Germany’s dog tax generated €414 million in 2022

The so-called Hundesteuer, or dog tax, collected 3.3% more in 2022 across all municipalities in Germany.

According to data shared with GlobalPETS by the Federal Statistical Office, the tax accounted for €413.8 million ($436.9M). In 2021, German municipalities collected €400 million ($422.3M) via the tax, while in 2020, it stood at €380.1 million ($401M).

The tax is intended for the upkeep of green areas, waste collection and the provision of excrement bags, among other functions that help cover the costs of cleaning up dog waste and maintaining public spaces where dogs are allowed.

Which state collects the most?

North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous state in Germany with more than 18 million inhabitants, collected €126.2 million ($133.3M) in dog tax in 2022.

Baden-Württemberg followed, with €54.5 million ($57.5M), and Niedersachsen, with €44.1 million ($46.5). According to the Federal Statistical Office, these three states also held the same position in 2021.

The dog tax in the free states (Freistaaten) of Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia accounted for €392.7 million ($414.6) last year. They generated €379 million ($400M) in 2021, displaying a 3.6% increase.

Territories with the lowest collection were Saarland (€5.4M/$5.7M), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (€7.2M/$7.6M), and Thuringia (€9M/$9.5M), retaining the same positions as the previous year.

Cost by city

The tax varies across cities and increases with the number of dogs owned. Certain groups, like dogs from shelters, guide dogs, police dogs and hunting dogs, are exempt from paying the tax.

Ownership of a Great Dane or a Bull Terrier can cost as much as €1,000 ($1055) in some cities.

In Wuppertal, one of the most highly taxed cities, dog ownership can cost between €160–€1,000 ($168–$1055) annually. In Munich, it could be between €100–€800 ($105–844), in Hamburg, €90–€600 ($95-$633), and in Berlin, €120–€160 ($126–$168) per year.

You can find a 2024 overview of the German pet industry, including the latest data and trends, here.