Dogs in Bremen, Germany: rules, tax and travel
Bremen's new dog law (in force 10 July 2025) requires a Sachkunde exam, microchip, registration in a pet register and liability insurance for every dog keeper. The Sachkunde part applies from 1 July 2026.
Bremen is a city state; the BremHundeG replaced the 2001 dog law. Transitional rules give owners of listed breeds until 30 June 2028 for the Sachkunde exam.
The national rules for Germany apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bremen | Banned | American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Kreuzungen (crosses) of the above BremHundeG (2025 version replacing the 2001 law): keeping Pitbull Terrier, Bullterrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bullterrier is prohibited with narrow exceptions. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Owners must register the dog with its chip number in a recognised pet register promptly after getting it. Dogs under 3 months are exempt. Existing keepers had 6 months from the law taking effect.[2]
Dogs must carry an ISO 11784 or 11785 microchip by the end of the third month and before any first transfer to a new owner.[2]
Dog tax and licence
Bremen (city) charges 150 EUR a year for the first dog according to the Bund der Steuerzahler comparison 2026.[3]
typical 150 EUR a year
Every owner needs Sachkunde: a theory exam before getting the dog and a practical exam within the first year. People with several years of earlier dog keeping need only the practical exam. Vets and assistance dog handlers are exempt. This part applies from 1 July 2026.[2]
Insurance
Liability insurance is compulsory from the start of keeping, with minimum cover of 500,000 EUR for personal injury and 250,000 EUR for property damage.[2]
Leash and muzzle
A leash is required in pedestrian zones, at public events and markets, in public parks and green spaces (except dog runs), shared areas of apartment buildings, public buildings and transport, sports facilities, campsites, cemeteries and fairs. Exceptions can be granted.[2]
Other rules
Dogs are barred from children's playgrounds and from marked lawns in public parks from 1 April to 30 September. Owners must stop persistent barking or jumping and clean up dog waste.[2]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.