Service Dogs

Overview

Germany has strong legal protections for assistance dog users. The Assistenzhundegesetz (Assistance Dog Act), which came into force in 2023, provides a clear legal framework for access rights. Berlin is generally welcoming to assistance dogs, and most public venues, transport, and restaurants will accommodate you and your dog without issues.

German Assistance Dog Law

The Assistenzhundegesetz recognizes three categories of assistance dogs:

• Blindenführhunde (guide dogs for blind people)
• Signalhunde (signal/hearing dogs)
• Assistenzhunde (other assistance dogs, including mobility, medical alert, psychiatric, and autism support dogs)

Under this law, assistance dogs have the right to accompany their handlers in:

• All public buildings and spaces
• Shops and shopping centers
• Restaurants, cafes, and bars
• Hotels and accommodation
• Medical facilities
• Public transport
• Workplaces

A venue can only refuse entry if there is a specific, documented safety risk. "No pets" policies do not apply to assistance dogs.

Entering Germany with Your Assistance Dog

From Another EU Country

If you are traveling from within the European Union, your dog needs:

• EU Pet Passport: Issued by a veterinarian in your home country, containing vaccination records and microchip details
• Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compatible microchip (15-digit)
• Rabies vaccination: Must be current and recorded in the pet passport. The initial vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel.
• No quarantine: There is no quarantine for dogs entering Germany from other EU countries

From Outside the EU

Requirements for dogs entering from non-EU countries:

• Microchip: Same ISO standard as above
• Rabies vaccination: Current, with documentation
• Rabies antibody titer test: Required for dogs entering from countries not listed as low-risk for rabies. The blood test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel.
• Health certificate: Issued by an official veterinarian in your country within 10 days of travel
• Entry through a designated point of entry: Dogs from non-EU countries must enter through a border inspection post

From the UK (Post-Brexit)

Since the UK left the EU, dogs traveling from the UK to Germany need:

• Microchip
• Current rabies vaccination
• An Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel
• The AHC replaces the old EU Pet Passport for UK travelers
• No titer test is required for the UK, as it is classified as a low-risk country

Documentation to Carry

Carry these documents at all times during your trip:

1. EU Pet Passport (or equivalent health documentation)
2. Proof of assistance dog status: Your national assistance dog ID card, certification from a recognized training organization, or a letter from your doctor/healthcare provider
3. Vaccination records: Especially rabies
4. Your own disability documentation: This helps establish why you need an assistance dog
5. Assistance dog harness or vest: While not legally required, a clearly marked harness reduces questions and confrontations

Public Transport

BVG Rules

BVG (Berlin's public transport operator) welcomes assistance dogs on all services:

• Assistance dogs ride free of charge
• No muzzle is required for recognized assistance dogs (regular pet dogs must wear a muzzle on BVG)
• Your dog should remain under your control at all times, typically on a lead
• Wheelchair spaces on buses and trains have room for an assistance dog beside you
• Staff are trained to recognize assistance dogs and should not challenge your access

Deutsche Bahn (National Rail)

On Deutsche Bahn trains:

• Assistance dogs travel free and do not need a separate ticket
• No muzzle is required
• The dog should stay at your feet or under your seat
• Accessible compartments have enough space for you and your dog
• If booking assistance for boarding, mention your assistance dog so staff are prepared

Hotels and Accommodation

German hotels must allow assistance dogs. When booking:

• Inform the hotel that you travel with an assistance dog
• Ask about their specific policies (some may request documentation)
• Confirm there is a suitable relief area near the hotel
• Ask about nearby parks or green spaces for your dog
• Some hotels charge pet fees for regular dogs but should not charge for assistance dogs. Clarify this when booking.

Restaurants and Cafes

Assistance dogs are legally allowed in all restaurants and food establishments in Germany. In practice:

• Most Berlin restaurants will welcome your assistance dog without question
• If challenged, calmly explain that your dog is an assistance dog (Assistenzhund) and is legally permitted
• Your dog should lie quietly under the table or beside you
• Bring a portable water bowl for your dog
• Staff may not be familiar with the law. Carrying a printed summary of the Assistenzhundegesetz in German can help resolve rare disputes.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

Relief Areas

Berlin is a green city with many parks and green spaces:

• Tiergarten: Berlin's central park, easy to reach from Mitte and Charlottenburg
• Volkspark Friedrichshain: Popular park in the east
• Tempelhofer Feld: Huge open space on the former airport, flat and fully accessible
• Neighborhood green spaces: Small parks and tree-lined streets throughout Berlin provide regular relief opportunities

Food and Supplies

• Fressnapf: Germany's largest pet supply chain with multiple Berlin locations
• DM and Rossmann: Drugstores carry basic dog food and supplies
• Veterinary clinics: Berlin has many vet practices. For emergencies, the Freie Universität Berlin veterinary clinic operates a 24-hour emergency service.

Weather Considerations

• Summer: Berlin summers can be warm (up to 35 degrees Celsius). Carry water for your dog and avoid hot pavement during midday.
• Winter: Berlin winters are cold, with temperatures often below zero. Consider dog boots if your dog is not accustomed to ice and road salt.
• Rain: Berlin gets regular rainfall. A dog raincoat can keep your dog comfortable and reduce wet-dog smell in enclosed spaces.

Emergency Veterinary Care

• Freie Universität Berlin, Veterinary Teaching Hospital: 24-hour emergency service. Address: Oertzenweg 19b, 14163 Berlin. Phone: 030 838 62299.
• Keep your dog's medical records and any regular medications accessible.
• Know your dog's blood type and any allergies.