Free consultation and order
warencorb My Cart 0 item(s) - £0.00
Your shopping cart is empty!

Register your dog: What do I need to look out for?

Bringing a dog into the home is an exciting time for new owners, despite the inevitable stress in the first weeks. One thing that should not be forgotten amid all the chaos is the registration of the dog.

Learn why registering your dog is necessary, who the appropriate contact person is, and the timeframe for registration in the following paragraphs.

Registering a Dog - Key Points at a Glance

  • Dogs are taxable from the age of three months and must be registered by their owners with the relevant authorities.
  • The typical deadline for dog registration is between two and four weeks.
  • Prior to registering their dog, owners must have liability insurance and have the animal microchipped.
  • When moving within the same city, it is necessary to update the dog's registration.
  • Failure to register a dog is considered a violation, and a fine may be imposed.

Why is Registering a Dog Necessary?

As a dog owner, you are likely aware that you must pay dog tax for your four-legged companion. The amount may vary depending on your place of residence. Additionally, dog tax for so-called restricted breeds is often higher in many cities compared to other dog breeds.

To collect dog tax, it is necessary to register your dog.

What Deadline Must be Followed for Dog Registration?

Dogs reaching the third month of life become subject to taxation. Generally, you have between two and four weeks from this point to register your dog for dog tax.

If you've acquired an older dog or moved with your canine companion, you can usually assume that the same deadlines apply for registration or re-registration.

Note that regulations may vary from city to city. Therefore, inform yourself in advance about the deadlines for dog registration in your hometown.

Where Can I Register My Dog?

Dog tax is levied by municipalities. Therefore, dog registration usually takes place at the city treasury of your place of residence. However, some federal states maintain a dog register. If so, dogs must be entered in these registers, automatically registering them for dog tax.

What Needs to be Done Before Registering the Dog?

Before you can register your dog, you must arrange for liability insurance for your dog. Additionally, it is necessary to have your dog microchipped.

Your trusted veterinarian will handle the latter. The insertion of the microchip takes only a few moments and costs approximately 50 to 60 euros.

What Do You Need for Dog Registration?

When registering for dog tax, you must provide your personal information. Furthermore, you need to provide details about the dog's breed, age, and the duration of your ownership.

Additionally, depending on the federal state and dog breed, you may need to have additional documents such as a permission to keep the dog or a certificate of competence due to breed restrictions when registering.

Apart from that, you need when registering your dog:

  • Your ID card
  • The microchip number
  • Possibly money to pay the registration fee
  • Proof of having a dog owner liability insurance

How much does it cost to register a dog?

Generally, there are no costs associated with registering a dog for dog tax. However, you may need to register your furry friend in a dog register in your hometown and pay a processing fee, typically around 30 euros. For precise details, inquire at the town hall or check the city's website if necessary.

What happens after registering the dog?

After successfully registering your dog, you will receive the dog tag and the dog tax notification. The tag must be worn by your four-legged companion whenever you leave the house. Additionally, you must regularly pay the dog tax, usually once a year.

Registering a Dog in Case of Moving

Registering the dog is necessary not only when the canine has just joined your household but also when you have moved. If your residence has changed within your hometown, you can simply update the dog's registration. However, if you've moved to a new city, it's necessary to unregister your dog at the old address and re-register at the new one.

Can you register a dog online?

If you wish to avoid a trip to the authorities, you usually have the option to register your dog online. Some providers even offer to handle the process on your behalf.

Consequences of not registering a dog

The obligation to register a dog is governed by dog tax laws or municipal tax laws of the federal states. Failure to fulfill this obligation constitutes an offense, and you may face a fine. The amount of the fine for not registering a dog can sometimes be several thousand euros. Consider that not paying the dog tax may lead to accusations of tax evasion, incurring additional costs that you'll ultimately have to settle.

Registering a Dog - Our Conclusion

As a responsible owner, it is crucial to promptly attend to the registration of your dog. Therefore, despite the excitement associated with the arrival of your four-legged friend, remember to visit the relevant authorities within the specified timeframe.

Was this page helpful?

Write a review

Bad
Good
watsapp-button-icon
bellfore motive