Berlin. A city of history and art. A place where the streets are wide and the beer is cold. But for me, Berlin is something more. It is the best place in the world to be a dog. I moved here with my furry best friend, and I can tell you that Pet Friendly Berlin is not just a catchy name. It is a way of life. You cannot walk more than a few hundred meters without seeing a happy pup. In fact, people who do not like dogs might find this city a bit hard to live in. I bring my dog with me when I meet my friends for a latte. I bring him when I do my errands. We are together almost all the time.
First of all, I want to talk about the feeling of this city. Germans are huge dog lovers. You will see dogs in shops. You will see them in malls. You will see them sitting quietly under tables at fancy cafes. However, this freedom comes with a lot of responsibility. Owning a dog is a serious job. You must be ready for the bond they form with you. It is not fair to let other people take care of your pet all the time. If you are ready for that bond, then Berlin is the perfect playground for you and your companion.
Moving Your Dog To Berlin
I remember the day I decided to make the move. The logistics felt like a mountain to climb. I did a lot of research on how to fly my dog from the United States to Germany. First of all, you must know that the price can vary wildly. I found out that some companies want five thousand dollars to organize the move. That is a lot of money. I searched for a better way. I learned that some planes, like the Boeing 787-9 or 787-10, are not allowed to carry animals in the cargo hold. Therefore, I had to rule out several airlines.
I finally found a flight with Iceland Air for seven hundred dollars, which included a two hundred and seventy-four dollar fee for my dog. It was a ten-hour flight from Chicago through Iceland. KLM is also a great choice because they allow dogs to fly on the same plane as you for around four hundred dollars. Additionally, you must talk to your vet before you leave. They can give your dog anti-anxiety medicine like Trazodone. It is not a sedative. It just gives them an “I do not care” attitude so they stay calm.
The paperwork. It is a long list. You need an ISO-compliant microchip. You need a rabies shot that happens after the chip is put in. Plus, you must wait twenty-one days after the shot before you can enter Germany. Your vet must fill out a special health certificate. Be careful. This certificate is only valid for ten days. If you miss a step, the customs officers might put your dog in quarantine at a shelter, and you will have to pay for it.
Finding A Home In The City
The next hurdle was the housing market. I quickly learned that finding a pet friendly apartment berlin is a giant challenge. Over sixty percent of landlords do not want dogs in their buildings. Landlords are often afraid of noise or damage. Therefore, many housing websites will show “No” or “Needs a separate agreement” for pets.
I found that pet friendly furnished apartments berlin are a good way to start your life here. Sites like Wunderflats help you find a place that allows dogs so you can settle in. Though these units can be expensive, they give you time to look for something long-term. I suggest looking at areas like Spandau or Pankow because they are greener and have more space.
When I looked for a place, I did not always mention the dog at the very first viewing. Some people wait until they are almost approved to bring it up. However, my dog is large. He weighs twenty-eight kilograms. He is not subtle. I felt it was better to be honest. I even took out an ad in a magazine for dog owners to find my current flat. You should also ask your landlord or “Hausmeister” if dogs are welcome before you sign anything. Most buildings allow them for long-term rentals, but it is best to be sure.
The Legal Bits: Taxes And Rules
Germany loves its rules. Berlin is no different. As soon as you arrive, you must register your pet at the “Finanzamt” or the “Bürgeramt”. This is free to do, but it leads to the dog tax. This tax is called Hundesteuer. I pay 120 Euro per year for my first dog. If I decided to get a second dog, that price would jump to 180 Euro for the extra pup.
The city will send you a metal dog tag that your pet must wear on their collar. Additionally, you must register your dog in the central Hunderegister. This costs around seventeen euros and fifty cents. Why do they do this? They want to keep dog ownership under control. They also want to make sure people can afford their pets.
Another mandatory thing is dog liability insurance. In German, it is a very long word: Hundehaftpflichtversicherung. This insurance is not optional in Berlin. It covers you if your dog causes a car accident or bites someone. It even covers damage to your rental apartment. I suggest you get a policy that covers at least one million euros. You can find English-speaking companies like Feather or Getsafe to help you.
Daily Life And Getting Around
When I am out with my dog, I follow the leash laws. Since 2019, all dogs in Berlin must be on a leash in public. In crowded areas or on the train, the leash must be no longer than one meter. In parks or forests, you can use a two-meter leash. If you want to walk your dog off-leash, you must pass a test to get a “dog handler certificate” or Hundeführerschein. This test includes a theory part and a practical part where you show your dog follows commands. Once you pass, you get a green tag for the collar.
Public transport is a dream. Dogs are allowed on all BVG buses, trams, and U-Bahn trains. Small dogs the size of a cat can travel for free if they are in a box or bag. Larger dogs need a reduced-fare ticket. They must also wear a muzzle. I bought a muzzle for my dog for the U-Bahn, even though he is friendly. It is just the law. On top of that, dogs are not allowed to sit on the seats.
Let us talk about the sidewalks. You must pick up your dog’s poop. Many people in Berlin are tired of stepping in “surprises”. If the “Ordnungsamt” catches you without a poop bag, you can get a fine. These fines start at thirty-five euros and can go up to two hundred and fifty euros. I get my poop bags at TK Maxx. I got three hundred bags for only two euros and ninety-nine cents. It is a small price to pay to keep the city clean.
Things To Do In Berlin With Dogs
What are the best things to do in berlin with dogs? The options are endless. I love taking my dog to the different dog parks berlin has to offer. One of my favorites is Tempelhofer Feld. It is an old airport where dogs can run on the wide meadows. Mauerpark is another famous spot, though it gets very busy on weekends.
If you want a real adventure, go to the forests. Grunewald is a massive wooded area with many trails. The highlight there is Grunewaldsee, which is a lake specifically for dogs. It is the only official swimming spot for dogs in Berlin. My dog loves to splash there while I enjoy the nature. Additionally, you can visit Forst Jungfernheide, which has seventy-three hectares of space and separate areas for big and small dogs.
For a quieter day, I head to Arkenberge in Pankow. It has open meadows and an agility course where my dog can practice his skills. Similarly, Pichelswerder near the Stößensee is great for a cool walk near the water during the hot summer months.
Dining Out: Dog-Friendly Restaurants Berlin
Eating out with my pup is one of my favorite hobbies. Most dog-friendly restaurants berlin are very welcoming. They will often bring a water bowl for your dog before they even take your order. Some even keep treats behind the bar.
I have a few favorite cafes that I must share. Die Espressonisten in Mitte is a quiet zone for coffee lovers. They love French Bulldogs and other calm pups. If you want a fun brunch, Macondo in Friedrichshain is the place. The staff is multilingual and very friendly toward dogs. Oslo Kaffebar is perfect if you need to do some work on your laptop while your dog naps at your feet.
For a more “dog-first” experience, you have to visit Café Fellfreunde in Prenzlauer Berg. It is a canine paradise. They have a full doggie menu with homemade snacks and “pupcakes”. They even host “Paw Parties” on the weekends. On the contrary, if you want something more stylish, House of Small Wonder in Mitte has beautiful greenery and a very pet-friendly vibe.
First of all, always look for a “no dogs” sign at the door. You will not find dogs in grocery stores or some bakeries. Most restaurants are fine, but it is polite to ask if you have a very large dog.
Culture And Museums
When it comes to dog-friendly museums berlin, the news is not as great. Most museums do not allow dogs inside. This is also true for cinemas and public swimming pools. However, the outdoor parts of the city are full of culture. I enjoy walking my dog through the Hackesche Höfe, which is a beautiful set of courtyards with shops and cafes. Ben Rahim is a great espresso bar there with a calm patio where quiet dogs can lie in the sun.
Dog Boarding Berlin: When You Need A Break
Sometimes I have to travel without my pup. Finding reliable dog boarding berlin was a priority for me. I wanted a place that felt like a home, not a cage. I found several great options.
Tierhotel MamaMo is a top choice south of the city. They have rooms with underfloor heating, sun terraces, and even a swimming pool for the dogs. They even have webcams so you can check on your pet while you are away. Additionally, Hundepension Berlin in Pankow is a family-run spot with no traditional kennels. They are great with rescue dogs or dogs that feel anxious.
For city dogs, Belloberlini in Mitte is very convenient. It feels like a cozy apartment with sofas and toys. If your dog is very active, Amicanis has a massive outdoor space and a shuttle service from the city to their rural facility. Finally, for small breeds, Hundemotel Ludwig only takes four dogs at a time, so they get a lot of personal attention. I also recommend Tom For Dogs for boarding and training.
Training and Healthcare
Berliners expect dogs to behave well in public. I struggled to find an English-speaking trainer at first, but then I found Kerstin from Good Dog Berlin. She does group classes and social walks for fifteen euros an hour. My dog’s obedience improved so much after just a few sessions. We practiced hand targets and basic commands like sit and stay.
Healthcare here is excellent. There is no shortage of vets in Berlin. I look for the veterinary symbol around my neighborhood. I personally recommend the Tierarztliche Gemeinschaftspraxis on Hohenzollerndamm if you need someone who speaks perfect English. Gradually, I found that bigger clinics are sometimes easier to connect with than small private ones.
One thing that surprised me was the “gift baits” or Giftköder. These are bits of food with poison or needles hidden in them, left by people who want to hurt dogs. It is a scary thought. I use an app called Dogorama to check for reports of these baits in my area. I also did anti-poison training with my dog so he does not eat random things off the ground.
Where To Buy A Dog In Berlin
If you are looking for a new family member, you might wonder where to buy a dog in berlin. I strongly suggest you avoid the “black market”. Never buy a puppy from someone meeting you on the street or through a sketchy online ad.
The responsible way is to visit the Tierheim Berlin, which is the local animal shelter. They have many dogs looking for a second chance. Additionally, you can look for a licensed breeder through the VDH association. I chose a breeder in Brandenburg for my Labrador. It was a long process. I had to wait on a list and visit the puppies several times before taking one home. A good breeder will want to know about your lifestyle and will give you a proper sales contract and vaccination records.
FAQ
Is Berlin a dog-friendly city?
Yes. Berlin is a city for dogs.. It is hard to live here if you do not like them because you will see them every few hundred meters.. People can take their pets almost anywhere..
Can I bring my dog to Berlin?
You can bring your pet with the right paperwork. You must have an ISO microchip and a rabies shot.. You can bring up to five dogs or cats per person when you move.. However, make sure the breed is not on the restricted list..
What is the most dog-friendly city in Germany?
Berlin is often called the most dog-friendly city.. It has many leash-free parks and dog-friendly restaurants.. Therefore, it is a top choice for pet owners in Germany and all of Europe..
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Berlin?
Most businesses allow them inside.. In fact, there are more places that allow dogs than those that do not.. Servers will often bring a water bowl or treats for your furry friend..
Are dogs allowed in Berlin Metro?
Yes. The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses, and trams all allow pets.. You must keep them on a leash.. Large dogs need a reduced-fare ticket and a muzzle..
Are dogs allowed in malls in Germany?
Most malls and department stores permit them.. I can bring my dog to Karstadt with no issues.. However, some malls like Alexa and KaDeWe do not allow them..
How dog friendly is Germany?
Germany is one of the most dog-friendly countries in Europe.. The culture focuses on responsible care and animal welfare.. People treat dogs like members of the family..
Can dogs fly in cabin Lufthansa?
Lufthansa is a common choice for travelers.. Small dogs can fly in the passenger cabin if they are under eight kilograms.. Larger dogs must travel in the cargo compartment in the same plane..
Are dogs allowed in pubs in Germany?
Pubs and bars allow dogs if the kitchen is separate or closed.. Most cafes and bars are very welcoming.. You should always ask the staff first just to be polite..
What is the most dog-friendly city in Europe?
Berlin is a leader in Europe for pet friendliness.. It shares high rankings with cities in Italy.. The abundance of green space makes it a paradise for pups..
Is Berliner dog-friendly?
Yes. Berliners are huge dog lovers.. The city is adapted for them.. You will find that most locals are very patient and sweet toward well-behaved pets..
Are dogs allowed in German supermarkets?
No. Groceries and supermarkets generally do not allow dogs.. This is also true for some bakeries and drugstores.. You must leave your pet at home when you shop for food..
Can my dog sit on my lap on the train?
No. Animals cannot be placed on the seats.. Small dogs should stay in a closed carrier.. Large dogs must stay on the floor on a leash..
Concluding words
Pet Friendly Berlin is a reality for every owner. The city offers a high quality of life with vast forests, welcoming cafes, and easy public transport.. You must follow the rules. Registration, dog taxes, and liability insurance are mandatory.. Additionally, you need to pick up poop and follow leash laws to keep the community happy.. If you stay responsible, you and your pup will love the Berlin adventure. It is a place where tails never stop wagging. Finally, the bond you build here is worth every bit of paperwork..
