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

Dog tax in Dortmund

First dog

€156 per year

Second dog

€204 per yearApplies to each dog when two dogs are kept.

Further levels

Only one dog 156 euros; two dogs 204 euros each; three or more dogs 228 euros each (§ 2 Abs. 1).

Listed breed

€468 per yearper dangerous dog (§ 2 Abs. 1 Buchst. d). For dangerous dogs under § 2 Abs. 3 Buchst. b (the breeds named) 312 euros per year if a behaviour test has shown that no danger to public safety is to be feared (§ 5 Abs. 4). For dangerous dogs there is no tax exemption (§ 4 Abs. 2) and no reduction under § 5 Abs. 1 to 3 (§ 5 Abs. 5).

Reductions and exemptions

Half tax on application for guard dogs at buildings more than 200 m from the nearest inhabited building and for owners receiving citizen's income (Bürgergeld) or basic income support (SGB XII) or with equivalent income (this reduction only for one dog, § 5 Abs. 3); a quarter for guard dogs of agricultural properties more than 400 m from the built-up area (§ 5).

Registration

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

checked on 29 October 2026

Off-leash areas in Dortmund

We are still checking this information. Until then, the official text applies: Official source

checked on 29 October 2026

Leash in Dortmund

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.