What you need to know about deregistering dogs

Imagine you and your four-legged friend moving into a new adventure together... or maybe not. At these times, it may be necessary to officially deregister your faithful companion. But what exactly is dog deregistration and when is this step necessary? Don't worry, we'll sort it out for you! Read on to find out when and how you should deregister your dog, and some interesting facts you may come across along the way.

When and why should a dog be deregistered?

A dog is more than just a pet. It is a family member, a loyal companion and sometimes the only one who gives us unconditional love after a long day. But there are times when we are forced to say goodbye - be it due to a move, the sad loss of a pet, or for other reasons. Here are some common scenarios in which dogs need to be deregistered:

• Re-registration to a new place of residence: Whether you are moving to another city or just to the other side of town, in many regions it is necessary to deregister your dog at the old residence and register it at the new one.
• Loss of the dog: A painful moment for every owner. After the death of the pet, the dog should be deregistered with the relevant authorities to avoid unnecessary tax costs.
• Change of ownership: If you leave your dog to someone else, it is essential to report the change of responsibility to the administration. The new owner must then register the dog at their place of residence.

The deregistration process

So what do you need to do to officially deregister your dog? Fortunately, while the process isn't glamorous, it's usually pretty simple:

1. Get the form: There are usually forms for deregistering dogs at your city or municipal administration. You can obtain these either directly on site or - if you prefer convenience - you can download them online.
2. Fill in the necessary information: This includes the dog's details, such as breed and chip number, as well as the owner's personal details. Fill in clearly and understandably - it's better to be safe than sorry!
3. Submission of the form: The completed form can then be submitted either in person, by post or electronically. The following also applies here: Pay attention to deadlines so that you do not have to make any additional payments!
4. Confirmation of cancellation: After processing, you should receive confirmation of the cancellation. This provides you with black and white proof that everything is in order.

Interesting facts and common misconceptions

Now that we've ticked off the formal part, how about some interesting facts? You'll be surprised what there is to know about the Dog tax and the deregistration of dogs!

• The dog tax has been around since the Middle Ages: Originally introduced as a source of revenue for cities and municipalities, it is now a way of regulating the number of dogs in urban areas.
• Forgetful owners: A common assumption is that tax payments are automatically cancelled after a move. Unfortunately, this is wrong! You must take active steps to deregister your dog to avoid unnecessary additional costs.
• Forgotten dog tags: When deregistering, the old dog tax stamps often have to be returned. You may think they are worthless, but if you don't return them, you could have to make additional payments.

Tips for a smooth deregistration

To make things really smooth, here are a few useful tips to ensure that everything runs smoothly when deregistering your dog:

• Act in good time: There's nothing worse than realising at the last minute that you've forgotten something. Plan the cancellation process well in advance to avoid stress.
• Keep contact details up to date: A new phone more often? No problem! Make sure that your contact details with the authority are up to date so that important messages reach you.
• Always keep a copy: Whether old-fashioned on paper or digitally on your hard drive, a copy of the deregistration form never hurts. You never know.

Conclusion

Deregistering dogs is a formal act, but one that is required for good reason. Whether due to relocation, a new owner or the loss of a beloved pet, deregistration provides clarity and helps you fulfil legal obligations. Hopefully this guide has helped you to better understand the process and prepare for potential obstacles. If you find yourself in such a situation, remember: your faithful companion would be proud of your thoughtfulness!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do you deregister a dog from the tax?

You can deregister your dog where you registered it. This is usually the responsible public order office in your municipality or the tax and city treasury office. Important: There is no cancellation in the true sense of the word for dog tax; it is more of a deregistration of ownership.

What happens if I deregister my dog too late?

You usually have two weeks to deregister your dog in due time. If you do not do this in time, you may still be obliged to pay the dog tax. If you are fined, you will have to deregister your four-legged friend where it was originally registered.

What happens to the dog tax when the dog dies?

In the event of the dog's death, a vet must certify the death. Upon presentation of this certificate, both the premium for the dog liability insurance and the dog tax paid will be refunded on a pro rata basis. This at least helps to alleviate the financial aspects a little, even if the emotional loss cannot be alleviated.

Do I need special documents for deregistration?

Yes, in most cases you will need proof of dog ownership, as well as proof that the dog no longer lives in your household. This may include a chip registration or, if applicable, the dog's death certificate.

Is there a charge for deregistering dogs?

As a rule, there is no additional charge for deregistering your dog. Information on possible exceptions can be obtained from your municipality or city, as this is handled differently depending on the region.