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

Dog tax in Düsseldorf

First dog

€96 per year

Second dog

€150 per yearApplies to each dog when two dogs are kept.

Further levels

One dog 96 euros; two dogs 150 euros each; three or more dogs 180 euros each (§ 2 Abs. 1).

Listed breed

€600 per yearDangerous dogs and dogs of certain breeds (§ 2 Abs. 2–3): 600 euros for one such dog; two such dogs 900 euros each, three or more 1,200 euros each; 750 euros if such a dog is kept together with other dogs; 1,050 euros per such dog if two or more are kept together with other dogs.

Reductions and exemptions

Half tax for guard dogs at buildings more than 200 m from the nearest inhabited building, a quarter for guard dogs of agricultural properties more than 400 m from the built-up area (at most two dogs each); dogs from the Düsseldorf-Rath animal shelter tax-free for the first twelve months; assistance dogs under § 12e BGG tax-free. For owners of dangerous dogs or certain breeds, in principle no exemption or reduction.

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 28 October 2026

Off-leash areas in Düsseldorf

More than 30 – dog exercise areas in municipal green spaces (excluding the additional dog off-leash areas)

The city has set up more than thirty dog exercise areas in green spaces, marked with signs; in addition there are several unfenced, signposted dog off-leash areas outside the green spaces. The exercise areas are not escape-proof and are not open to dangerous dogs and dogs of certain breeds under the LHundG NRW.

Official overview

checked on 29 October 2026

Leash in Düsseldorf

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.