Some U.S. citizens must register dogs, pay German tax

Dog owners who are U.S. citizens, military or civilian, and are married to a German national are liable for “dog tax” under German law.

Ramstein-Miesenbach Union Community officials have asked dog owners to register their dog at the Ramstein Rathaus (city hall) if they live in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Kottweiler-Schwanden, Hütschenhausen with Spesbach and Katzenbach, Steinwenden with Weltersbach and Obermohr, or Niedermohr with Schrollbach and Reuschbach.

Dog owners moving into the union community must register their dogs within two weeks of the move. Puppies must be registered three months after birth. Owners must register new or stray dogs within one month.

The dog tax office is located in Room 217, second floor, Ramstein-Miesenbach Rathaus, Am Neuen Markt 6. (Courtesy of Ramstein Union Community administration)