Dogs in the City (German Edition)

10 dog breeds that originated in Germany

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In public parks and woodland, the lead may be up to 2 metres long. The above does not apply for designated dog exercise areas. In such areas, dogs do not need to wear a muzzle either. Some public parks, all playgrounds and some public buildings e. Before visiting a public place, please check their respective website or consult our Service Centre or Tourist Info points to find out whether dogs are allowed.

Failure to do so may incur a penalty fee. Please help keep the city tidy! Dogs must be kept on a lead in the S-Bahn and U-Bahn and on buses or trams. Large dogs require a ticket reduced fee , small dogs may be taken along for free in a corresponding dog carrier. Guide dogs for the blind travel for free, of course!

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If you would rather have your best friend at your side as you explore the city, then we suggest taking a guided tour with Melanie Knies. You can even explore the city with your dog on water: The river cruise company Stern und Kreisschiffahrt expressly welcomes your dogs on board its steamer trips along the River Spree and, on the boats run by Reederei Riedel , you can also have your animal companion serve as honorary captain.

You can also see the city by boat with your dog. Stern und Kreisschiffahrt shipping operators expressly welcome dogs aboard their steam-boat Spree tours and Reederei Riedel shipping also allows dogs aboard. Some of the parks officially allowing dogs:. But if your pets are on the smaller side, like guinea pigs, rabbits and rodents, there's no need for a passport.

It goes without saying that before bringing a pet into rented accommodation , you need to check whether your landlord allows it. You're likely to be allowed a pet in long-term rented accommodation - particularly houses - but if you're in a city apartment you're much more likely to come across restrictions. Service dogs can be an exception to the rules when it comes to animal bans, but laws on service dogs vary from state to state so it's probably a good idea to just find an animal-friendly landlord to begin with.

Smaller pets such as hamsters or fish are also sometimes an exception to the rule, as well as some more off-the-wall creatures such as hedgehogs and chameleons.

American Eskimo

Most European countries scrapped the dog tax in the 20th century but Germany still stubbornly refuses to change the law. Dog owners pay a lot more dog tax per animal if they have multiple dogs. This is because the aim of the tax is to keep dog ownership down. Luckily there are circumstances in which you are exempt from paying the dog tax, for example, if your dog is a service dog.

1: Paris, France

Good news for adoptive pet owners too: Cat owners can be smug in the knowledge that, while cats do need to be licensed, they are not subject to any kind of tax. If you decide to adopt a pet, the best way to go about it is to go to a 'Tierheim' , meaning animal shelter. A good thing about adopting from a shelter is that all animals are microchipped, come with a pet passport and will have up-to-date vaccinations.

Shelters tend not to let you 'reserve' an animal so expect to start the adoption process the same day as choosing your pet. You can also often come home with your new furry friend that day. Because of this, it's best not to look around if you're not going to choose an animal that day because you may come back another day to find that the one you fell in love with was adopted by someone else. Once you've chosen your new pet you'll need to fill out the necessary paperwork. You'll be required to provide contact details, proof of ID and a copy of your 'Anmeldung', or proof that you live in Germany.

After that you'll be required to pay the adoption fee: These fees cover care, vaccinations, microchipping and spay or neutering. After that, the animal is all yours to take home in a box or travel crate provided by yourself. Be warned though, Germans take animal welfare very seriously so expect hundreds of questions from the shelter about everything from your house and garden size to your working hours and family to whether you promise not to abandon your pet when you do move.

Some shelters may even want to view your house before letting you adopt a cat or dog - so check it's suitably sized. Known as ' Tierartz ', which directly translates to 'animal doctor', Germany is by no means short of vets. It's a good idea to register with a local vet on arrival as this will make things easier in an emergency as they'll already have your pet's details.

Appointments are not usually necessary and payment is typically made directly after treatment, meaning veterinary clinics are one of the few places in cash-happy Germany you can guarantee will take card. There's no need to worry if your German doesn't yet include an extensive medical vocabulary as vets often speak a little English.

But if the language barrier gets in the way there's no need to panic. Vets are used to working out what is wrong with patients who meow, bark or squeak instead of explaining their symptoms, so they will find a way to assess what is wrong with your furry friend. Germany is incredibly dog-friendly; whether you're in the countryside or a big city, you are unlikely to go more than metres without walking past a dog. Some offices even allow you to bring your dog to work - an added bonus for anyone who left a beloved dog with family when they moved here. Even though you cannot bring a dog into a supermarket in Germany unless it is a service dog, many restaurants are happy to accommodate furry friends.

Great Dane

But to be safe it's best to check with a server on arrival. You may also be required to buy your dog a ticket - usually at half normal price - and to keep your dog on a short leash. That being said, most people tend to turn a blind eye if your dog is well trained enough not to need a lead but you didn't hear that from us.

While pet insurance is of course very helpful for unexpected vet's bills, Germany also has another kind of pet insurance called ' Hundehaftpflichtversicherung '. This tongue twister directly translates to 'dog liability insurance'. This is a legal requirement in case they cause some kind of property damage or accident. In other words, just like your insurance covers you when driving if you crash into another car, your dog insurance will cover you if your dog causes, for example, a bike crash.

Germany, of course, has rules regarding animals in public places, though like all things they vary from state to state. Dogs are not allowed in children's playgrounds and, although they are allowed in parks, it is best not to let your dog use these areas as a toilet as once again children tend to play there. Not to point fingers but Germans tend to be better at bothering to scoop the poop than certain other European countries. Part of the reason for this is common courtesy but there is also the added motivation of avoiding a fine which could run up to thousands of euros.

Dogs must be kept on a lead in public and residential areas. In other places, they can run around off the lead but should usually be put back on the lead or called to you when someone approaches. You could also happily walk your ferret or even your cat if you really wanted to in Germany, but you're likely to get one or two funny looks. Iceland may have a population of just over , people all with equally unpronounceable names but that doesn't stop it churning out a stream of globally-renowned people.

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Other pages Apartment rentals Noticeboard Discussion forum. Everything you need to know about having a pet in Germany Anja Samy.

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Whether you're bringing your furry friend from abroad or planning to adopt one, here are some key things you should know about having pets in Germany. Bringing pets to Germany For many people, a pet is part of the family. Pet immigration laws Whether you're a human or not, immigration in Germany is dealt with by 'der Zoll'. DPA Pets in rented accommodation It goes without saying that before bringing a pet into rented accommodation , you need to check whether your landlord allows it.

Adoption , animals are in need of adoption every year in Germany. Out and about Germany is incredibly dog-friendly; whether you're in the countryside or a big city, you are unlikely to go more than metres without walking past a dog. Virginia Saul Pet Insurance While pet insurance is of course very helpful for unexpected vet's bills, Germany also has another kind of pet insurance called ' Hundehaftpflichtversicherung '. Walks Germany, of course, has rules regarding animals in public places, though like all things they vary from state to state.

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