Dog Liability Insurance ("Hundehaftpflicht") in Germany

Germany — Pet Insurance

In Germany, pet liability insurance is essential and in some cases legally required — for dogs in several states and horses nationwide. Even when not mandatory, it protects owners from unlimited third-party claims.

Additionally, many providers in Germany offer pet insurance to cover health-related costs. The main options are:

• Surgery insurance: Covers medically necessary surgeries, including the operation itself, post-operative care, and prescribed medications.
• Pet health insurance: Broader coverage for veterinary consultations, treatment at a veterinary clinic, diagnostics, and a wide range of health issues, on top of surgical procedures.

While surgery insurance is more affordable, comprehensive pet health insurance offers greater peace of mind. A single operation with follow-up treatment can cost thousands of euros, making coverage for surgical procedures and ongoing care a valuable safeguard.

What Is Dog Liability Insurance?

If you are a dog owner in Germany, you are responsible for any damage or injury your pet causes — and the financial consequences can be significant.

As an insurance expert with long-standing experience in advising expats, I can say that dog liability insurance is one of the most underestimated yet essential covers for pet owners here.

Definition and Purpose

Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) is a type of pet insurance that protects you from the financial consequences if your dog harms others. This can include personal injury, property damage, or certain economic losses.

In Germany, dog owners are legally liable for any damage their furry friend may cause — without any upper limit. Even a single incident could result in claims exceeding tens of thousands of euros. A good policy ensures these costs are covered, so you can focus on caring for your dog without worrying about financial ruin.

As an insurance expert with long-standing experience in advising expats, dog liability insurance is one of the most underestimated yet essential covers for pet owners here.

How It Differs from Private Liability Insurance

Dog liability insurance is separate from private liability insurance (Privathaftpflichtversicherung). While private liability covers damage you or your family members cause to others, it includes only damages caused by small animals such as cats, rabbits, rats, or birds.

Dogs are typically excluded from private liability policies due to their higher risk and potential for severe consequences. From my perspective, this is one of the biggest misunderstandings among newcomers to Germany. Many dog owners believe their personal liability insurance already covers them, but this is not the case.

Typical Risks and Examples of Claims

Typical risks covered by dog liability insurance include dog bites, injuries during a walk, damaging another person’s property, or running into the street and causing a traffic accident. Even well-trained and calm dogs can behave unpredictably if startled, sick, or in unfamiliar situations.

For example, a playful jump on a passerby could cause a serious injury, or an off-leash dog could damage a neighbor’s garden. Based on my expertise, I can confirm that such claims are more common than many dog owners expect — and without the proper insurance, you would have to cover them entirely out of your pocket.

Legal Requirements for Dog Liability Insurance in Germany

Dog liability insurance rules in Germany vary by federal state, which often comes as a surprise to newcomers. Knowing the legal framework before you register your dog is crucial — not only to comply with the law but also to protect yourself from unexpected liabilities.

States with Mandatory Insurance for All Dogs

Several federal states require liability insurance for all dogs, regardless of the breed or size. These include Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.

As an insurance expert with years of experience advising expats, I can confirm that authorities in these states take compliance seriously. Failure to provide proof of coverage when requested can result in fines or, in rare cases, restrictions on keeping your dog.

States with Mandatory Insurance for Certain Breeds

In most other states, liability insurance is mandatory for so-called “dangerous” or “listed” dog breeds. The classification varies, but it often includes the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Pit Bull Terrier, and similar breeds. Some states also require insurance for large dogs that exceed a certain shoulder height or weight.

Even if your dog does not fall into these categories, I recommend insurance for any dog — my experience shows that claims can arise from any breed, not just those considered high-risk.

States Without Mandatory Insurance

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is currently the only federal state with no compulsory dog liability insurance. However, from an expert’s point of view, this does not mean owners should go without it. Financial risks associated with damages caused by dogs are the same throughout Germany, and serious incidents can occur in any location.

What Does Dog Liability Insurance Cover?

A well-chosen dog liability insurance policy provides broad protection against the financial consequences of incidents involving your dog.

Personal Injury

This is the most important part of any dog liability policy. It covers medical care, recovery costs, rehabilitation, and potential loss-of-income claims if your dog injures someone. For example, if your dog knocks over a cyclist, the insurer would cover the costs of hospital treatment, physiotherapy, and any financial compensation ordered by a court. These claims can easily exceed several hundred thousand euros.

Property Damage

Covers the cost of repairing or replacing someone else’s property that your dog damages. This could be as simple as a broken pair of glasses or as serious as damage to a car. In rental situations, good policies also cover damage to your landlord’s property — such as scratched doors or damaged flooring.

Financial Loss

Some incidents result in financial damage without causing direct injury or property damage. For example, if your dog’s actions prevent someone from working or cause a business interruption. Many standard policies exclude this, so choosing one that explicitly covers financial loss is a sign of solid expertise in policy selection.

Passive Legal Protection

If someone makes an unjustified claim against you, your insurer will defend you, covering legal fees and court costs. In my opinion, this is one of the most valuable but overlooked benefits, as legal disputes can be lengthy and expensive even when you are not at fault.

Optional Add-ons

High-quality policies may offer extras such as:

• Rental property damage is important for tenants.
• Puppy protection covers puppies in the first few months.
• Worldwide coverage provides coverage for trips abroad.
• Unintentional mating: If a male dog mates with a female dog without the owner’s permission, the female’s owner may claim damages for the costs of the unwanted pregnancy.

Who Is Covered Under Dog Liability Insurance?

In my experience, one of the most common questions dog owners have is not only about what is insured, but who is insured under a pet liability insurance policy. While details vary by provider, most good policies in Germany include the following:

• Dog owner: You are always the primary insured person.
• Family members: Most insurers extend coverage to family members who handle your dog, even if a family member does not live in the same household — but this should be confirmed in the policy wording.
• Non-professional dog sitters: Friends, neighbors, or relatives who occasionally look after your dog are typically covered, as long as they do not do it commercially.
• Professional dog sitters: Professional walkers or sitters are usually not included unless explicitly agreed in the contract, and even then, only some insurers offer this extension. If you regularly use paid services, check whether they have liability insurance in place.
• Special situations: Many policies also cover incidents in dog training classes, at shows or events, and when your dog is off-leash — even in leash-required zones — unless the incident is due to gross negligence (for example, ignoring repeated warnings).

What’s Not Covered?

Even comprehensive dog liability insurance has limits. Knowing what is excluded is just as important as understanding what is covered, because it prevents unpleasant surprises when you need to make a claim. In my experience, many owners only discover these gaps after an incident has occurred.

First-Party Losses

Dog liability insurance protects third parties, not you or your family. If your dog chews up your sofa, scratches your car, or injures someone in your household, these costs are not reimbursed. Such losses are considered first-party and fall outside the scope of liability cover.

Deliberate Acts

Claims are excluded if damage was caused intentionally or through gross negligence. For example, encouraging your dog to attack another animal or repeatedly ignoring leash laws despite warnings can void coverage. In my opinion, this is fair — liability insurance is designed for accidents, not reckless behavior.

Certain High-Risk Activities

Most policies exclude incidents connected to professional or high-risk use of the dog. This can include commercial breeding, guard dog services, or participation in dog races. If you want coverage in such situations, you must declare it explicitly and find a policy that allows it. Otherwise, the insurer is entitled to deny claims.

Costs and Factors Affecting Premiums

Dog liability insurance in Germany is generally affordable, but the exact insurance premium depends on several key factors. Understanding these helps you decide whether a low-cost basic plan is sufficient or if it’s worth paying a little more for broader protection.

Breed, Size, and Age of the Dog

Premiums are often higher for large dogs or breeds considered high-risk. Younger dogs may be cheaper to insure, while older dogs can result in slightly higher premiums.

Coverage Amount

Most insurers offer different coverage levels, such as €20 million or €50 million. A higher coverage limit increases the premium but offers better long-term security — especially important if personal injury claims are involved, which can quickly escalate into millions of euros.

Deductible Options

Choosing a deductible (Selbstbeteiligung) lowers your monthly cost but means you must contribute to each claim. Typical options range from €0 to €150. In my opinion, selecting a small deductible often strikes a good balance between affordability and peace of mind.

Discounts for Multiple Dogs or Combined Policies

If you insure more than one dog, many providers grant multi-dog discounts. Some also offer savings if you bundle liability with health insurance. This can be cost-effective, but only if both parts of the package suit your needs.

Choosing the Right Insurance Provider as an Expat

When selecting dog liability insurance in Germany as an expat, keep these points in mind:

• Language & support: Choose a provider with contracts, apps, and services in English to avoid misunderstandings.
• Flexibility: Look for policies with easy cancellation if you need to leave Germany — especially important for short- or mid-term stays.
• Worldwide coverage: Check how long the coverage abroad applies (e.g., 12 months vs. 5 years).
• Digital handling: Filing claims online or via app saves time and avoids German paperwork headaches.
• Transparency: Clear terms and exclusions are essential. In my experience, expat-friendly insurers stand out by keeping conditions simple and easy to understand.

Best Providers for Dog Liability Insurance

Digital-first private insurers like Getsafe and Feather are among the best options for expats in Germany. Both companies operate entirely online, offer contracts and customer service in English, and design their products with simplicity and transparency in mind. You can manage all aspects of your insurance — from policy adjustments to claims — directly in their apps, without piles of paperwork.

Both providers also include Puppy Protection for up to 1 year and offer additional products, such as dog health insurance and cat health plans, allowing expats to manage all their pet policies in one place.

Additionally, each company offers pet health insurance for dogs and cats, allowing you to consolidate all pet-related policies under one roof.

In my experience, expats particularly value this mix of digital convenience, clear English-language support, and flexible conditions, which makes managing pet insurance in Germany far less stressful.

Getsafe

Getsafe dog liability insurance starts at €2.40 per month and provides coverage of up to €50 million worldwide.

Unlike many traditional insurers, Getsafe also covers incidents that occur while your dog is under the care of a professional dog sitter — a strong advantage for expats who rely on external help. All breeds, including so-called dangerous dogs and their mixes, can be insured.

For an additional €1 per month, you can opt for an optional protection package that covers scenarios such as emergency vet bills if another non-insured dog injures yours, search and rescue costs if your pet goes missing, or boarding fees if you are hospitalized and unable to care for your dog. This add-on provides peace of mind in situations that exceed standard liability.

Feather

Feather dog liability insurance starts at €5.58 per month and provides coverage of up to €20 million worldwide.

Feather does not cover purebred dogs from officially classified dangerous breeds, though mixed breeds are eligible.

Feather’s liability insurance also offers unlimited worldwide coverage — even if you permanently relocate abroad, the policy can follow you. Another highlight is the Best Coverage Guarantee: Feather promises to cover any claim that would be accepted by other dog liability insurance in Germany, saving you the effort of comparing fine print across insurers.

It’s important to note that Feather excludes glass breakage in rented apartments and damage to rented electronics from its coverage. Still, for expats who value clear terms, strong customer service in English, and flexible conditions, Feather remains one of the most user-friendly choices on the market.

How to Apply for Dog Liability Insurance

Applying for dog liability insurance with Getsafe or Feather is quick and fully digital. You can complete the entire process online or in the app — no paperwork or phone calls required. Enter your personal details, information about your dog, and select your preferred coverage level.

With both providers, coverage begins immediately after you complete the application and payment. This means your dog is insured from the very first day, without a waiting period. Only certain exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions (pre-existing claims) or undeclared high-risk breeds, apply.

In my experience, expats especially appreciate how straightforward the process is: you can sign up in English, get confirmation instantly, and manage everything through the app. This makes joining the German insurance system much easier than dealing with traditional providers.

Conclusion

Dog liability insurance is not just a legal formality in some German states — it is an essential safeguard for every dog owner. Choosing the right dog insurance is not just about fulfilling legal requirements, but also about ensuring long-term financial security.

For expats, digital insurers like Getsafe and Feather make the process simple. Policies are available in English, claims can be managed entirely in an app, and coverage starts immediately after signing up. With flexible conditions, worldwide protection, and clear terms, both providers offer solutions that fit the realities of life abroad.

In my opinion, choosing dog liability insurance early is one of the smartest steps you can take as a responsible dog owner in Germany. It protects your finances, supports your everyday freedom with your pet, and ensures compliance with the law where required.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ