Half of Berlin’s Pet Dogs Bypass Registry Despite Legal Mandate

A significant portion of Berlin’s pet dog population is being kept outside the bounds of official oversight, as recent figures suggest widespread non-compliance with city registration rules introduced in the wake of the pandemic pet boom.

Berlin has long imposed a dog tax aimed at covering sanitation costs, but a newer 2022 law required all owners to register their dogs with the Hunderegister, a centralized system linking each animal to a microchip ID. Despite being legally mandatory from three months of age, registration numbers lag far behind tax records.

According to data reported by local outlet BZ, tax authorities recorded over 131,000 dogs by the end of 2023, generating roughly €12.7 million in revenue. However, the Hunderegister contains records for just over 66,000 animals; barely half that figure.

The city has not officially confirmed the discrepancy, but Berlin officials cited media reports attributing low compliance to public unawareness, privacy concerns, and resistance to the added costs. Registering a dog costs €17.50 online or €26.50 via phone, fees collected by a private contractor managing the registry.

The registry system was designed to improve animal welfare, aid in the recovery of lost pets, and help authorities trace the source of aggressive dog behaviour. However, critics argue the rollout has been ineffective.

Alexander J. Herrmann, a legal affairs spokesperson for Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, acknowledged a recent uptick in registrations but called the overall situation “deplorable,” estimating over 65,000 dogs remain unregistered. He warned the true number may be higher, complicating public safety efforts.

Berlin permits "spot checks" by public order officers, who may scan dogs in parks or streets to ensure compliance. Owners found in violation face fines up to €10,000.

In 2023 alone, 523 people in Berlin reported dog attacks, with 97 incidents involving aggressive jumping and 357 involving dog-on-dog biting. Under a separate law from 2016, certain breeds considered high-risk, such as pit bulls and American Staffordshire terriers, are subject to additional registration requirements.

As the city struggles to enforce the microchip-linked registry, the growing divide between taxed and registered dogs has raised concerns over the practicality and the public’s participation in Berlin’s pet governance policies.