All you need to know about living with a dog in Frankfurt

Frankfurt, like most German cities, is extremely pet friendly. Pet dogs are a common sight in the city, and you can see them on public transport, in restaurants and in the numerous parks and gardens that dot the city. That Frankfurters care for their pets is evident as soon as you land in the city. The Animal Cargo Lounge at the Frankfurt airport is one of the best animal care facilities in the world, with vets and animal handlers working around the clock to make sure all animal travellers are comfortable and cared for.

Living in Frankfurt with your doggy is a treat; go on an adventure and explore the beautiful city with your trusty canine sidekick. If you are travelling to Frankfurt with your dog, here’s all you need to know about living in the city with a pet dog.

Doggy dos and don’ts in Frankfurt

Pet parents in Frankfurt have certain responsibilities towards their pets. They must ensure the pets are well-cared for and exercised regularly. Pet dogs must be routinely socialised and receive veterinary help whenever required. Pet parents must also ensure that their pets do not harm other animals and people and cause damage to property. Here are some important doggy dos and don’ts for pet parents in Frankfurt:

• Register your dog – All dogs must be registered to the local council within one month of moving to Frankfurt. You can register your dog in person at the local Treasury and Tax Office or online. Do not forget to de-register your dog if you are moving away, changing ownership of the dog or if the dog has passed away.
• Pay dog tax – German law states that dog owners have to pay a dog tax annually. The tax has to be paid within two weeks of acquiring a puppy in Frankfurt. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are exempt from the tax. Dangerous breeds are taxed higher than standard breeds.
• Exercise your dog – In Frankfurt, pet parents have to make sure their dog receives adequate exercise and socialisation with other dogs. By law, a dog cannot be left indoors without exercise or companionship for more than five hours at a stretch. Pet parents also cannot chain their pet dogs or keep them locked in a separate room for hours on end.  
• Be mindful – Our dogs are cherished members of our families, but dogs can sometimes be noisy and destructive. As a pet parent, it is your responsibility to make sure your dog does not cause distress to your neighbours and damage to property. When you walk your dog, make sure they are always on a lead and remember to always pick up after them. Do not bring your dog to playgrounds and other public places where dogs are not permitted to enter.

Dangerous dogs in Frankfurt

Certain dog breeds are considered dangerous in Frankfurt, and you will need special permission to own these breeds. Dangerous dog breeds are:

• American Bulldog
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Caucasian Ovcharka
• Dogo Argentino
• Kangal (Karabash)
• Rottweiler
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier / Bull Terrier

Pet parents must be above 18 years old to own these breeds and be reliable and knowledgeable in handling the dog. The owner must take liability insurance for the dog and must pay the dog tax as required. There is an import ban on some aggressive dog breeds, and it is a criminal offence to breed or trade these breeds without authorisation.

Pet-friendly restaurants in Frankfurt

Many restaurants in Frankfurt welcome dogs, especially those with outdoor seating. Some restaurants have special dog menus, whereas many of them have water bowls for thirsty dogs. Here are some of Frankfurt’s favourite restaurants where you can hang out with your dog:

• Klosterhof
• Jamy’s burger
• Picknick Café Bar
• B-Gourmet
• Apfelwein DAX

Pets on public transport in Frankfurt

Pet dogs are allowed on buses, trains and trams in Frankfurt as long as they don’t sit on the seats. Small breeds can travel in a closed crate, and large breeds have to be on a lead and muzzled. Pet dogs can travel free on public transport in Frankfurt if they are a small breed in a dog crate or if you have a weekly, monthly or yearly pass. Guide dogs also travel free. Larger breeds can travel on a reduced fee ticket in Frankfurt.

International pet transport to Frankfurt

International pet transport is time-consuming and requires documentation, health tests, vaccinations and more. An IPATA-member pet travel agency will ensure the process is smooth and the documentation is accurate.

Pet transport to Frankfurt is effortless when you partner with an experienced pet travel agency that can walk you through all the pet import regulations and make sure you and your pet have a pleasant and stress-free pet travel experience. If you are travelling to Frankfurt with your pet dog, reach out to Petraveller for more information on pet import regulations in Germany and a free pet travel quote.