First dog
€156
First dog
Dog tax in Cologne 2026
Annual Hundesteuer for first, second, and listed-breed dogs — verified against the city's Hundesteuersatzung.
Second dog
€216
Second dog
Listed-breed dog
€1,500
Listed-breed dog
Rate breakdown
| Tier | Annual | Monthly | 10-year total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st dog | €156 | €13 | €1,560 |
| 2nd dog | €216 | €18 | €2,160 |
| Listed-breed dog | €1,500 | €125 | €15,000 |
Lifetime cost
12-year cumulative cost
·
Calculate your cost
Total cost: €780
Listed-breed surcharge
Cologne charges an annual tax of €1,500 for listed-breed dogs.
Compared to neighbouring cities
Compared to other NW cities
Cologne · €156
Who is exempt?
- Guide dog (Blindenführhund)
- Therapy dog
- Assistance / service dog
- Dog adopted from a Tierheim
How to register your dog
New dog owners must register their dog at the Bürgeramt within 14 days of acquiring it.
Failure to register can result in a Bußgeld (fine) and back-charging of the tax.
Contact your local Bürgeramt to register your dog in person.
Frequently asked questions
When is Hundesteuer due in Cologne?
Once per calendar year. New owners must register the dog within 14 days at the Bürgeramt.
Do I pay more for a second dog?
Cologne charges 156 € for the first dog and 216 € for the second.
What is a Listenhund?
A breed the city lists as potentially dangerous. Cologne taxes them at 1500 € per year.
Can I get an exemption?
Yes — guide, therapy, and service dogs are typically exempt; details depend on the city's Satzung.
What happens if I don't register?
Cities can impose Bußgeld up to several hundred euros and back-charge the tax.
Does the rate change every year?
Rates change when the city updates its Hundesteuersatzung, typically effective January 1.
Do I pay if I'm only fostering a dog?
Most cities exempt foster dogs in the first year after a shelter adoption — check the Satzung.
Is dog tax tax-deductible?
No. Hundesteuer is a Gemeindesteuer and is not deductible from income tax.