Pet Owner's Guide to

Welcome to Germany—where dogs accompany their humans into shops, ride the U-Bahn with calm confidence, and explore forest trails with joyful energy.
Germany is one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe, known for its orderliness, efficiency, and deep respect for animal welfare. Pets are welcome in many public places—but obedience and etiquette are essential.

This guide covers veterinary care, pet laws, parks, pet-friendly venues, and practical insights to help your pet thrive in Deutschland.

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

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.

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

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.