When we first moved to Berlin, I was amazed at how much this new world had to offer. The free museums, the quirk, the street food! But there was a notable exception to our happiness. We had (temporarily) left our cat behind and our apartment just didn’t feel like home without a furry friend.
After shooting down and flying the cat from across the ocean, we made the decision to add its first German member, a rabbit, to our home. Never one for pet stores or breeders, my first step was finding an animal shelter. But before that he needed to find the word for animal shelter. A little research gave us the answer, Tierheim .
Here is everything you need to know if you want to adopt a pet in Germany.
German animal shelters
Most major German cities have a Tierheim that also functions as a Tierschutzverein (animal protection union). This means that they not only offer care for common household pets like cats and dogs, but also provide a shelter for all animals in need, periodically encouraging everything from monkeys to pigs.
Tierheims is the ideal place to adopt a pet, but German animal shelters also provide services for lost and found pets, pet sitters, veterinary and vaccination services, a livestock emergency room, and even pet cemeteries.
Berlin Tierheim
Berlin’s main Tierheim , opened in 2001, is located outside the city, not the easiest journey by public transport. We got off the bus in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere.
Following the basic road signs, we located the massive modern complex. All giant hexagonal concrete blocks and sprawling gravel walkways, this site was even the setting for the futuristic movie, Aeon Flux . The filmmakers were so impressed with the site’s ingenious design and the work of architect Dietrich Bangert that they helped raise funds for the shelter.
The Tierheim is separated into different buildings based on the animals it houses. We went directly to the »Bugs Bunny« house, but there is also an area for cats, dogs and a variety of other stuffed animals. Please note that ownership of some animals, such as Kampfhunde (fighting dog) breeds such as Pitbull-Terriers, Staffordshire-Bull terriers, American Staffordshire-Terriers, Bull terriers, etc., are restricted in Germany.
Curious faces stare at you from behind pristine display cases and employees politely ignore you (German customer service) until questions are presented to you. Volunteers and employees are knowledgeable and helpful and can help you through the adoption process.
How to adopt a pet in Germany
The adoption process is quite simple:
- Arrive at a Tierheim (bring a carrier if you are ready to pick up that day)
- Observe the animals and read the information displayed on the case.
- Decide which animal will join your household and talk to the staff
- Fill out the documentation (basic contact information, bring ID and Anmeldung )
- Pay the adoption fee (in Berlin this is up to € 205 for dogs, € 65-85 for cats, € 20 for rabbits and between € 5-25 for small animals. These fees cover care, vaccinations, microchipping and spay / neuter services). Each animal comes with a pet passport and information on vaccinations.
- For some animals, such as dogs, a home visit may be necessary before adoption is approved.
- Provide a forever loving home for your new pet.
Not all animals on display will be available. For example, some animals will be waiting to be spayed or neutered and will only be available afterwards. Also note that the information is generally only available in German, as well as the paperwork. If you are not comfortable in German, please bring someone to translate.
What to know before adopting a pet in Germany
Adopting a rabbit was an easy same day process for us. But before adopting a pet, you need to consider it carefully. Bringing an animal into your home is a serious commitment, one that can be difficult to maintain if you are in transit or only in Germany for a few years. That being said, pets adopted from Germany come with a pet passport and a microchip so they are ready to accompany you no matter where you go.
Also consider your housing situation. Does your lease allow animals? Do you have insurance? Dogs in Germany must also be licensed and you are liable for a Hundesteuer (tax on dogs).
Once you’ve answered these questions, you are ready to find a Tierheim in your area with this list of animal shelters in Germany. Usually there are also smaller shelters dedicated to a specific animal, such as cat shelters. They can offer information through social media, like this cat group in Berlin.
If you ever need emergency care, you can find veterinary services by calling 030-11880.
