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Whether welcoming a furry friend from overseas or adopting one in Germany, your pets are a valued part of the KMC. Just like other dependent family members, pets must be registered with the U.S. military. Luckily, this is an easy process that can be accomplished at the Kaiserslautern Veterinary Treatment Facility, located at Bldg. 2928 on Pulaski Barracks.
In Germany, the Animal Protection Law keeps both people and pets safe from disease and injury. Enforced by the Department of Public Order, noncompliance can result in costly fines or jail time. By following a few simple rules, you can help avoid trouble and ensure you are a good neighbor.
It is mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets to have an implanted radio frequency identification chip and wear an identification tag at all times. This is required to verify pets have current vaccinations and ensure they can be reunited with their families. Keeping vaccinations up to date and taking sick pets to the vet is important to prevent the spread of disease.
Owners cannot limit an animal’s opportunity for species-specific movement. Dogs cannot be left alone for more than five hours without being walked. They cannot be chained up, locked in a crate or confined to a bedroom or balcony. If kept outside in a kennel, a dog must have a minimum of 6 square meters of exercise area, a two-compartment dog house and a third of the kennel must be covered. Dogs cannot roam unattended, and they must be on a leash when in the proximity of the public. Cats are not required to be confined to your property or attached to a leash. However, allowing your cat to roam freely exposes them to danger, and you are responsible for any damage or mischief they might cause.
Bird feeding is legal, but do not feed other wild or feral animals. Attracting wild animals to our community brings them in contact with our family members. This may cause physical injury or the spread of disease. The German government is responsible for the care and feeding of wild animals in times of distress; do not hinder their efforts. Report injured or nuisance animals to the 786th Civil Engineer Squadron Entomology Shop at 314-489-6623 or 0631-536-6623 and rest easy because the animals will not be harmed.
Finally, German law and U.S. Army Europe regulations strictly forbid abandoning pets. Leaving pets to live in the wild is cruel and inhumane. For this reason, it is punishable by a €25,000 fine and up to three years in prison.
Pets are family; don’t leave them behind!
