Pet Owner's Guide to
Living in Germany 2025

For more detailed information on how to bring your beloved pets to Germany, please refer to our comprehensive Germany Pet Travel Guide.
Life in Germany with Pets
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.
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
🐾 Final Thoughts
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.
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