In Berlin, you must register your dog in a few places:
- At the Finanzamt, to pay the dog tax (Hundesteuer)
- In the dog registry (Hunderegister).
- At the Ordnungsamt, if it's a dangerous breed.
This guide shows you how to do it.
How to register for dog tax
What is the dog tax?
In Berlin, you must pay a dog tax (Hundesteuer)1.
It costs 120€/year for one dog. It costs 180€/year for each
extra dog1. You pay the tax once per year by bank transfer. They take the money automatically with a direct debit authorisation.
Guide dogs are exempt from the dog tax1. If you adopt a dog from an animal shelter (Tierheim), you pay no dog tax for one year1. You must still register your adopted dog within 1 month, but it's free.
How to register your dog
To pay the dog tax, you must register your dog at the Finanzamt. After your dog is born, or after you move to Berlin, you have 1 month to register your dog1. When you leave Berlin, you must deregister your dog to stop paying the dog tax.
- Fill the registration form (Hundesteuer — Anmeldung) and the direct debit authorisation (SEPA-Lastschriftmandat).
- Send the registration form to your local Finanzamt. Use this page to find your local Finanzamt.
When you register for dog tax, you get a dog tag (Hundesteuermarke) by post. You must put the tag on your dog's collar. You also get a dog tax certificate (Hundesteuerbescheid) and a dog tax number (Hundesteuernummer).
Hundesteuer registration (in German) — Berlin.de
How to change your address
- Fill the registration form (Hundesteuer — Anmeldung).
- Send the registration form to your local Finanzamt. Use this page to find your local Finanzamt.
How to deregister your dog
If you leave Berlin, if another person adopts your dog, or if your dog dies, you must deregister it1. When you deregister your dog, you stop paying the dog tax.
- Fill the deregistration form (Hundesteuer — Abmeldung).
- Send the form and the dog tag (Hundesteuermarke) to your local Finanzamt. Use this page to find your local Finanzamt.
You will get a confirmation letter around 4 weeks later.
How to register in the Hunderegister
In Berlin, all dogs must be in the dog registry (Hunderegister)§11. You can do it online. It costs 17.50€. You can also do it by post or by phone1.
Berlin dog register (in German) — Berlin.de
How to register a dangerous breed
In Berlin, Pitbulls, American Staffordshire Terriers and Bull Terriers are considered dangerous breeds. They must be registered at the Ordnungsamt
How to register your dog
You must register dangerous breeds at the Ordnungsamt. It costs 30€1.
Registration of dangerous breeds (in German) — Berlin.de
How to change your address
When you move, you must also report your address change at the Ordnungsamt.
How to deregister your dog
If you leave Berlin, you must deregister your dog at the Ordnungsamt.
What's next?
In Berlin, your dog must have dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung). You also need a permit to walk your dog without a leash (Hundeführerschein). My dog owner guide has more information.