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

Dog tax in Bochum

First dog

€168 per year

Second dog

€192 per yearApplies to each dog when two dogs are kept.

Further levels

One dog 168 euros; two dogs 192 euros each; three or more dogs 216 euros each (§ 2).

Listed breed

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

Reductions and exemptions

Tax exemption, among others, for dogs taken over from an animal shelter and for rescue or assistance dogs (§ 3, conditions in the bylaw); reduction on application under § 4, among others to half the tax rate – since 5 November 2024 also for people receiving housing benefit or asylum seeker benefits (city's page).

Registration

Before two weeks have passed after taking the dog into the household or moving to Bochum with the dog (city's page).

checked on 28 October 2026

Off-leash areas in Bochum

14 – dog meadows in parks and green spaces («currently»)

Fourteen dog meadows (lawns in parks and green spaces), some enclosed with a steel mesh fence, some open and only signposted; there the dog may move around off the leash. Use is at your own risk.

Official overview

checked on 29 October 2026

Leash in Bochum

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.