Dogs must be kept on a lead (Dog Ordinance)

The dog ordinance regulates which dogs must be kept on a lead, are not allowed to enter the city or are allowed to run free.

Course description

Here is an overview of the most important rules:

1. All dogs are prohibited here:

  • on children's playgrounds
  • on areas of municipal green spaces
    You can recognise a dog ban on the lawns by the "green bollards" with a crossed-out dog symbol.
  • on the Theresienwiese during the Oktoberfest and Spring Festival (on the festival grounds)

2. All dogs must be kept on a lead here:

  • in the entire Westpark and on the paths of municipal green spaces in areas where you will find the "green bollards" with a crossed-out dog symbol.

3. Large dogs must be kept on a lead here:

  • in the city centre (within the old town ring road)
  • in pedestrian zones
  • in traffic-calmed areas
  • at public events, markets, festivals and outdoor gatherings
  • in the immediate vicinity of children's playgrounds
    (there is an absolute ban on entering the area of the children's playground)
  • on public transport, in railway stations (also on mezzanines and platforms)

Unless otherwise stipulated in the Dog Ordinance, other statutes, ordinances or regulations or in the usage regulations of operators or owners (e.g. Nymphenburg Palace Park, English Garden), dogs may also be kept off the lead in the city area. When travelling, you can find the most important information with the help of our Zamperl app, accessible via your smartphone (zamperl-app.de).

Note on class 1 and 2 fighting dogs:
Special regulations apply to these (see "Fighting dogs" under further information).

When does a dog count as a "large dog"?
Adult dogs with a shoulder height of 50 centimetres or more are considered large. The decisive factor is the individual size, not the average size of the dog breed.
Important: German Shepherds, Boxers, Dobermans and Great Danes are always considered "large dogs" when they are adults (regardless of their actual size).

What do I need to consider when choosing a dog lead?

  • The lead must be tear-resistant and no longer than two metres.
  • It must be securely fastened to the collar or harness so that the dog cannot slip out.
  • You must put your dog on a lead before entering an area where a lead is compulsory.

More checks
The new ordinance also includes regular checks. New KVR inspectors not only check whether dog owners are complying with the "New Munich Line", but are also available on site as contact persons.

Consistent follow-up of incidents
The district administration department deals with all reported incidents and takes action when dogs behave conspicuously. In each individual case, the extent to which measures are required against dog owners whose animals pose a concrete danger to other dogs or even people is examined. The size and breed of the dog are irrelevant.

Legal basis

Dog ordinance

Landeshauptstadt München

Kreisverwaltungsreferat
Hauptabteilung I Sicherheit und Ordnung, Prävention
Allgemeine Gefahrenabwehr

Internet address

Postal address

Landeshauptstadt München
Kreisverwaltungsreferat
Hauptabteilung I Sicherheit und Ordnung, Prävention
Allgemeine Gefahrenabwehr

Ruppertstraße 19
80466 München

Fax: +49 89 233-36372

Address

Ruppertstraße 19
80337 München

Monday 7.30 - 12 o'clock
Tuesday 8.30 a.m. - 12 noon and 2 - 4, 4 - 6 p.m. by appointment only
Wednesday7.30 am - 12 noon
Thursday 8.30 a.m. - 3 p.m
Friday 7.30 am - 12 noon

Related services

Exemption from dog tax - dog licence

If your dog has passed the test at a dog school, you can have it exempted from dog tax for the following year.

Loss of or damage to the dog tax tag

If your dog's tax tag has been lost or damaged, you must apply for a replacement tag.

Incidents with dangerous dogs

All incidents involving dangerous dogs, such as "dog bites human" or "dog bites dog", should be reported immediately to the police or the district administration department.

Deregistration of a dog

If your dog has died, you give it up or you move away from Munich, you must deregister your dog from the dog tax within two weeks.

Exemption from dog tax - assistance dog

If you or your household members keep an assistance dog in accordance with the Assistance Dog Ordinance, you can apply for exemption from dog tax.

Waiver of dog tax - Financial emergency

If you live on unemployment benefit II, social welfare or a comparably low income, you can apply for a dog tax remission in some cases.

Exemption from dog tax - Special tasks

If you keep your dog for professional, commercial, public or charitable purposes, you can be exempt from dog tax.

Exemption from dog tax - shelter dog

If your dog comes from the Munich animal shelter, you can have it exempted from dog tax for two years.

Negative certificate for fighting dogs

The keeping of category 1 fighting dogs is not permitted in Munich. You need a negative certificate for dogs with suspected fighting dog characteristics.