Dog ownership Examination of the owner's expertise
As of July 1, 2013, dog owners must have proof of expertise (dog license).
The certificate of competence test can be taken at the competent authority.
Anyone who can prove that they have continuously kept a dog (or looked after a dog for a legal entity) for at least two years within the last 10 years before taking up dog ownership is deemed to be knowledgeable by experience.
If the dog is registered for dog tax in the name of a person or if a liability insurance contract is in the name of this person, this is evidence that this person is the owner of the dog in the legal sense.
If other persons, e.g. children living in the household, regularly handle, lead and look after the dog, they are not considered to be the owner in the legal sense. If, for example, children leave the parental household and take the dog with them, they must prove their own expertise as a new owner by passing a theoretical and practical test.
In addition, certain groups of people are deemed to be competent: e.g. veterinarians, people who take usability tests for hunting dogs or who have successfully passed such a test with a dog, animal shelter operators, service dog handlers and guide dog handlers for the disabled. However, if such a dog becomes conspicuous, e.g. if complaints about it are received by the competent authority, the competent authority can also subsequently prescribe the certificate.
Who should I contact?
The responsibility lies with the persons or bodies that are officially recognized for the acceptance of competence tests for dog owners. These can be recognized dog schools, associations, animal welfare organizations or persons who have also been recognized by a specialist authority, e.g. dog trainers.
A list of officially recognized persons or bodies can be found at the district, municipality, joint municipality and city, as well as at the Hannover Region.
Which documents are required?
- If applicable, documents on the identity of the dog
What are the fees?
Fees are charged. The fees are set by the competent body that conducts the examination.
Process flow
The exam covers theoretical and practical knowledge of handling and keeping dogs.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
If you acquire a dog after July 1, 2013, you must take the theoretical knowledge test before you start keeping the dog. The practical test must be taken during the first year of keeping the dog.
