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What does "Hundesteuermarke" mean in English?

Last updated on 9 April 2024

The Hundesteuermarke, literally translated as “dog tax tag” in English, is a metallic tag issued to dog owners in Germany as proof of paid dog tax.

What is “Hundesteuermarke”?

The Hundesteuermarke is a metal tag that serves as evidence that a dog owner has registered their dog with the local authorities and paid the required Hundesteuer (dog tax). This tag is typically attached to the dog’s collar and must be worn by the dog when in public spaces[3][10]. The requirement to pay Hundesteuer and to have a Hundesteuermarke is a long-standing practice in Germany, with roots dating back to the 19th century[1][4][5].

More information about “Hundesteuermarke”

The Hundesteuermarke is not only a proof of tax payment but also aids in the identification of the dog if it gets lost. Each tag has a unique number that links the dog to its owner. If a Hundesteuermarke is lost or damaged, the owner must apply for a replacement from the local authority[8][10]. As of January 1, 2024, the issuance of new Hundesteuermarken by the financial authorities has been discontinued, and dogs are no longer required to wear them[10].

Here are some additional terms that are related to Hundesteuermarke:

  • Hundesteuer: The dog tax that owners pay annually for keeping a dog, which varies by municipality[4][5].
  • Anmeldung: The registration process that dog owners must complete with their local authority to obtain a Hundesteuermarke[10].
  • Ordnungsamt: The regulatory authority responsible for ensuring that dog owners comply with local laws, including the display of the Hundesteuermarke[17].
  • Ersatzmarke: A replacement tag issued if the original Hundesteuermarke is lost or damaged[8].

The Hundesteuermarke is an integral part of responsible dog ownership in Germany, ensuring that dogs are registered and identifiable, and that owners contribute to municipal funds through the Hundesteuer.

Sources

[1] https://www.fachtierarzt-melle.de/onewebmedia/FTPM/RATGEBER/03_RATGEBER_Hundesteuer%20-%20Geschichte%20der.pdf [2] https://www.clark.de/hundeversicherung/hundesteuer/ [3] https://www.tierperso.de/hundemarke [4] https://www.da-direkt.de/hundekrankenversicherung/ratgeber/hundesteuer-kosten [5] https://www.morgenpost.de/ratgeber/article239123965/hunde-hundesteuer-haustiere-steuern-katzen.html [6] https://www.stadtmuseum.de/artikel/preussische-hundesteuermarke [7] https://www.edogs.de/magazin/hundesteuer/ [8] https://stadt.muenchen.de/service/info/ska-4-2-grund-zweitwohnungs-hundesteuer/10172536/ [9] https://www.verivox.de/tierhalterhaftpflicht/themen/hundesteuer/ [10] https://service.berlin.de/dienstleistung/121494/ [11] https://hund.info/allgemein/hundesteuer-ihre-geschichte-und-warum-es-sie-gibt.html [12] https://www.vergleichen-und-sparen.de/hundeversicherung/hundesteuer/ [13] https://stadt.muenchen.de/infos/hundesteuer.html [14] https://www.tarifcheck.de/hundehaftpflicht/hundesteuer/ [15] https://www.arag.de/tierversicherung/hundekrankenversicherung/hundesteuer/ [16] https://www.zooroyal.de/magazin/hunde/rechte-pflichten/hundesteuer/ [17] https://www.t-online.de/leben/familie/haustiere-tiere/id_100182414/hundemarke-wann-der-hund-sie-tragen-muss-und-wann-nicht.html [18] https://umziehen.de/wohnen-leben/hundesteuer-pflicht-203 [19] https://www.offenbach.de/buerger_innen/buerger-service/online-dienstleistungen/verlustanzeige-hundesteuermarke.php [20] https://www.helvetia.com/de/web/de/ratgeber/tiere/hunde/haltung/hundesteuer.html