Keep a dog in Vienna
You want to keep a dog in Vienna or already have one. Then you need to take care of a few things. This plan shows you the right order.
No account · Answers stay in your browser
- Steps
- 5 key steps, up to 11 depending on your situation
- For you
- 5 short questions, then you see your steps
- Main office
- MA 60 · Veterinäramt und Tierschutz
- Costs
- 2026: €72 for the first, €105 for each further dog; exemptions individually
- Online
- possible for 1 of 11 steps
How it works
These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.
Take the dog knowledge courseSachkunde is knowledge about dogs. You learn it in a course with theory and practice.Key step
- Why?
- According to the federal government, this applies generally since 01.07.2026. You need the certificate when you register for the Hundeabgabe.
- What you do
- Four hours of theory before the dog arrives, two hours of practice within twelve months. The Vienna info sheet still names another rule. Clarify your exact duty with MA 60.
- Where?
- MA 60 · Veterinäramt und TierschutzDirectly with the named service
In detail
Clarify competence training before taking the dog
Since 1 July 2026, according to the federal FAQ, general competence training applies: four hours of theory before taking the dog, two hours of practice within twelve months. The Vienna leaflet (05/2026) still states the duty applies if no dog was kept in the last two years. Clarify your exact duty and any exception with the competence plan or MA 60; the evidence is needed for the dog-tax notification.
SourceNeue bundesweite Sachkunde: Hunde-FAQ
Neue bundesweite Sachkunde: Hunde-FAQVerbrauchergesundheit.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceGet dog liability insuranceDog liability insurance pays if your dog harms people or things.Key step
- Why?
- In Vienna it is required for every dog. The cover must be at least €725,000. Cover is the most the insurance will pay.
- What you do
- Do you already have insurance, such as home contents insurance? Check if the dog is covered. Do not enter policy details in einfach.wien.
- Where?
- Insurance providerDirectly with the named service
In detail
Take out or check dog liability insurance
In Vienna, liability insurance with at least €725,000 cover for personal injury and property damage is mandatory for every dog. Check an existing policy, for example via household insurance, for dog cover and amount. No policy data in einfach.wien.
SourceMerkblatt „Hunde in Wien“
Merkblatt „Hunde in Wien“Stadt Wien · MA 60 · retrieved on 11/10/2026
As of, according to the source: 05/2026
Open original sourceHave your dog chipped and registeredThe chip is a tiny part under the dog's skin. It has a 15-digit number. The Heimtierdatenbank is a list of pets and their keepers.Key step
- Why?
- According to the info sheet, the number must be in the database within one month.
- What you do
- The vet puts in the chip. You register online or through the vet. If the dog was registered to someone else, it is a change of keeper.
- Where?
- Tierärztliche Praxis / HeimtierdatenbankDirectly with the named service
In detail
Complete chip and pet database
The veterinary practice inserts the chip; according to the leaflet the 15-digit chip number must be registered in the pet database within one month, online or via the practice. If the dog was already registered to someone else, it is a keeper change.
SourceMerkblatt „Hunde in Wien“
Merkblatt „Hunde in Wien“Stadt Wien · MA 60 · retrieved on 11/10/2026
As of, according to the source: 05/2026
Open original sourceRegister for the dog taxThe Hundeabgabe is a tax for dogs in Vienna.Key step
- Why?
- You must register the dog within 14 days. This applies to dogs from 3 months, even if exempt.
- What you do
- In 2026 it costs €72 for the first dog and €105 for each further dog. Dogs from a Vienna animal shelter are exempt for three years. Have the chip number and course certificate ready.
- Where?
- MA 6 · Rechnungs- und AbgabenwesenDirectly with the named service
- Costs
- 2026: €72 for the first, €105 for each further dog; exemptions individually
In detail
Notify dog tax
Register with the City of Vienna within 14 days, for dogs from 3 months, even if an exemption or reduction applies. Dogs from a Vienna animal shelter are exempt for three years according to the leaflet. Have the chip number and competence evidence ready.
SourceHundeabgabe – Meldung
Hundeabgabe – MeldungStadt Wien · MA 6 · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Legal basis: named on the source: Bundesbehindertengesetz; Gesetz über die Einhebung einer Abgabe für das Halten von Wachhunden und Hunden, die zur Ausübung eines Berufes oder Erwerbes gehalten werden (Hundeabgabegesetz - HAG); Verordnung des Wiener Gemeinderates über die Ausschreibung einer Abgabe für das Halten von Hunden im Gebiet der Stadt Wien (Wiener Hundeabgabeverordnung); Verordnung der Wiener Landesregierung über den Inhalt und Absolvierung eines Hundeführscheins (Wiener Hundeführscheinverordnung); Gesetz über die Haltung von Tieren (Wiener Tierhaltegesetz); Verordnung der Wiener Landesregierung über die Festlegung von hundeführscheinpflichtigen Hunden (read on 2026-10-12; not a legal assessment of your case)
Open original sourceFollow the everyday rulesThese are the everyday rules for dogs in Vienna.Key step
- Why?
- This way you follow the Vienna rules. And you have your confirmations at hand.
- What you do
- Outside, use a leash or muzzle, and a muzzle in crowds. In parks, use a leash. In dog zones it can usually run free. Pick up dog poo. Keep all confirmations.
- Where?
- MA 60 · Veterinäramt und TierschutzDirectly with the named service
In detail
Follow Vienna’s everyday rules
Outside private living space, a lead or muzzle is required, a muzzle where many people gather, a lead in parks and on lawns. Dog zones are generally free, except for biting dogs. Pick up and dispose of dog waste; some parks ban dogs. Keep confirmations for chip, tax, insurance and competence privately.
SourceMerkblatt „Hunde in Wien“
Merkblatt „Hunde in Wien“Stadt Wien · MA 60 · retrieved on 11/10/2026
As of, according to the source: 05/2026
Open original source
Depending on your situation, this is added
- See where you stand
- Handle other matters separately
- Find out where your dog lives
- Plan what to do when
- Check list breeds with the MA 60
- Prepare for the Hundeführschein
Frequently asked questions
Can I do this online?
1 of 11 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.
What does it cost?
Costs or fees are stated for 1 step according to the source; details are listed with the step.
Do I need an einfach.wien account?
No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.
Does einfach.wien submit my application?
No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.
What this page is based on
The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.
SourceMerkblatt „Hunde in Wien“
Stadt Wien · MA 60 · retrieved on 11/10/2026
As of, according to the source: 05/2026
Open original sourceSourceHundeabgabe – Meldung
Stadt Wien · MA 6 · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Legal basis: named on the source: Bundesbehindertengesetz; Gesetz über die Einhebung einer Abgabe für das Halten von Wachhunden und Hunden, die zur Ausübung eines Berufes oder Erwerbes gehalten werden (Hundeabgabegesetz - HAG); Verordnung des Wiener Gemeinderates über die Ausschreibung einer Abgabe für das Halten von Hunden im Gebiet der Stadt Wien (Wiener Hundeabgabeverordnung); Verordnung der Wiener Landesregierung über den Inhalt und Absolvierung eines Hundeführscheins (Wiener Hundeführscheinverordnung); Gesetz über die Haltung von Tieren (Wiener Tierhaltegesetz); Verordnung der Wiener Landesregierung über die Festlegung von hundeführscheinpflichtigen Hunden (read on 2026-10-12; not a legal assessment of your case)
Open original sourceSourceNeue bundesweite Sachkunde: Hunde-FAQ
Verbrauchergesundheit.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceFragen und Antworten zum Hundeführschein
Stadt Wien · MA 60 · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original sourceSourceVerpflichtender Wiener Hundeführschein: Anmeldung
Stadt Wien · MA 60 · retrieved on 10/10/2026
Open original source