Dogs in Bielefeld: Dog tax, off-leash areas and rules

Dog tax in Bielefeld

First dog

€144 per year

Second dog

€156 per yearApplies to each dog when two dogs are kept.

Further levels

One dog 144 euros; two dogs 156 euros each; three or more dogs 168 euros each (§ 2).

Listed breed

No separate rate – the general rate appliesThe bylaw does not set a higher rate for dangerous dogs (text search without results); the graduated rates under § 2 apply.

Reductions and exemptions

Tax-free status or tax exemption under § 3 and reduction on application to a quarter of the tax rate under § 4 (conditions not evaluated in detail).

Registration

Within two weeks of taking the dog in; puppies from your own litter within two weeks after the dog has turned three months old.

checked on 28 October 2026

Off-leash areas in Bielefeld

Signposted dog exercise areas with bag dispensers, among others at Tierpark Olderdissen, Gellershagenpark and Tackeloh (Stieghorst); in addition, areas without a general leash requirement under the LHundG NRW (not enclosed or not a classic park or green space).

Official overview

checked on 29 October 2026

Leash in Bielefeld

Separate city rules (e.g. green space bylaws, hazard prevention or dog ordinances) not checked; the rules of the federal state apply.

Leash rules in North Rhine-Westphalia

No guarantee

As of: 29 October 2026. The official text alone is authoritative. Source and date checked per row.

Not legal advice. We summarise the rules in plain language. This is a guide and does not replace information from the competent authority.