The rate varies by municipality and breed: a second dog costs more almost everywhere, listed breeds up to €800 a year.
Dog Tax: Registering Your Dog
Register within the first weeks of getting the dog. The municipality sets the rate: roughly €30–180 per year; listed breeds cost far more.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
AUTHORITY
Bürgeramt / Bürgerbüro
Municipal authorityEvery town runs its own Bürgeramt. Enter your postcode and we will show yours.
Where to go in your city →
DOCUMENTS 2
COSTS
- €Dog tax, normal breed €30–180 per year
the municipality sets the rate; listed breeds up to €800
› Details and tips
👨🏻💻
Max recommends:
I registered the dog online in the first week — many cities allow it. A dog-tax tag for the collar arrived; the public-order office really does check it in parks.
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Lea recommends:
Service dogs, guide dogs and shelter dogs are often exempt or reduced in the first year. Ask the tax office — the relief is granted on application, not automatically.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Must the dog be registered for tax immediately? ▾
Yes, usually within a month of getting the dog — at the city tax/citizens office. Delay brings back-payment and a fine. The rate depends on the city: ~30 to 180 € a year for the first dog.
Is a second dog more expensive? ▾
Almost everywhere yes: cities deliberately raise the tax per additional dog, and listed breeds many times over. Check your city rates before getting a second.
What happens without registration? ▾
At checks (the tag!) you face back taxes for all years plus a fine. Municipalities cross-check data with vets and breeders.
A shelter dog — any discounts? ▾
Many municipalities waive the tax for 1–2 years for local shelter dogs — ask when registering.
We are moving to another city? ▾
The dog tax follows the municipality: deregister in the old one, register in the new — like your own address.