Dogs in Niedersachsen, Germany: rules, tax and travel

Owners must register themselves and the dog in the central Hunderegister (hunderegister-nds.de) before the dog is 7 months old, or within one month if the dog was older when keeping began. The one-off fee is 14.50 EUR online or 23.50 EUR by phone or post.[2]

Dogs older than six months must carry an ISO 11784/11785 microchip. Tattoos do not count.[2]

Hannover charges 150 EUR a year for the first dog (Bund der Steuerzahler comparison 2026). Each municipality sets its own rate.[3]

typical 150 EUR a year

First-time keepers need a Sachkundenachweis: a theory test before getting the dog and a practical test within the first year. Exempt are people who kept a dog for at least two continuous years in the last ten, vets, and assistance dog holders.[2]

Liability insurance is compulsory for dogs older than six months, with minimum cover of 500,000 EUR for personal injury and 250,000 EUR for property damage.[2]

Visitors bringing a dog to Lower Saxony need a chip and liability insurance but not the Sachkundenachweis.[4]