Dog ownership: Apply for exemption from the leash requirement

Under certain conditions, you can have your dog exempted from the general leash requirement in Hamburg.

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Dog registration

Detailed description

In Hamburg, you must keep your dog on a leash at all times.



You can apply for an exemption from the leash requirement if you have passed the prescribed obedience test with your dog under the supervision of a recognized expert, or have passed an equivalent test.



Exceptions for old and sick dogs are possible, provided you can submit a corresponding certificate containing a veterinary assessment of your dog's behavior. Please note that the submitted certificate will be checked for plausibility by the official veterinary service.



Dogs classified as dangerous under the dog law cannot be exempted from the leash requirement.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • You have successfully completed an obedience test or an equivalent recognized test with your dog. You have taken the relevant test with a recognized examiner.
  • If you present a veterinary certificate, you can also have old or sick dogs exempted from the leash requirement.
  • Your dog is not classified as dangerous.

Documents required

  • Proof of obedience test or proof of an equivalent recognized test
  • if necessary, veterinary certificate
  • Identity card or passport with last registration confirmation
  • if applicable, proof of registration in the dog register

Please note

Dog owners who do not live in Hamburg can be exempted from the leash requirement if they use the Hamburg area for walking, for example. This exemption can only be applied for at the Department of Consumer Protection, Trade and the Environment.



In special dog run areas in parks and green spaces, dogs are allowed to run without a leash, even without an obedience test.

Deadlines

You need an exemption from the leash requirement before you are allowed to walk your dog without a leash outside of free-running areas in public areas in Hamburg.

Procedure

  • You apply for exemption from the leash requirement at the responsible authority and submit all necessary documents.
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and documents. If necessary, it will request additional documents from you.
  • The responsible authority will decide on your application.
  • You will receive a notification.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the administrative effort in each individual case.

Fees

Fees apply.


  • For exemption from the leash requirement:

    • 46 EUR per person or

    • 84 EUR for groups (families), maximum for 2 people


  • For an expert: 35 EUR

  • For the issuance of a replacement exhibition: 41 EUR

Legal remedies

contradiction

Legal basis

§ 9 Hamburg Law on the Keeping and Leading of Dogs (Dog Law - HundeG)


https://www.landesrecht-hamburg.de/bsha/document/jlr-HuGHAV3P9

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Last updated: 07.02.2026