Dog tax 2025: Where dog owners pay the most and least!

Dog tax 2025: Where dog owners pay the most and least!

Bad Hersfeld, Deutschland - In Germany, dogs are far more than just pets; They are loyal companions, sports partners and often an important part of the family. But when keeping a dog, not only joy and responsibility come up to the owners, but also the dog tax, which can vary greatly depending on the municipality. A comprehensive analysis of the dog tax rates from 395 German cities shows great differences that depend on both the respective city and special regulations.

from Mainz to Ahlen: The differences in dog taxes are striking. According to Kommunal.de, the highest dog tax is 186 euros per year in Mainz. In the second place, Hagen and Wiesbaden follow with 180 euros. On the other hand, there are cities that prefer to relieve dog owners financially: Ahlen does not raise a dog tax at all, while Winsen does only 24 euros on the Luhe. In a total of 16 municipalities in Germany, dog owners have to pay less than 50 euros.

A look at the tax increases

However, the past few years have led to tax increases in many cities in the Federal Republic. There were drastic climbs in particular in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. The dog tax in Landshut doubled from 30 to 60 euros, while Bocholt increased from 42 to 84 euros. This development affects a total of 36 cities, which is about 9% of the analyzed cities.

Not all cities follow this trend: the tax was in place from 120 to 75 euros, which corresponds to a decrease of 37%. There were also moderate reductions in Zwickau and Merzig.

The tax for dangerous dogs

It can be particularly expensive for holder from the dogs classified as dangerous. A special tax is charged for this in 183 out of 395 cities, and prices can reach dizzying heights. Bretten runs with a tax of 1,660 euros, followed by Monheim am Rhein (1,440 euros) and Solingen (1,200 euros). On the other hand, cities like Marburg and Ganderkesee, each with 120 euros, have the cheapest tariffs for dangerous dogs.

Tax development shows an interesting trend: in Landshut, the tax increased by 75%for dangerous dogs, while a decrease from 500 to 114 euros was recorded in Magdeburg.

The registration and legal framework conditions

Dog owners in Germany also have to deal with various legal regulations. These vary depending on the federal state and can affect linen or muzzle obligations as well as the keeping of certain dog breeds. As mentioned on hundekratie.de, blind leader dogs are freed from dog tax in many cities, which is a relief for many owners.

A look into the future

The dog tax in Germany should not only serve to finance local tasks, but also to regulate dog keeping. However, critics often demand a fairer distribution because there is no comparable tax for cats or other pets. In times when dogs are more than ever seen as family members, it could be time to think about a reform of this system. Another interesting thought that goes through the head many owners: What other discounts could be introduced to make dog keeping attractive for everyone?

The dog tax remains an exciting and often controversial topic that dog owners will continue to employ in Germany. Whether on a cozy walk in the park or in the sporting run - the bond between man and dog remains unbroken, even if the tax load sometimes weighs heavily on the dog leash.

For more information about the dog tax, you can also find [animals online] (https://www.tiere-online.de/hunde/hunde-ratgeber/hundeStein