Pet Owner's Guide to
Living in Germany 2026

Choosing a Veterinarian in Germany

Germany has a highly professional veterinary system. Clinics are modern and well-distributed, and many vets speak English—especially in major cities and university towns.

Top Veterinary Clinics:

• Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover (Hannover) – Leading veterinary teaching hospital for specialized care.
• Kleintierklinik LMU München (Munich) – Offers emergency and referral services at a top research institution.
• AniCura Berlin – Part of a European network known for multilingual service and advanced diagnostics.
• Tierarztpraxis am Hofgarten (Düsseldorf) – Expat-friendly and centrally located with preventive and dental care.

👉 Tip: Many Germans carry pet insurance to offset costs. Some clinics may require upfront payment, so check your vet’s policies.

🏥 Emergency Services

Emergency vet services are available in most urban areas, either via large clinics or after-hours partnerships.

To be prepared:

• Identify your local 24/7 clinic or on-call vet (Notdienst)
• Save emergency numbers and addresses
• Keep your pet’s Impfpass (vaccination booklet) or health documents handy

Pet-Friendly Cafes and Restaurants

German culture appreciates calm, well-trained dogs—and many cafés, beer gardens, and restaurants welcome them.

Pet-Friendly Spots:

• Café Einstein Stammhaus (Berlin) – Historic café where dogs are welcome both indoors and out.
• Ludwig Van (Cologne) – French-German bistro with a dog-positive attitude.
• Prinz Myshkin (Munich) – Elegant vegetarian spot with a relaxed vibe and room for pets.
• Schlossgarten Restaurants (Nationwide) – Many castle grounds have dog-friendly eateries attached

Dog Parks and Green Spaces

Germany’s forest paths, castle grounds, and dog-friendly lakes make it an ideal place for outdoor-loving pets.

Dog-Friendly Spots:

• Tiergarten (Berlin) – Historic park with wide paths and open green spaces.
• Englischer Garten (Munich) – One of the world’s largest urban parks; dogs welcome on-leash.
• Grunewald Forest (Berlin) – Includes a dog swimming lake and off-leash zones.
• Rheinaue Park (Bonn) – Scenic trails and dog-friendly areas along the Rhine.

Outdoor Tips:

• Look for “Hundeauslaufgebiet” signs—these indicate dog run or off-leash areas
• Leashing is required near playgrounds, bike paths, and during nesting seasons
• Always carry poop bags (Hundekotbeutel)—they are often provided in dispensers

🚆 Transportation with Pets

Germany’s public transportation system is exceptionally pet-friendly.

• Trains (Deutsche Bahn):
  • Small pets travel free in a carrier
  • Large dogs require a half-price ticket and must be leashed and muzzled
  • Dogs are not allowed on seats and should be calm and well-socialized
• Local Transit (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Trams):
  • Dogs are generally welcome under the same rules
  • Some cities allow dogs without a muzzle if well-behaved (check local BVG or MVV rules)
• Cars:
  • Pets must be restrained using a harness, crate, or guard to comply with road safety laws

Pet Supply Stores

Germany has a well-developed pet retail market with affordable, high-quality products—especially for dogs.

Popular Retailers:

• Fressnapf – Germany’s largest chain, offering food, gear, and grooming services.
• Das Futterhaus – Competitive prices and wide selection.
• Zooplus.de – Leading online retailer with fast delivery and international brands.
• Hundemaxx (Nuremberg & Munich) – A massive dog-focused store offering specialty products and training gear.

Final Thoughts

Germany takes animal welfare and public responsibility seriously. Rules are well-documented and enforced, especially in cities.

Dogs:

• Must be microchipped and registered with the local municipality (Anmeldung)
• Many states require liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung)
• An annual dog tax (Hundesteuer) applies—fees vary by city and breed
• Leashes are often required in public areas; muzzle rules apply for some breeds
• Certain breeds (e.g., Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull) face restrictions or bans in specific states (Bundesländer)

Cats:

• No national registration law, but some regions may require microchipping and neutering
• Indoor cats are common in cities; in villages, outdoor cats must often be neutered to prevent overpopulation

👉 Note: In many German cities, failure to register your dog or pick up waste can result in fines.

🐕 Pet Culture & Community

Germans are known for well-trained, obedient dogs—obedience training is considered a basic responsibility

• Dog schools (Hundeschule) are common, and many cities require proof of training for larger breeds
• Cleanup is mandatory, and enforcement is real—be prepared with bags at all times
• Animal shelters (Tierheime) are well-funded and support strong adoption programs

Germany combines structure with freedom—making it a dream for well-trained pets and responsible owners. With green cities, efficient infrastructure, and a society that embraces four-legged family members, you and your pet can enjoy a rich, active, and respectful lifestyle.

👉 Need support registering your dog, navigating transport rules, or preparing for your next move? Contact Starwood Pet Travel—we’re fluent in the fine print so you don’t have to be.