July 6, 2026, 6:35 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Since July 1, 2026, Bremen has become the first federal state in Germany to require a general dog license for new dog owners. Anyone acquiring a dog must now demonstrate their expertise—first in a theoretical exam and later in a practical test. As early as 2023, PETBOOK inquired with the Bremen Senate about what the regulation would entail. The key details are now established.
Why was the dog license introduced in Bremen?
With the mandatory proof of expertise, Bremen aims to hold dog owners more accountable. The background includes biting incidents and the assessment that many problems are not due to specific dog breeds but rather to how humans interact with the animals.
In 2023, Interior Senator Ulrich Mäurer stated in a press release: “A look at the statistics shows that the so-called breed lists, which have been in place for years, only provide a false sense of security.” A more comprehensive approach is needed to prevent tragic biting incidents.
Claudia Bernhard, Senator for Health, Women, and Consumer Protection, also emphasized at the time that a dog’s behavior is generally not due to its breed but to the behavior of the owners and their interaction with the animals. Many owners are unable to adequately assess, consider, or set boundaries for their pets’ needs.
What was previously in place in Bremen
A so-called proof of expertise for dog ownership, often referred to as a dog license, already exists in Bremen. However, it is only mandatory for owners whose dogs have become conspicuous. For all other dog owners, obtaining it has been voluntary until now.
Since there is no general leash requirement in this federal state, obtaining the dog license does not even grant the privilege of walking the dog off-leash, as is the case in Berlin.
Also interesting: What are the pros and cons of introducing a dog license?
Who needs a dog license in Bremen?
The requirement applies to all individuals who take in a dog in Bremen from July 1, 2026. Those who have owned their dog before this date do not need to obtain a dog license for that pet.
An exception applies to dogs already classified as dangerous. In this case, owners must complete the theoretical and practical proof of expertise by June 30, 2028.
What Dog Owners Need to Know About the Dog License in Bremen
Leash Requirement for Dogs in Bremen: Rules for 2026
How the dog license now applies in Bremen
As early as 2023, PETBOOK asked the responsible senators how the mandatory dog license would be implemented. The regulation is now in effect. Here is an overview of the most important questions and answers.
Who needs a dog license in Bremen?
The dog license is mandatory for all individuals who take in a dog in Bremen from July 1, 2026. Those who have owned their dog before this date are generally exempt and do not need to retake the proof of expertise for that pet.
Exceptions apply to veterinarians, hunters, and guide dogs for the blind. Additionally, the theoretical exam does not need to be retaken if owners have kept a dog for at least two years and passed the theoretical part within the past five years.
Where can dog owners take the proof of expertise exam?
In 2023, Rose Gerdts-Schiffler, spokesperson for the Senator for Interior and Sports, told PETBOOK that the proof of expertise exams should be conducted by recognized individuals or institutions. It is now confirmed that examiners recognized by the Food Monitoring, Animal Protection, and Veterinary Service (LMTVet) are responsible. This can also include appropriately licensed dog schools.
How is the exam structured?
As announced by PETBOOK in 2023, the dog license consists of a theoretical and a practical exam.
- The theoretical exam includes 35 questions about dog behavior, care, and training. At least 75 percent of the questions must be answered correctly.
- The practical exam must be completed within the first year after acquiring the dog. Owners must demonstrate that they can safely handle their dog in everyday situations. Basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and recall, as well as relaxed behavior on a leash, are tested.
Also interesting: How do I pass the dog license exam?
Who monitors the dog license?
The proof of expertise must be presented to the regulatory office upon request. The proof can be carried in analog or digital form.
Failure to provide the required proof of expertise constitutes an administrative offense. Fines of up to 50,000 euros may be imposed. Additionally, dog ownership may be prohibited until the necessary exams are completed.
What does the dog license cost in Bremen?
In 2023, the Bremen Senate assumed that the costs would be similar to those of the previous proof of expertise exam. It is now clear that there is no uniform statewide fee. The costs are set by the respective exam provider and can therefore vary.
Animal rights activists have long called for mandatory proof of expertise
“These are indeed good news from Bremen,” responded the German Animal Welfare Federation in a Instagram post in 2023 to the Bremen Senate’s plans. It also calls for a nationwide pet protection ordinance, which should include a mandatory theoretical proof of expertise for dog owners—ideally before acquiring a dog.
Bremen has now introduced such a requirement as the first federal state. For new dog owners, this means that anyone acquiring a dog from July 1, 2026, must familiarize themselves with care, training, and responsibility—and demonstrate this knowledge.