Cities and municipalities: Dog tax brings 401 million euros

In 2021, the cities and municipalities in Germany had higher income from the dog tax than ever before. Other figures also show that many Germans went to the dogs during the pandemic.

Last year, the cities and municipalities took 401 million euros from the dog tax – more than ever before. This was announced by the Federal Statistical Office.

As early as 2020, the income from the dog tax was particularly high at 380 million euros, presumably because of the home office that was often used during the pandemic and the limited leisure opportunities. In 2021 they rose again by 5.4 percent.

Income has been increasing for years

Even in the years before the Corona pandemic, the income from the dog tax increased continuously. In a ten-year comparison, they rose by 46 percent, according to the Federal Statistical Office: in 2011 it was 275 million euros.

The dog tax is a municipal tax, where the respective municipality determines how high it is and how it is designed exactly. In many places, the amount to be paid also depends on the number of dogs in the household and the dog breed.

Pet trend

The higher tax revenue is therefore not necessarily an indication that more dogs are now being kept in Germany. But the trend towards pets can also be seen elsewhere.

The industry association for pet supplies and the central association of zoological specialist companies reported in April that total sales in the German pet industry had risen by almost ten percent – to a good six billion euros.

Animal shelters overloaded in summer

The German Animal Welfare Association reported that many animal shelters were overloaded in the summer. According to several homes, young dogs were particularly affected.

One reason could be that the owners had to go back to work after months in the home office and could no longer look after the dogs, according to the Association for German Dogs.