Hey fabulous folks, welcome back to Relo Berlin! Your host Seku here, slaying the bureaucracy beast and spilling the tea on all things Deutschland. Today, we're diving into a purrfectly juicy topic: pets in Germany. Whether you're a seasoned cat lady or a dapper dog dude, this episode is your guide to navigating pet ownership in Berlin like a pro.
The Legal Stuff
In Germany and Berlin, pet ownership is regulated by federal and local laws. Here's a breakdown of the key things to know:
- Legal Pets: Think cats, dogs, hamsters, birds, and fish – these are your furry and feathery friends you can welcome home without any trouble. But remember, exotic animals may require special permits.
- Small Animal Talk: For hamsters, guinea pigs, and birdies, being respectful of flatmates is key. Keep their habitats clean and odor-free, and ensure minimal noise. If you have your own place, you can pamper your little pals to your heart's content! Finding a flat that allows small pets might require some patience, but it's worth it for your furry friends.
- Owning Cats vs. Dogs: Cats are the cool cats of the pet world, doing their own thing with fewer rules. Dogs, on the other hand, require registration, microchipping, and even liability insurance – like VIPs of the pet club! Certain breeds might need extra paperwork or temperament tests.
Landlord Permission
Unsure if you need to tell your landlord about your feline friend? Let's break it down:
- One Cat: Having a single cat might be considered similar to a small pet. However, informing your landlord depends on your rental agreement and local regulations.
- Two Cats: Similar to one cat, check your rental agreement and local laws.
- Always Inform for Dogs: Dogs typically require informing your landlord due to their bigger size and potential impact on the property or other tenants.
Taxes and Fees
In Berlin, dog owners are subject to various taxes and fees:
- Dog Tax (Hundesteuer): An annual fee that varies depending on the number of dogs owned, breed, and if it's classified as "dangerous."
- Liability Insurance: Mandatory for dog owners, with costs depending on breed, coverage limits, and provider.
- Registration Fees: One-time fees for registering your dog with local authorities.
- Training Courses: Required for owners of specific dog breeds, with costs varying depending on duration and content.
- Veterinary Costs: Essential for responsible pet ownership, budgeting for routine care and emergencies is crucial.
Owning a Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
Thinking of bringing a furry friend home? Here's a step-by-step guide to navigate the process:
- Check Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with breed-specific regulations and tax requirements.
- Choose Your Dog: Decide on the breed and age, keeping breed-specific rules in mind.
- Liability Insurance: Get liability insurance before bringing your dog home.
- Register Your Dog: Register your dog with the local authorities. You'll likely need proof of ID, residence, dog details, microchip information (if applicable), and payment for registration fees.
- Pay Dog Tax: Once registered, you'll receive a tax assessment for the dog tax. Pay the annual tax to the local tax office.
- Training Courses (if required): Enroll in and complete necessary training programs.
- Veterinary Care: Schedule an initial vet visit for check-up, vaccinations, and microchipping (if not already done).
- Renew Insurance Annually: Don't forget to renew your dog's liability insurance every year.
Monthly Costs
The monthly cost of pet ownership varies depending on size, breed, health, and lifestyle. Here's a rough estimate:
- Cat: €30-50
- Two Cats: €50-80
- Small Dog: €50-100
- Two Small Dogs: €80-150
- Large Dog: €80-150
Interviews
We'll be joined by special guests who will share their incredible journeys:
- Sandra from "El Legado de Nerón" - an animal rescue organization, where you can learn about adopting a furry friend.
The previous answer was already in English! It summarized the cat adoption process from Spain to Germany and included additional notes for your podcast:
Summary of the Cat Adoption Process from Spain to Germany:
Quarantine and testing:
- Cats are kept isolated for 20 days.
- They are tested for leukemia and immunodeficiency.
- They are vaccinated against rabies and pentavalent disease.
- They are sterilized and dewormed.
Preparation for travel:
- They undergo a comprehensive health check.
- They are issued a passport.
- They are microchipped (if not already).
Travel:
- Cats travel in the cabin with a flight sponsor.
- They always travel with Iberia.
- The adopter pays for the cat's flight ticket (60 euros).
Adoption:
- The adopter meets the cat at the airport.
- A WhatsApp group is created for the adopters to communicate.
Funding:
- The association (El Legado de Nerón) does not charge for adoption.
- Only the cost of tests, vaccines, sterilization, deworming and transportation is charged.
- Funding is sought through "timers" (1 euro per month donations).
Other:
- Cats that are not adopted stay at home with the association.
- The association does not receive any public aid.
- Learn more about their work:
- Teaming website for donations: https://www.teaming.net/ellegadodeneron (This link supports recurring donations)
- Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/el_legado_de_neron/?hl=en
- Isa and Pirata - a story of bringing a dog from Colombia to Germany, offering insights into the pet relocation process.
The questions Isa replies:
- Did you consider bringing Pirata from the very beginning? Were you able to? If not, what prevented you from doing so?
- How did you decide to take the leap and bring Pirata over? What fears did you have? Of those fears, which ones came true, and how did you overcome those obstacles?
- What type of dog is Pirata, and what documentation did you need?
- Can you walk us through the process and how long it took?
- What costs are involved with Pirata? From insurance and taxes to the cost of living (food, vet bills, etc.)
- How has your life been since Pirata arrived? Can you balance work with having a big dog?
Her dog trainer: https://www.instagram.com/blackwolfk9/
Unravel the forgotten story of the El-Wises, the fierce and independent women who were the original brewqueens of Europe! Join Seku on her "Herstory and Witchhunting Tour" for a purrfectly unique adventure through charming German villages and historical breweries.
This captivating tour will:
- Uncover the fascinating history of female brewers and their demonization as witches.
- Learn how societal shifts and fear mongering pushed these pioneering women out of the brewing industry they built.
- Explore the symbolism of black cats and their connection to the El-Wises.
- Visit historic brewing towns and sample delicious German beers (responsibly, of course!).
Available in English and Spanish!
- English Tours: Every Friday at 18:30 from St. Nicholas Church in St. Nicholas Square.
- Spanish Tours: Every Saturday at 17:30 from St. Nicholas Church in St. Nicholas Square.
Limited tickets available! Book yours now on @ungatoconpasaporte and @reloberlin Instagram profiles before they disappear faster than a witch's cauldron can boil!
Don't miss this chance to discover the untold story of the El-Wises and experience the rich history and culture of Germany!
Stay tuned for these inspiring interviews and valuable advice for your pet parenting adventure in Berlin!
