Demonstrate knowledge of dog care
If you adopt a dog after June 30, 2026, you are required to pass a dog ownership certification exam.
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Basic information
In Bremen, the dog ownership proficiency test is mandatory for all dog owners who acquire a dog on or after July 1, 2026.
If you own more than one dog, you must take the dog ownership proficiency exam separately for each dog.
You must pass both a theoretical and a practical exam.
The theoretical proficiency exam must be taken before you bring the dog home.
The practical exam must be taken within one year of bringing the dog home.
If you have owned a dog for at least two years within the past five years and have already passed the theoretical exam, you only need to complete the practical portion when getting a new dog. The practical exam must be successfully passed again for each additional dog.
You do not need to take the proficiency exam if
- you acquired a dog before July 1, 2026
- you are a veterinarian or a hunter
- you have a guide dog
The Public Order Office may decide whether to grant an exemption.
Exam Content
Theoretical exam:
The theoretical exam consists of 35 questions covering:
- Requirements for dog ownership in accordance with animal welfare laws,
- the social behavior of dogs, communication, and expression, as well as breed-specific characteristics and needs of dogs,
- Recognizing and assessing dangerous situations involving dogs, as well as
- management and prevention,
- dog training and education in compliance with animal welfare laws, and
- legal regulations governing the keeping and handling of dogs.
The exam is considered passed if at least 4 out of 7 questions in each subject area and at least 26 out of 35 questions overall are answered correctly.
Practical Exam:
The exam takes place at at least two different locations—an area with few distractions
(for example, a park with the option for off-leash running) and a public space with traffic—
Here, you demonstrate that you can assess your own dog and prevent it from disturbing others. You must be able to recognize dangerous situations and have the knowledge to prevent potential hazards in a timely manner.Requirements
- Liability insurance for the dog with a minimum coverage of 500,000 euros for bodily injury and 250,000 euros for property damage.
- For the practical exam:
- The dog is microchipped and vaccinated.
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Procedure
- You must take the theoretical and practical exams administered by individuals or organizations recognized by the Food Safety, Animal Welfare, and Veterinary Service of the State of Bremen (LMTVet).
- A list of officially recognized examiners for administering the proficiency exams can be found via the link under “Further Information.”
- Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate of completion for the respective exam from the examiner or testing agency.
- You must present the certificate confirming that you have passed the exams upon request by the competent local police authority.
More information
Aids
The use of auditory and/or visual cues is permitted. It is also permitted to reward the dog for correct behavior. Aids such as a Halti, muzzle, food, or toys are permitted in any situation. The aids must comply with animal welfare standards and must be checked by the examiner at
to ensure they are held and fitted correctly.Retaking the Test
If you do not pass the theoretical or practical test, you may retake it after a certain period of preparation. There is no fixed limit on the number of retakes. However, you should allow enough time between attempts to prepare yourself and your dog thoroughly.Carrying Proof of Passing
When walking your dog, you must show proof of passing the theoretical and practical exams to public order officials upon request. You may carry the document with you either in hard copy or digitally. - You must take the theoretical and practical exams administered by individuals or organizations recognized by the Food Safety, Animal Welfare, and Veterinary Service of the State of Bremen (LMTVet).
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Necessary Documents
- Identity card
- Proof of Dog Liability Insurance
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Fees / Costs
The cost of the exams is borne by the examinee. The exam fee is set by the respective provider.
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Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
The theoretical knowledge test must be taken before you bring the dog home.
The practical exam must be taken within the first year of owning the dog.
If you acquired your dog before July 1, 2026, you generally do not need to retake the proficiency exam, unless the Bremen Public Order Office has previously determined that your dog is considered “dangerous.” If this is the case, you must take both the theoretical and practical dog ownership proficiency exams by June 30, 2028.
How long does it take to process
Not specified.
This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.
The official information in German is complete and correct.
Updated on 11.08.2026