Only two things are certain in life: death and taxes. You can thank Benjamin Franklin for that life lesson which is still rings true today. Whilst both are interesting topics that (in my opinion) warrant further discussion I’ll only be talking about the latter today, but not just the latter. Please don’t click ‘next’ just yet, particularly if you have a four-legged member of your household.

My own personal tax-paid dog. PHOTO: AlieC

Responsibilities are big in Germany. Personal responsibilities, which endeavour to be beneficial to the common good are a cornerstone of daily life. Areas like recycling apply to everyone, whilst others apply to certain parts of the country like the formidable Kehrwoche in Baden-Württemberg. If you have a dog you’ll find that there are some additional responsibilities that come with your furry friend too.

Hundesteuer (dog tax)
Most European countries have long since done away with the Hundesteuer, but Germany has steadfastly held on tight to the notion that dogs (like people) should be registered and taxed. Whilst dog taxation is countrywide, the costs can vary widely. In Berlin you can expect to pay 120 €, whilst in Stuttgart only 108€, and in Munich a mere 100€. Most cities also charge more for a second dog and some more again for other others. In Berlin it costs 180€ per additional dog, in Stuttgart 216€ per additional dog, and in Munich you pay a flat rate 100€ for every additional dog. Some places, such as Chemnitz, charge 100€ for a first dog, 135€ for a second and 165€ for anymore after that.

These costs do not apply to certain breeds, which are considered gefährliche Hunde/Kampfhunde (dangerous/attack dogs), tax for these breeds, which are published by the individual states is usually in the region of 600 euros. There is good news however for some owners. Dogs that are adopted from a Tierheim (animal shelter) are exempt of taxation for a full year post adoption and if you are lucky enough to live in Eschborn, Hesse you’ll find that they did away with dog taxation in 1999, lucky you.

Hundehaftpflichtversicherung (dog liability insurance)
Whilst many dog owners may choose to insure their pet to ensure lower future medical bills, dog liability insurance is mandatory in Germany. Just like haftpflichtversicherung (personal liability insurance) it is in place to cover any damage your dog might do to your rental property, a neighbour’s garden or if your dog darts out into the road causing a five-car pile up. Potential landlords will always make sure you have a current policy and if you adopt a dog (like I did) you must have a policy in place before you can take your dog home.

Pferdehaftpflichtversicherung (horse liability insurance) is also available and highly recommended for the same reasons, although it’s unlikely that your horse would be living in your rental property with you. To each his own though.

Microchipping
Though not compulsory, microchipping your dog (or cat or ferret) is usually recommended, even indoor animals can make an unexpected escape and a chip makes identification of a lost animal much easier If you wish to travel outside of Germany with your dog however, a microchip is compulsory, as well as a dog (medical) passport. Another plus point for adopting a dog from a Tierheim is that they come chipped, with updated vaccinations and a passport as standard.

Having a pet can be expensive, rewarding and fantastic but also expensive. So when something comes along that doesn’t want your money, I can understand being suspicious. I was. Thankfully the Tierheim we adopted our dog from walked us though the steps of dog ownership in Germany so we didn’t miss out on this useful tip.

Tasso
This is an organisation that should be of interest to anyone with a pet, and it’s completely free to join and use. Tasso is a centralised registration organisation for pets in Germany, every micro chipped pet can be registered in their online system and will receive a Tasso identifying tag which can be attached to a collar or simply kept at home (just in case). The function of Tasso is mainly one to identify and assist in returning animals to their owners after they have gone missing.

PHOTO: Tasso.net

A 24-hour hotline ensures that news of your lost pet is distributed to local organisations like veterinary offices and Tierheim, they will also free flyers for you to distribute and use their hotline numbers so you are free to search for your lost pet whilst not fielding random phone calls. Having seen it in action, I cannot recommend signing up enough. Tier registrieren (animal registration) is also available in English.

Just an FYI, your vet is one of the few places in Germany where you will generally be able to pay by card at.

Even with dog tax and extra insurance I’m still convinced adopting our dog was definitely one of our best ever decisions and I’m guessing that most other pet owners feel the same.