Correct behavior with dogs in Offenbach
13.09.2025
Anyone who keeps a dog in Offenbach must abide by the rules. A person who owns a dog is called an owner. Owners must register the dog. They then receive a dog tag. Owners must pay dog tax. If you take in a dog from a shelter, you don't have to pay tax until the following year. A guide dog does not pay tax. This is a dog that helps a blind person in everyday life.
Owners must register their dog with the City of Offenbach. This can be done online or by letter. You can find out how to do this on the Internet: www.offenbach.de/verhalten-oeffentlicher-raum
Dogs are not allowed outside on their own. Dogs must be kept on a lead outside. They must wear a collar with the owner's name and telephone number.
There are places in Offenbach where dogs are allowed to run off the lead: For example, fields and meadows between Bürgel, Waldheim, Rumpenheim and the city border with Mühlheim. Or, for example, Bieberer Wald, Offenbacher Stadtwald and Forst Offenbach. Dogs are prohibited in Martin Luther Park and at the Schultheis pond.
In the forest, dogs must listen to their owners. March to July is breeding season in the forest. This is when wild animals have their babies and raise them. During this time, you must pay particular attention to your dog. He should not frighten or chase wild animals.
In Offenbach, animals can contract rabies. This is a disease that is very dangerous for animals and humans. If a dog has not been vaccinated against rabies, it is only allowed to walk on a lead.
The city police check that these rules are adhered to. In April, May and June, the city police were out and about on many days. They checked 149 dogs. There were only problems with 13 dogs. Some owners did not have their dog on a lead. That costs a fine of 55 euros. Others did not have a poop bag with them. If you leave your dog's excrement lying around, you will be fined at least 150 euros.
The city police are part of the public order office. It wants to carry out dog controls in Offenbach again in the coming months. This will keep the city clean.