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Is Dog Liability Insurance Mandatory in Germany? A State-by-State Guide
- Purpose: Covers damage your dog causes to people, property, or other animals. In Germany, dog owners are legally liable for any damage or injuries caused by their dog’s actions, and claims can be enforced against their entire personal assets.
- Scope: Includes medical costs, property damage, compensation claims, and legal defense.
- Regulation: Set at the state level — requirements vary across Germany.
- Mandatory States: Some states (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Thuringia) require all pet parents to insure their dogs.
- Conditional Requirements: In many states, insurance is only mandatory for certain dog breeds, large dogs, or if the dog has shown aggressive behavior.
- Voluntary Coverage: In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, dog liability insurance remains optional, although it is still strongly recommended.
- Expat Relevance: Policies are available in English and are often required for renting apartments or enrolling in dog training schools. Leading digital providers, such as Getsafe and Feather, offer easy-to-manage policies that are ideal for expats.
How Dog Liability Insurance Works
Dog liability insurance protects owners against the financial impact of any damages their pets may cause. If your dog knocks over a cyclist, bites another dog, or ruins a neighbor’s carpet, liability insurance covers the costs so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
In many German federal states, dog liability insurance is mandatory; however, even where it isn’t, it is highly recommended for every pet owner.
Private liability insurance in Germany does not cover damage caused by dogs. It only includes cats and other small pets. Many expats are not aware of this and assume their personal liability insurance already provides coverage for dog owners – but that is not the case. If you have a dog and want to be on the safe side in case of damage, you need pet liability insurance for your dog.
What is covered
- Personal injury: Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation for income loss due to injury, if your dog injures a person.
- Property damage: Repairs or replacement if your dog damages cars, bikes, furniture, or other property. Typical cases include scratched floors, broken doors, or when a dog chews valuable items such as furniture.
- Rental damage: Damage caused by your dog to rental property (e.g., scratched floors, broken doors) is usually included, though coverage limits may be restricted.
- Financial losses: Economic damages that are not directly linked to personal injury or property damage, for example, if third parties suffer financial setbacks due to an incident caused by your dog.
- Legal defense: Lawyer and court costs if someone sues you for damages caused by your dog.
Coverage typically extends to family members, friends, or non-professional dog sitters handling your dog. Professional dog sitters, trainers, or walkers are typically excluded and are required to have professional liability insurance.
Unlike pet health insurance, dog liability insurance has no waiting periods — coverage starts immediately once the policy is issued.
Typical exclusions
- Damage within your household or to your family members.
- Intentional acts or deliberately caused accidents.
- Pre-existing conditions and liability claims for damages caused by your dog.
Covered vs. uncovered risks
Most insurance policies provide coverage for accidents, dog bites, or damages caused during everyday activities. However, not all insurers include training at a dog school, off-lead running, or incidents in other countries unless you book extra worldwide coverage. Some insurers also exclude so-called dangerous dogs or certain breeds from liability insurance. It’s essential to review the details of each insurance policy carefully, so you know exactly which risks are covered and where gaps remain.
It is often recommended to choose a minimum coverage of €5 million. In my expert opinion, however, this amount may be too low, especially in cases involving personal injury. Severe accidents can quickly exceed such limits. Many insurers now offer significantly higher sums insured at only slightly higher premiums. From my experience, choosing the maximum available coverage is the safest option for dog owners who want real comprehensive protection.
Mandatory vs. Voluntary Insurance
Dog liability insurance is regulated at the state level, and requirements vary depending on local law. All 16 federal states have their own regulations: in some, coverage is mandatory for all dogs; in others, it applies only to listed dangerous breeds, to large dogs above a certain size or weight, or to animals that have shown aggressive behavior. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is currently the only state where liability insurance remains entirely voluntary.
Germany has a nationwide list of dangerous dog breeds (Listenhunde, listed dogs), which includes Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Bull Terriers. Beyond this federal list, individual states may classify additional dog breeds as dangerous or impose stricter requirements. In several states, dog liability insurance is also mandatory for large dogs above a certain shoulder height or weight, regardless of breed. For dog owners, it is therefore essential to check the specific legal requirements in their state.
From an expert perspective, this patchwork of regulations creates unnecessary confusion for pet owners, especially expats. Even where liability insurance is not legally required, the financial risks remain the same. A single serious accident — for example, if a dog causes a traffic incident or injures someone — can result in claims far beyond what most people could cover without insurance.
In my opinion, the distinction between mandatory and voluntary states is therefore more of a legal technicality than a real difference in protection needs. Responsible dog owners across Germany should consider dog liability insurance essential, regardless of whether it is required by law in their state.
Overview of Dog Liability Insurance in Germany
| Federal State | Mandatory for All Dogs? | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Baden-Württemberg | — | Mandatory for listed “dangerous” dogs and others classified as dangerous by authorities. |
| Bavaria | — | Mandatory for listed “dangerous” dogs and others classified as dangerous by authorities. |
| Berlin | Mandatory for all dogs. | |
| Brandenburg | Mandatory for all dogs. | |
| Bremen | Mandatory for all dogs. | |
| Hamburg | Mandatory for all dogs. | |
| Hesse | — | Mandatory for listed “dangerous” dogs and large dogs (over 20 kg or 40 cm). |
| Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania | — | No mandatory insurance required. |
| Lower Saxony | Mandatory for all dogs. | |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | — | Mandatory for listed “dangerous” dogs and large dogs (over 20 kg or 40 cm). |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | — | Mandatory for listed “dangerous” dogs and others classified as dangerous by authorities. |
| Saarland | — | Mandatory for listed “dangerous” dogs and others classified as dangerous by authorities. |
| Saxony | — | Mandatory for listed “dangerous” dogs and others classified as dangerous by authorities. |
| Saxony-Anhalt | Mandatory for all dogs. | |
| Schleswig-Holstein | — | Mandatory for listed “dangerous” dogs. |
| Thuringia | Mandatory for all dogs. | |
|
Key: ✔ = Insurance is mandatory for all dogs; — = Insurance is not mandatory for all dogs (see specific requirements). |
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Dogs that must be insured are generally required to have liability coverage starting from the 12th week of life. Insurers are aware of this and offer corresponding policies. If puppies are born in your household, they are often covered under a puppy protection clause through the mother’s insurance during the first months or even throughout the first year of life.
Costs of Dog Liability Insurance in Germany
The average annual premium for dog liability insurance in Germany ranges between €50 and €120. The exact price depends on several factors, including the dog’s age, breed, and chosen coverage limits or extensions. Higher sums insured and broader coverage may slightly increase the premium, but they offer significantly better protection against costly claims.
Why Expats Should Consider Pet Liability Insurance
- Rental contracts: Many landlords in Germany require proof of dog liability insurance before allowing pets in apartments.
- Peace of mind: Having insurance helps dog owners integrate more easily into local communities and dog schools, knowing they are financially protected. Insurance protects against unexpected expenses that could otherwise disrupt daily life.
- Accident protection: Even a sudden accident can lead to high compensation claims. Insurance helps prevent these situations from becoming a significant financial burden.
Top Providers of Pet Liability Insurance in Germany
From my perspective as an expert writing for expats in Germany, the most practical options for pet liability insurance are modern digital insurers that combine transparent conditions with full English support.
The insurance providers Getsafe and Feather stand out because they operate entirely online, provide contracts without hidden complexity, and allow pet owners to manage everything — from policy changes to claims — directly in their apps. For many expats, this blend of digital convenience and clear guidance significantly reduces the stress of navigating German insurance.
Both insurers also offer pet health insurance, in addition to a broad portfolio of essential everyday insurance products, including private liability, private health and dental insurance, and legal protection. This enables you to bundle not only your pet policies but also all key life insurances in Germany under one roof.
Getsafe
- Starting price: from €2.40 per month
- Coverage: up to €50 million worldwide,
- Strengths: Includes all breeds, even officially classified dangerous dogs; covers incidents while your dog is with a professional sitter — a clear benefit for expats who rely on outside help.
- Additional benefits: Optional add-on package (+ €1 per month) for emergency vet bills if another dog injures yours, search and rescue if your pet goes missing, and boarding fees if you are hospitalized.
Feather
- Starting price: from €5.58 per month
- Coverage: up to €20 million worldwide
- Strengths: Unlimited worldwide coverage, even if you permanently relocate abroad. Offers a Best Coverage Guarantee — Feather will also cover any claim accepted by another German dog liability insurer.
- Limits: Purebred dogs from officially listed dangerous breeds (as per the nationwide list and state regulations) are excluded; mixed breeds are eligible.
Expert Opinion & Practical Tips
From an expert perspective, the legal requirement of dog liability is only half the story. Even in states where dog liability insurance is voluntary, the potential claims are so high that every responsible dog owner should consider it essential. My experience shows that expats often underestimate how expensive personal injury cases can be, especially when a single accident may lead to lifelong compensation payments.
What to look for in a policy
- High sum insured: Always opt for the maximum available coverage, ideally €20–50 million.
- Worldwide coverage: Especially relevant for expats who travel frequently or may relocate.
- Breed rules: Check whether dangerous dogs or mixed breeds are excluded.
- Who is insured: Make sure family members and non-professional dog sitters are covered.
- Add-ons: Consider extras such as reimbursement from your insurance company in case of medical injuries to your pet caused by an uninsured dog, and protection against financial claims from third parties due to unintentional mating of male dogs. Some insurers even cover situations where a male dog mates without the owner’s permission, and the female dog’s owner seeks reimbursement for pregnancy and birth-related costs.
Application process
Applying for dog liability insurance in Germany is straightforward and can usually be completed online within minutes. You provide basic details such as your dog’s age, breed, and whether you own additional dogs. No health certificate is required. Policies are typically issued instantly, and proof of insurance can be downloaded immediately — often a requirement for landlords or local authorities.
Practical advice
- Keep a digital copy of your insurance certificate, as dog schools, municipalities, or landlords may request it.
- Review your policy annually to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
- If you own puppies, ask whether they are automatically included under the mother’s insurance during their first months (puppy protection).
In my opinion, dog liability insurance is not just a legal formality but a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership in Germany.
Conclusion
Dog liability insurance may not be mandatory in every German state, but owners remain legally responsible for the consequences of their dog’s actions everywhere in the country.
With affordable premiums, broad coverage, and a straightforward application process, it protects dog owners from financial risks that can easily reach millions, making it one of the most important forms of insurance for pet parents in Germany.
Dog liability insurance is more than a legal formality – it has become an integral part of keeping dogs in Germany and plays a crucial role in safeguarding both finances and the quality of owners’ lives. Each liability insurance company sets its conditions, but leading insurance providers like Getsafe and Feather offer coverage that is easy to manage digitally and transparent for expats.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
Not in all states. In Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, and Bremen, liability insurance is mandatory for all dogs. In other states, it only applies to listed breeds, large dogs, or animals classified as dangerous. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has no mandatory insurance at all.
In most cases, yes. Instead of taking out an individual policy for each dog, insurers allow you to add multiple animals to a single contract. The premium for a joint policy is usually slightly lower compared to various separate agreements.
Yes, some insurers may refuse coverage for purebred dogs officially listed as dangerous breeds. However, alternatives are available. For example, Feather does not insure purebred listed dogs but does cover mixed breeds. Other providers may also accept applications, depending on their underwriting rules.
Unlike cats and other small animals, dogs are excluded from private liability insurance because they present a much higher risk of serious incidents. The potential damage caused by dogs is larger, and claims can reach significantly higher amounts, which is why a separate dog liability policy is required.
Many dog liability policies in Germany include temporary worldwide coverage, usually for stays of up to one year. Some insurers even offer unlimited worldwide coverage, which is especially useful for expats who travel frequently or may relocate abroad. Please always look over your policy details to make sure your dog is covered outside of Germany.
Yes. Today, Germany offers pet insurance packages that combine liability and health coverage. These packages often include surgery insurance to cover necessary surgical procedures, as well as protection for common health issues. Good policies also reimburse costs for veterinary consultations, prescribed medications, and even post-operative care. This option is ideal for pet owners who want comprehensive coverage and prefer to manage all policies in one place, avoiding gaps in protection.