Berlin with a dog

See Berlin together with your dog – Germany’s capital welcomes dogs as much as their owners. From dog exercising areas to dog hostels to sightseeing tours with dogs, the city has a lot to offer.

Important information for dog owners

In 2011 and in 2012, Berlin was voted Germany’s most dog-friendly city. Dog owners, Berliners and tourists enjoy the city accompanied by their dogs. To make life in the capital city as pleasant as possible for everyone, a number of rules apply in public spaces.

Keep your dog on a leash

In pedestrian zones and on streets with heavy pedestrian traffic as well as in public buildings or on public transport, dogs must be kept on a lead no longer than 1 metre. Dangerous breeds are required to wear a muzzle. In public parks and woodland, the lead may be up to 2 metres long. The above does not apply for designated dog exercise areas. In such areas, dogs do not need to wear a muzzle either.

Areas prohibited for dogs

Some public parks, all playgrounds and some public buildings (e.g. some tourist attractions, museums, concert venues and churches) and shops and restaurants generally prohibit dogs (signs may say “Hundeverbot” or “Hunde verboten”). Before visiting a public place, please check their respective website or consult our Service Centre or Tourist Info points to find out whether dogs are allowed.

Removing dog poo

In Berlin, dog owners are obliged by law to pick up their dogs’ poo and dispose of it in a public litter bin. Failure to do so may incur a penalty fee. Please help keep the city tidy!

Dogs on local public transport

 

Dogs must be kept leashed in S-Bahn and underground trains, buses and trams as well as at railway stations. In addition, they must always wear a suitable muzzle. If you are travelling with a single ticket, you will need a separate discount ticket for the dog. If you have a day ticket or a season ticket, you can take your dog with you free of charge.

Small dogs may also be carried free of charge in an appropriate transport box. Guide dogs are of course free of charge.

Sightseeing with dogs

With our digital city guides, the free apps Going Local and ABOUT BERLIN, you can discover Berlin and Berlin history on the spot and individually and with dog companions. You can even explore the city with your dog on water: The river cruise company Stern und Kreisschiffahrt expressly welcomes your dogs on board its steamer trips along the River Spree and, on the boats run by Reederei Riedel, you can also have your animal companion serve as honorary captain.

If you’d prefer to keep your four-legged companion with you when exploring the city, why not take the city tour with Melanie Knies. The professional tour guide takes people and their dogs on exciting tours through Kreuzberg, Schöneberg and Charlottenburg, and finishes off her tours with an adventure walk through Tegel. You can also see the city by boat with your dog. Stern und Kreisschiffahrt shipping operators expressly welcome dogs aboard their steam-boat Spree tours and Reederei Riedel shipping also allows dogs aboard.

Dog exercise areas

If your dog has had enough of the city noise and needs a break, treat it to a run around one of Berlin’s many dog exercise areas. Some of the parks officially allowing dogs:

• Dog exercise area in Humboldthain in Mitte
• Dog exercise area on the Tempelhofer Feld
• Dog exercise area in the Mauerpark
• Dog exercise area in the Volkspark in Friedrichshain
• Dog exercise area in Grunewald

There is even a dog beach at Grunewaldsee. Here your four-legged friend can let off steam to his heart's content in the forest and in the water. You can find nice walks around the Schlachtensee lake, the Lietzensee lake or around the Soviet memorial in Treptow. Here you can find more dog walking areas sorted by district. Click here to see more dog  exercise areas in Berlin.

Shops for animal food and accessories

Berlin is home to a multitude of shops catering to Man’s best friend, for example the shop Hauptstadthund. From dog food to accessories to professional dog photoshoots, dog owners will find everything they could wish for. Ally & Dotty shop in the Wilmersdorf district sell homemade dog biscuits in the shape of Berlin’s iconic traffic-lights man or of the TV tower – a great gift to bring back for a dog lover! The shop Second Hound emphasises sustainability. Check it out to buy unique handmade items.