Arriving in Germany: Settling In with Your Furry Friend and Navigating Pet Insurance

Pet Registration & Insurance In Germany

Suppose you transported your pet to Germany, or perhaps it has actually happened. Congratulations, you've made it! Having settled on German soil with your pet, there are a few formalities and considerations to ensure a smooth transition.

🐾 Pet Registration in Germany

Germany takes pet ownership seriously, and certain registrations are mandatory.

• Mandatory Dog Registration: If you've brought a dog, you must register them with your local city or municipal authority (usually the Ordnungsamt or Bürgeramt) shortly after arrival. This is not just for identification; it's also linked to the dog tax (Hundesteuer).

• Dog Tax (Hundesteuer): Germany levies a tax on dog ownership. The amount varies by municipality and depends on the dog's breed and size. You will receive a tax bill after registration.

• Why Dog Tax Exists: The Hundesteuer serves several purposes. Primarily, it's a source of revenue for local municipalities, contributing to public services. More importantly, it aims to promote responsible pet ownership. The tax can discourage impulse purchases of pets and provide funds for maintaining public spaces, cleaning up after dogs, and sometimes even supporting animal shelters or educational campaigns related to pet rescue and welfare.

• Updating Microchip Details: Updating your pet’s microchip registration with your new German contact information is crucial. The most common and recommended microchip registration authority in Germany is Tasso e.V. They run a large, free pet register that helps reunite lost pets with their owners. Registering with Tasso is a vital step for peace of mind.

🔍 Finding Pet Services

Once the formalities are sorted, you'll want to ensure your pet feels at home.

• Finding a Vet: Research local veterinarians (Tierarzt) in your area. Ask for recommendations from other expats or consult online directories.

• Pet Shops & Supplies: Germany has numerous pet shops (Zoohandlung) where you can find food, toys, and other supplies.

• Pet-Friendly Areas: Germany is generally quite pet-friendly. Explore local parks (Parks), forests (Wälder), and designated dog zones (Hundewiesen) where your pet can exercise and socialise.

• Leash Laws in Germany: Leash laws vary significantly by federal state (Bundesland) and even by specific municipality (Kommune).

  • Dogs: In many urban areas and nature reserves, dogs must be on a leash (Leinenpflicht). Some states have a general leash requirement, while others only enforce it in specific zones. It's crucial to check the local regulations for your particular German town or city upon arrival.

  • Cats: Generally, cats are not subject to leash laws in Germany as they are typically free-roaming outdoors. However, responsible cat ownership includes ensuring your cat is microchipped and potentially registered with Tasso for their safety if they are an outdoor cat.

🩺 Insuring Your Pet

German veterinary care is excellent, but it can be expensive, especially in highly populated cities. Furthermore, increased living costs are continually driving up veterinary costs, which have jumped by 25% since 2022. This is where pet insurance becomes invaluable.

The "Why" of Pet Insurance in Germany

• Rising Veterinary Care Costs: Although you think you might know your pet inside out, let’s face it, animals are unpredictable, and even the healthiest pet can suffer an accident or develop an unforeseen illness. Routine check-ups are manageable, but unexpected accidents, illnesses, or emergency surgeries, well that can quickly lead to bills in the hundreds or even thousands of Euros! Especially if your pet is prone to genetic defects.Particularly if your pet has a predisposition to inherited health issues. 

• Peace of Mind: Navigating a new healthcare system – even for yourself – is challenging. Adding your pet's health to the mix can be overwhelming, especially when you also have children to take care of. Pet health insurance provides a financial safety net against sudden, often substantial, expenses, ensuring you can afford the best care for your beloved companion without financial strain.
  

  
  

🪶 Introducing Feather: Your Trusted Partner for Pet Insurance in Germany

At MigrateSpace, we strive to simplify every aspect of your move, including finding trusted services. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Feather, an expat-friendly and highly-rated insurance provider in Germany, to simplify pet cover. In addition to providing services specifically designed for expats, they also offer English-speaking support and an easy-to-use digital platform to simplify exploration and purchase.

Feather's Pet Health Insurance is designed to cover significant veterinary cost, including:

• Veterinary Operations: This includes all costs associated with necessary surgeries, such as anaesthesia, surgical fees, and crucial post-operative care. Feather offers no limits on surgeries, providing extensive coverage for major procedures.

• Medical Treatments & Diagnostics: Beyond operations, Feather's plans can cover expenses for general veterinary consultations, necessary medications, and critical diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRI scans, and blood tests to accurately diagnose and monitor your pet's health.

• Physiotherapy: Some plans also include coverage for physiotherapy sessions, which can be vital for your pet's recovery after an injury or surgery, helping them regain mobility and strength.

• Dental Care: Depending on the chosen plan, Feather's pet health insurance can also extend to certain dental treatments, including cleanings.

• Preventative Care: Depending on the chosen plan, Feather’s pet health insurance can also cover preventative care such as vaccinations, tick and flea repellents, and deworming.
  

Feather's pet insurance policies are primarily designed for pets residing in Germany. This means the insurance is valid once you and your pet have arrived and established residency in Germany. While the policy generally covers your pet if you travel abroad for short periods (e.g., holidays), it’s not intended to cover health issues or claims arising before your official arrival and registration in Germany, nor is it designed to be a long-term insurance solution for pets residing permanently outside of Germany. This insurance is specifically for life after arrival in Germany.

🐶 Feather's Dog Liability Insurance

Beyond health, if you're bringing a dog, Dog Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung für Hunde) is also highly recommended or legally mandatory in several German federal states. This crucial insurance covers damages your dog might cause to third parties (e.g., damaging a rental property, biting someone, causing a car accident). We’ll delve deeper into the specifics of dog liability insurance in our next article in this series, but it's important to be aware of its necessity from day one. 

Bringing your pet to Germany is a significant undertaking, layered with logistical challenges and emotional considerations. However, with careful planning, attention to detail, and the right support, it can be a wonderfully rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion. MigrateSpace is here to guide you through the complexities of immigration, and together with trusted partners like Feather, you can rest assured that your pet's health and well-being in their new German home are well protected!

Ready to ensure your pet’s health and safety in Germany? 

Learn more about Feather's comprehensive pet health insurance options and get a tailored quote today.