March 20, 2026, 5:00 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Anyone trying to keep track of leash laws in Berlin must navigate a dense web of regulations, special rules, and exceptions. PETBOOK explains what currently applies in Berlin—and what dog owners should definitely pay attention to.
In Berlin, dogs are supposed to be on a leash—in theory. But anyone who thinks that answers all questions is mistaken. The regulation is actually riddled with numerous exceptions, special cases, and detailed provisions. Depending on the dog’s age, training level, owner qualifications, or location, a leash requirement may or may not apply in Berlin. For listed dogs, stricter rules apply, while existing dogs may run free under certain conditions. There are also separate regulations in forests, off-leash areas, or public transportation.
Is There a General Leash Requirement for Dogs in Berlin?
Yes, in the German capital, a general leash requirement for dogs applies under Section 28 of the Dog Law (HundeG). This applies outside of fenced properties and in multi-family homes outside the apartment. Violating the leash requirement can result in fines of up to 10,000 euros (§ 33 HundeG). Exceptions apply in some off-leash areas, which may still require a leash. The city’s website provides maps of off-leash areas.
However, there are various ways to be exempted, and some older animals are not yet subject to the regulation. Existing dogs that were kept before the law came into effect in 2016 may continue to run without a leash. This must be proven beyond doubt through a tax notice, liability insurance, pet passport, or registration.
An exemption from the leash requirement is also possible if the dog is led by a person with a certificate of expertise and no other leash requirement is imposed. The same applies to a proper temperament test and dogs in training to become assistance dogs. Certificates must be carried and presented upon request.
In some areas and for some animals, the leash requirement applies without exception. This is the case, for example, for female dogs in heat, in areas not specifically designated and marked as off-leash areas, and in other areas of public parks and recreational facilities specifically designated and marked by the competent authority. Many places, like pedestrian zones, public transportation, and shops, remain unaffected by exceptions—and may also require a muzzle. There, a leash no longer than one meter is mandatory for all (Section 29).
Mandatory Registration in the Central Dog Register
Regardless of the leash requirement, all Berlin dog owners must register their dogs. According to § 11 and § 13 HundeG, all dogs must be registered in the central dog register of the city of Berlin, at the latest when ownership begins. The following information is stored, among others:
- Name and address of the owner
- Dog’s chip number
- Date of birth, breed/crossbreed
- Start and, if applicable, end of ownership
This registration is subject to a fee and can be done online via the central dog register in Berlin. Failure to comply may result in fines (§ 33 HundeG). However, many owners seem to ignore this since the register was introduced in 2022 (PETBOOK reported).
The aim of the register is to make dog ownership transparent, better assess risks, and act quickly in case of incidents. The entry in the register is also an important requirement for exemption from the leash requirement or during inspections.
Are There Special Regulations for Listed Dogs?
The above-mentioned possible exceptions do not apply to dogs classified as dangerous. However, neither the Dog Law nor the ordinance for the implementation of the law defines which animals are involved. You can find information on the service portal if you want to register a “dangerous dog,” which includes:
- Pitbull
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Bull Terrier
According to the Dog Law, this also includes dogs that exhibit combativeness, aggressiveness, sharpness, an uncontrollable hunting instinct, or a comparable trait that poses a danger to humans or animals. This can be the case if the dog has bitten a person, bitten repeatedly, seriously endangered, or attacked someone in another way. Additionally, this can be the case if it has chased, bitten, or killed other animals without being previously attacked or provoked.
In addition to the leash, which must be no longer than two meters, these animals should also wear a muzzle.
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Are There Special Rules for the Breeding and Setting Season?
Since there is a general leash requirement in Berlin, no special regulations are needed during the breeding and setting season. However, the capital’s forest law states that anyone who lets their dog or other pet roam freely on forest land is committing an administrative offense (Section 23 WaldG).
Exceptions apply if the owner or other authorized persons have released it or if it is explicitly marked as released by special signs at access routes. If this is not observed, Berlin’s Hunting Law also allows the shooting of free-roaming pets as a last resort.
Many off-leash areas are also located in forests. The city’s website provides maps showing where dogs can be off-leash in these areas.
Further Regulations on the Leash Requirement in Berlin 2026
In many areas of Berlin, a leash requirement applies. However, there are also special protective instructions regarding African swine fever, as cases have already occurred in the neighboring state of Brandenburg. The location of dead wild boars should generally not be entered, and dogs should be kept away.
Animal bodies found in the Berlin forests should be reported to the responsible forestry office. Outside the forest areas, the responsible district office should be notified. Additionally, the Senate Department for Justice and Consumer Protection recommends not allowing dogs to disturb wildlife.
Do you live in Berlin and/or miss a municipal or current regulation on the leash requirement for 2026 in this article? Write to us at redaktion@petbook.de.