Germany raised 414 million euros from dog owners in one year

According to data from the German Federal Statistics Office (Destatis), the country’s municipalities collected 414 million euros in taxes from dog owners last year. Thus, the increase in dog tax reached a record level, increasing by 3.3 percent compared to 2021.

Revenue from dog taxes in Germany has increased by 44 percent in the last 10 years compared to the previous 10 years. In 2012, municipalities collected 288 million euros in taxes on dogs.

The Destatis statement states that more and more people own dogs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was also noted that in many municipalities the amount that dog owners must pay also depends on the number of dogs in the household or the breed of the dog: “High tax revenues do not mean that the number of these four-legged animals also increases. .”

The statement noted that having a “four-legged friend” also comes with a cost beyond paying taxes, with dog and cat food prices reportedly increasing by an average of 11.8 percent in 2022.

The annual amount and structure of the dog tax is determined by the corresponding municipality. And in Germany the tax on dogs is paid every year. Dog owners who do not file tax returns or pay taxes in the country can be penalized.

While inflation in Germany was 6.9 percent last year, pet owners in the country had to pay an average of 15.9 percent more for dog and cat food in August 2023 than one year. Veterinary services also increased by 27.2 percent compared to last year. (AA)