: what you need to know
Moving to Germany with your family is sometimes not just about human relatives. It’s also about your most cherished companion of all. Whether you are a cat person or a dog person, it’s simply impossible to move countries without taking your pets with you. In case you are already in Germany, you might also wonder what are the most important things to know when adopting and taking care of a pet.

These sort of questions might be sometimes overlooked by current or prospective owners. This little guide gives you the overview you need.
Bringing pets into Germany
The EU has strict rules about the transportation of animals from non-EU to EU countries for both personal and commercial reasons. I’m going to give a brief overview for non-commercial situations.
Up to 5 dogs, cats or ferrets may be brought per person when moving to Germany and will be controlled by the Zollamt (Customs Office). There are restrictions as to when and how the animals can enter the country, so make sure to read them carefully when they come from another EU country (here from non-EU countries). The most important thing to know is that each animal will need a microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, and a German pet health certificate (or EU vet certification). The timing for each of these matters! Your airline will also have very important rules when bringing pets into Germany about the types of pet containers permitted, sedation, animal size, and more.
The rules are more specific about birds limiting you to 5 total and sometimes putting them under quarantine. Rodents are much easier to bring with you but are usually limited to 3 per person. For all other animals, check with your local German embassy to find out the exact rules and regulations.
Overwhelmed? Check out one of the companies specialized in pet relocations to figure out how to best bring pets into Germany.
Adopting pets in Germany
There are several good ways to get a new pet in Germany, as well as some bad ways.
What do I mean by bad ways? There is a black market for pets, often online or around the borders to Germany. Puppies and kittens taken too early from their mothers, without proper food or water, and sickly birds… it’s heartbreaking and often fatal for the animal. Things to watch out for: sketchy online advertisements, no visit with the mother, no proper license to show you, meeting on the street and demanding immediate payment, or even hidden areas at markets. Be careful and report suspicious activity to the police!
Good ways to adopt pets include: animal shelters (Tierheim or Tierschutzverein, meaning animal protection association), licensed breeders (Züchter, for dogs look at the VDH association) or your local pet store (Zoohandlung or Zooladen). You can also search online through different web portals and social media, but be very careful to check the pet’s paperwork, mainly the vaccination records. Responsible sellers will charge you a fee for each animal and sign a purchase contract (Kaufvertrag). Also, most shelters will require extra paperwork and sometimes home visits. All in the name of responsible pet ownership.

Living with pets in Germany
Before getting a pet, check for permission with your landlord. While recent court decisions say that pets can’t be banned outright in the lease, landlords usually require that you get permission. The most common restrictions are on certain dog breeds that are considered dangerous. Owning a cat in Germany is much easier, but still requires that you check with the landlord. Kleintiere (small animals) may not be banned and don’t require additional permission.
Visits to the vet
Every pet owner hopes to never have to visit a Tierklinik (animal clinic) for an emergency or major surgery. But you’ll definitely need to find a local Tierarzt (veterinarian). Some of the more common reasons to visit the vet include: spaying or neutering, yearly vaccinations, teeth maintenance, injuries, poisoning, flea and tick prevention, and diagnosing illnesses. There are no compulsory procedures, with the exception of several required vaccinations (such as rabies for puppies), but every animal has its own typical medical issues.
Ask your vet for Germany pet passport documents if you have a dog, cat, or ferret. It’s required for EU travel and lists the animal’s microchip number, owner contact info, and vaccination history.
In public transit
Many public transportation systems in Germany are fine with pets accompanying you. Double check if you need an additional ticket for them or if restrictions apply. Most will require that you keep your dog on a leash and muzzled, with all other animals secured in carriers. Car travel has the extra requirement of a carrier or even seatbelt for dogs.
Pet supplies
There is a huge market for pet food, supplies, and services in Germany. You can find most anything online, as well as pet stores across the country, such as Fressnapf and Futterhaus. Whether you need a dog trainer, a cat sitter, dog hotel or want to get raw meats at the local Hundemetzger (butchers for dogs, also known as B.A.R.F. stores) – you can find just about anything by googling.
I recommend joining one of the many Facebook groups in your region for pet owners to ask specific questions, get help finding a lost animal and share cute pet photos.
Finding a pet-sitter
If you can’t find anybody in your group of friends or relatives, you can turn to local Facebook groups again or to platforms like Pawshake, which finds pet sitters in your area for you.

About pet health insurance in Germany
Dogs, cats and horses are also vulnerable to injuries and sickness, just like you. Small things like an eyes or mouth check are often fairly limited in costs. Bigger surgeries or treatments can however amount to a lot.
Since medical costs can get pretty expensive, consider signing up for German pet health insurances (“Tierkrankenversicherung”). You’ll still need to pay for vet visits out of pocket, but your insurance will then refund you for standard procedures and operations. Those can be:
- Prevention treatment
- Castration
- Surgery
- Travel insurance
In terms of costs for pet health insurance in Germany, it’s anywhere between 130€ and 300€ for a cat, and minimum 250€ for dogs per year. Make sure to read the fine prints because policies are often quite limited (maximum coverage limited to 2000€ for example, or a 20% deductible/excess). Some companies are also covering vaccination.
You can turn to providers like Luko or Getsafe. They both provide flexible pet policies at an affordable rate, with all service and claims performed in English as well.
A good alternative for some pet owners: instead of a pet health insurance in Germany, consider a “surgery insurance” for your companion. It’s called “Operationskostenversicherung”, covering only heavier surgeries, but costing less at about 130€ per year.
Owning a dog in Germany is more complicated…
Man’s best friend can be as small as a rat or as large as a pony. Maybe that’s why there are so many extra rules for them?
There are strict regulations for importing Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, and in some places Rottweilers. These breeds are considered SoKa “Sogenannter Kampfhund” or fighting dogs. If you own any of these, check the full list of breeds for more information.
Regardless of the breed, there are some rules every dog owner must follow:
- Register your dog at the local Bürgeramt and pay the mandatory dog tax (“Hundesteuer”). You can calculate how much here.
- Pick up their poop and follow local leash laws. For the latter there is some flexibility if you get the dog handler’s license (Hundeführerschein), which is the closest thing to a “TüV” for dog ownership.
- Every owner is responsible for damages to persons or objects by their dog. It makes sense to get liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) to cover potential costs. You can sign-up for a dog liability insurance with Feather, Luko or Getsafe, all digital and 100% in English.
- In Berlin, you also need to add your dog to the local dog register, the Hunderegister. This can be done online for a 17,50€ fee.
Lastly, always check if there is a sign at the front door of an establishment prohibiting dogs. They’re not allowed in supermarkets and many public buildings, but most restaurants, hotels, and cafes allow dogs. Ask nicely, and the waiter will even provide you with some water for your furry friend.

Where to meet other pet owners
Anyone will tell you: there is nothing like 2 pets meeting in the park to instantly spark a conversation between owners. It’s a great way to socialize and meet new people, especially if you are new in Germany. You can connect in different ways:
Start by looking for Facebook groups in your area. It’s a good source of information too.
- In Berlin: Dog Owners in Berlin, Kittens & Cats Need Home, Pet Friendly Berlin, Berlin & Hund
- In Hamburg: Expat Dogs in Hamburg
- Germany wide: Germany Pet Adoption, Cats & Dogs for Adoption
You can also search for local Meetups or try with you luck with Google with terms like “Hundebegegnungen [city]” or “[animal]besitzer [city]”
I hope this little introduction to life with pets in Germany was useful. Don’t hesitate to ask questions in the comments. 🙂
Thank you for mentioning that spaying or neutering pets are among the more popular causes of veterinarian visits. My sister recently got a puppy. She desires to spay her dog. I’ll advise her to take her dog to the veterinarian for pet desexing.
Do you have to neuter mature dogs? I live in the U.K. and we don’t have to do it.
Hey Aga. Not that I’m aware of.
Hi Bastien,
I’m trying to figure out what to do about registration of our new dog, etc. I looked at the insurance calculator and I already have a big question.: The dog came from a bad breeder, and we got it from a foster family. But they have no exact information on the dog breed, only that it is a poodle mix.
If you don’t know the breed, what is better to say at the tax office, and insurance? Clear Poodle breed, or a mix (unknown). The https://www.preisvergleich.de/ had no option to choose unknown second breed… 🙁 Thanks for you advice.
Hey Viki. That’s a very specific question I don’t have the answer to, I’m afraid. My opinion is that it would be best to stick to whatever is stated on documents related to the dog. In doubt, you can also ask in this Facebook group.
Hi!
Super useful resource, thanks! I have an 8 week old puppy and I am looking for a vet for the general vaccinations etc. My experience so far with vets here, is that the price truly differs per veterinarian, as well as the quality of the service they provide (I have experience getting wrong/unnecessary medication). Do you know around what price these puppy vaccinations should be, as well as how to find the right vet? We’re located in Friederichshain btw.
Kind regards!
Hey Nadia. I can’t really help you. The price of the vaccine itself is regulated but not the vet’s fees themselves. That’s why prices can differ (additional source). Finding the right vet: Google would your friend I suppose, or perhaps a pet owner group on FB? Good luck.
Hi great article. Quick question, is there any laws prohibiting dogs from always living outside. We’re considering getting a dog and the landlord said we would only be allowed if it would mostly be outside. Obviously we’re looking for dogs that like to live outside.
Hey Fedora. If I am to trust this source, it is possible to leave a dog outside, provided it has protection against elements (cold, wind, rain, sun).
Hi there! Extremely useful article! I would like to kindly ask you something: if I have adopted a cat from another EU country (not a kitten, it has 3-4 years), and she hasn’t received any vaccination, what vaccination should she receive in order to be brought to Germany? Thanks in advance!
Hey Dianne. From what I understand from this source, Rabbies.
Hi!
I have a problem, and my search turned up nothing.
Haus und Grund want me to get rid of my dog, due to complains from other tenants. I have American Bulldog, and she barks at people in front of the lift, she is scared or surprised by people when doors open. She is not aggressive, just loud. We use maulkorb for lift and building, just so people can feel safer, but still they complain.
Does haus und grund have the right to force us get rid of dog, what are our options? We live in Bremen, and she is not listed hund.
Thanks in advance!
Hey Kapica. That is hard to say, without looking at your contract. Looking at this source, it tells me that a landlord can allow a dog to live with you in the flat, but they can also take that authorization back as well. That can happen if the terms of the contract regulating ownership of dog in the house are not respected. But doing that seems to be difficult, as the landlord needs to have tangible proof. etc. In doubt, it’s best to consult with a tenancy advocacy group (Mieterverein Bremen)
Hi! I’m from the US and have always abided by the rule that your puppy shouldn’t go outside until 2 weeks after his last shot to protect him from nasty germs left by sick or unvaccinated animals. However since moving to Germany I haven’t heard any reference to this general rule of thumb. Am I wrong in assuming it might have just been something we learned in the US, where vaccines and registration are far less regulated? Is it okay to take a puppy outside for pee/poo before his last shot?
Hey Paul. I couldn’t find any specific information even on this source.
Hi Bastien,
Im getting a new kitten from a friend. wanted to know what are the first vaccinations she should get and how much will this cost?
Hey Liana. I found the following general tips on here and one source about vaccination.
Hi,
I know the topic is on dogs, but as of 2020, can you please let me know the price for microchipping a pet(cat). We are planning to adopt one out of a shelter but unfortunately, its neither neutered nor microchipped. We have to bear those charges it seems. Could you please let us know what to do in this case?
Hey Rachel. This source tells me between 30€ and 50€.
Hey
I have three dogs that I would like to export from kenya to Berlin
Please help me to get clearance process
HI
Do we need to pay dog tax if we foster a dog from outside germany for only few months?
Thanks in advance.
Hey Ajeesh. Would you be the owner of the dog for that period of time?
Hi Kayla, I got my pup from Prague. He’s a 6 month old yorkie. We are shifting to Germany. Will I be fined for registering him late. I haven’t registered him in Prague but I got all the necessary documents and vaccinations and pet passport.
Very helpful, thanks Bastien!
Hi Kayla, I am living in Berlin, since 6 months now with my cat. I am thinking to get pet medical insurance for him. It would be really helpful if you can suggest a website where i can look for medical health insurances for pet.
Hey Surakshit. That’s a good suggestion. have you considered Preisvergleich and look for for Tierversicherung already?
How much would the fine be if i get caught without the Anmeldung for my dog? Considering that im always picking up the poo and she is never off leash.
Hey Mona. Do you mean without the actual paper now?
Are there any legal requirements in germany for pet sitting other peoples dogs for money?
Hey Kayla. If you do this professionally, I’d suppose to be registered as a freelancer and probably sign-up for insurance in case something bad happens to the dogs.