“We have to stay outside!” –
Access rights with dogs in everyday life
Düsseldorf. As a four -legged family member, the dog is simply part of it and is taken everywhere. In fact, access with dogs is not possible in all areas without any problems – especially if special hygiene regulations have to be observed. However, assistance dogs form an exception here and can accompany their people almost anywhere.
A total of over ten million dogs live in over 21 percent of German households. This is the result of a survey by the industrial association pet needs (IVH) and the central association of zoological specialist companies in Germany (ZZF). In addition, four -legged friends always accompany their people through everyday life. In some public places, special provisions apply to which keepers should find out in advance in order to avoid possible disappointments. Some regulations even differ depending on the state or city.
Public transport and public institutions
Dogs are usually allowed in buses, trains and trains. Sometimes there are exceptions that exclude aggressive or dangerous dogs from the ride. Small dogs, for example up to the size of a cat, can usually ride without additional costs if they can be kept on the lap in a transport box or travel bag, for example. For larger dogs, on the other hand, a children's ticket or a special ticket is often required. Usually a linen, sometimes also a muzzle requirement. The provisions can be viewed on the websites of the individual transport associations.
“In public institutions and authorities, factual criteria are decisive whether a dog can accompany his owner,” explains the lawyer Frank Richter, which specializes in animal law. “This is about hygiene rules, the risk to third parties or consideration of people in public transport who are afraid of dogs, for example.” In these cases, authorities perceive their house rights and, for example, attract a sign in the entrance area that prohibits dogs . However, there is no general ban or specific regulations that regulate this uniformly.
Shops and restaurants
“In private operators, for example in shops, cafes and restaurants, house rights apply primarily: if the operators allow dogs, they can come with them – they prohibit dogs on their premises, the owners must adhere to it,” Richter continues. On the other hand, it is clearly regulated in grocery stores or the kitchen in a restaurant: according to the European Ordinance on Food Hygiene (EC No. 852/2004) Businesses have to avoid that pets have access to rooms where food is prepared, treated or stored. In doctor's practices and hospitals, too, in addition to avoiding the danger of third parties, it is primarily the high hygiene standards that can prohibit the carrying of dogs.
Parks and green areas
In principle, access to parks and green areas with a dog is permitted. In almost all parks, however, a leash requirement applies, and running without a leash is only permitted on special freewheel areas. Depending on the state and sometimes even depending on the community, whether and what conditions are on site can differ. In nature protection areas and in the breeding and setting time, there is usually a strict leash. “In the forest there is state law for leash obligation,” explains the expert. “In Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saxony, there is no obligation all year round to keep the dog in the forest on a leash. In Bremen, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Saarland, there is only a leash obligation at the breeding and setting time-and in North Rhine-Westphalia, dogs can only run on forest paths without a leash. In the other federal states, a leash obligation in the forest applies all year round. ”
workplace
Whether dogs are allowed at work is at the discretion of the employer. Dogs are welcome in many companies. A conversation with the employer and colleagues is always recommended here, whether general reasons or in individual cases, such as allergies, address it. On its website, the Federal Association for the positive effects that an office fund can have on the working atmosphere informs about the implementation in its own company.
Hotels and accommodations
In many hotels and apartments, dogs are welcome, partly for an additional charge. After the vacation with Hund Report 2024 of the travel provider TUI, about 50 percent of hotels in Germany allow dogs in their rooms. As a rule, this is already pointed out as part of the booking, or online, keepers can only filter the search results according to dog -friendly accommodation. If there is no such information, you should ask to avoid conflicts.
Special regulations for assistance dogs
“Assistant dogs such as leader leaves enjoy special rights in Germany,” explains Richter. “§ 7 of the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) Forbid that people are disadvantaged due to a disability. And §12E Accordingly, the Disabled Equality Act regulates that people with disabilities to all usually accessible areas must not be denied by accompanying them a trained assistance dog. ”Therefore, assistance dogs may also be taken into grocery stores, restaurants or hospitals, even if it is for other dogs would be forbidden. The dog should wear the official assistance dog logo and thus be recognizable as an assistance dog. In addition, people should be able to show their ID about the human-assistance dog community to avoid possible discussions. The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS) compiled in an article at www .bmas .de.
Industrial Association pet supplies (IVH) e. V.