First dog
€96
First dog
Dog tax in Meerbusch 2026
Annual Hundesteuer for first, second, and listed-breed dogs — verified against the city's Hundesteuersatzung.
Second dog
€144
Second dog
Listed-breed dog
€900
Listed-breed dog
Rate breakdown
| Tier | Annual | Monthly | 10-year total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st dog | €96 | €8 | €960 |
| 2nd dog | €144 | €12 | €1,440 |
| Listed-breed dog | €900 | €75 | €9,000 |
Lifetime cost
12-year cumulative cost
·
Calculate your cost
Total cost: €480
Listed-breed surcharge
Meerbusch charges an annual tax of €900 for listed-breed dogs.
Compared to neighbouring cities
Compared to other NW cities
Meerbusch · €96
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 Meerbusch?
Once per calendar year. New owners must register the dog within 14 days at the Bürgeramt.
Do I pay more for a second dog?
Meerbusch charges 96 € for the first dog and 144 € for the second.
What is a Listenhund?
A breed the city lists as potentially dangerous. Meerbusch taxes them at 900 € 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.
Source & verification
Hundesteuer Meerbusch — Stadtverwaltung
Last verified May 22, 2026
Rates effective from January 1, 2025