Apply for a dog licence exemption

Dog licence exemption

- Submit your application in writing, online or in person at the administrative office

- Information about the dog and the owner is required

- Granting tax exemption for the keeping of:

- Dogs that are exclusively trained to assist and support blind people

(“Bl”), deaf (“Gl”)

- People holding a severe disability card marked with the codes ‘B’, ‘aG’ or ‘H’

- Dogs used as search, medical, guard or rescue dogs by recognised medical, disaster relief or civil defence units, and which have passed the relevant examination

- Dogs that are temporarily housed in animal shelters or similar facilities for animal welfare reasons, as well as dogs in pet shops

- Exemption from dog licence fees is granted only upon provision of supporting documentation

- competent authorities: independent cities, district offices, municipalities not under district administration

The statutory law of the relevant local authority

• Application for exemption from dog licence fees
• Depending on the basis of the application, certain documents must be submitted:
  • Disability card and/or medical certificate issued by a public health officer
  • Certificate confirming the dog’s suitability for the specified purpose

The requirements are set out in the relevant local dog licence regulations. These may include:

• The dog is used solely for the protection and assistance of a blind, deaf or otherwise disabled person (holding a severe disability card marked B, BL, aG or H)
• The dog serves in a recognised medical, disaster relief or civil defence unit as a signal, medical, protection or rescue dog. It has passed the relevant examination.
• For animal welfare reasons, the dog has been temporarily placed in animal shelters or similar facilities.
• The dog is currently being looked after at a pet shop.

You own at least one dog and have registered it for tax and regulatory purposes. Under certain conditions, you can apply for an exemption from dog licence fees for an indefinite period. The exemption takes effect from the date of application, subject to the provision of supporting evidence.

Further information on how to lodge an appeal can be found in the decision regarding your application for exemption from dog licence fees.

Exemption from dog licence fees is generally granted for an indefinite period.

If you re-register your dog after moving house, you will usually also need to reapply for exemption from dog licence fees.

cities with independent administrative status, municipalities not belonging to a district, district offices