What is it and when to do it?
The Hundesteuer is a local municipal tax for keeping a dog. When you move to a new municipality you must deregister your dog in the old one and register in the new one within 2 weeks. The tax rate varies by city — Berlin is generally cheaper than Munich.
Where and how much does it cost?
Register at the Ordnungsamt or Stadthaus of your Gemeinde — often available online through the city portal. After the first payment you receive a Hundemarke (metal tag with a unique number). Your dog must wear it on its collar at all times. Check the current tax rate on your city’s website.
Common mistakes
Moved from Hamburg to Stuttgart, deregistered the dog in Hamburg but forgot to register in Stuttgart. Three months later: a €750 fine and a demand to pay the tax for all missed months. Register in the new municipality at the same time as you deregister in the old one.
Assumed the Hundemarke from the old city was valid everywhere. An inspector in the park stopped me — the tag was from the wrong district: €200 fine. The Hundemarke is issued locally and is only valid within its own Gemeinde.