Stuttgart Veterinary Clinic

If you plan to live in rented quarters off‐post, some landlords require that you obtain their permission before keeping a pet and often times ask to meet your pet as part of the vetting process. Be sure you ask beforehand what they require, prior to getting locked in to a lease.

In Germany, it is technically illegal to leave a dog alone for more than five hours. This means anyone working an 8 hour day should plan for someone to come by and let their dog out in between. On the other hand, it is also illegal to keep the dog outside all day. Dogs should also not be kept solely on balconies or in bathrooms or basements. Excessive barking (more than 10 minutes straight), especially during quiet hours, can also be fined. And as shock collars are illegal, a dog trainer may need to be engaged if a dog has a barking problem.

In Germany, the pet owner is legally responsible for the actions and behaviors of their animal. They are subject to hefty lawsuits if, for instance, a dog runs a motorcyclist off the road and he/she is rendered disabled for life. A personal liability policy arising out of ownership of a dog costs approximately €80 a year in Germany. It is good idea to obtain this insurance.

Owners might also want to register dogs and cats with TASSO as an extra safety precaution. It’s free, and can help find a lost pet (via the required microchip) if they loose accidentally.

If you reside off post, you must contact your local rathaus (city call) to register your pet with your town.

Living with pets in Germany can be a rewarding experience, as many local businesses allow well-behaved dogs inside their establishments.

There are exceptions: Dogs are not allowed in grocery stores, butcher shops and other shops where fresh food is sold. Some Konditerei, or cafes, don't allow them either. Establishments that don't allow you to bring your dog inside will have a small sign affixed on the window. It usually shows a picture of a dog and will read something like, “Wir müssen leider daraussen warten” (unfortunately, we must wait outside).

Owners need to pick up after their pets when in public spaces. Some parks and walking trails will have dispensaries for bags, but owners should be in the habit of supplying their own. Failing to pick up after a pet, especially in areas where people walk and where children play can result in a fine.

Pet owners looking to travel with their pet while in Europe may be surprised to find just how easy and fun it can be. Within the European Union, an EU pet passport has been established that contains the pet’s vaccination records. As long as the vaccines are up-to-date and it contains all the necessary information, this passport allows the pet to move with the owner within most nations of the EU with ease. EU pet passports are highly recommended as they greatly simplify the vacation travel process and help alleviate stress. The official blue EU pet passport can be obtained at a host nation clinic.

Pets may also travel on the trains, tickets for pets can be purchased at about half the regular fare.

When traveling by car with your pets, they must be safely restrained in the back seat or cargo area of your vehicle, as it is illegal for animals to ride in the front seat.

It is important for American personnel to understand that, traditionally, pets in Germany undergo extensive obedience training. Pets are often expected to be as self-disciplined and quiet as a very well-behaved child, and an out-of-control pet is looked down upon in Germany.

Additionally, leash laws and other pet-related ordinances in Germany can be more extensive and vary from town-to-town or county-to-county. Unless a dog is exceptionally well trained, he or she should stay on the leash at all times. While walking outside of public places and housing areas, dogs are allowed off the leash (i.e. in fields or while walking in the woods), but dogs should immediately be put on the leash or called to hand when passing others.

Our mission, above all, is to provide services to the military working dogs of the garrison. However, the privilege of care has been extended to pets of the following personnel types and their family members:

‐ Active duty military members
‐ Retired service members
‐ Members of the reserves who have been activated
‐ DoD employees stationed overseas
‐ All others employed by U.S. federal agencies (appropriated or non‐ appropriated funds)

If your pet has been seen at our facility, or another military facility, within the past year and has been given a prescription for meds or food, a refill may be requested by calling or visiting our facility. Please allow a grace period of at least 14 business days for medications and food orders to arrive that are not in stock at the time of your request. Once the prescription is filled and the owner notified, it must be retrieved within 14 days. *Prior to dispensing/ refilling medications, a doctor‐ patient relationship must be established and maintained at our facility.

A pet passport may be obtained via off‐ base veterinarians only, not through the Stuttgart VTF. We can, however, update them with vaccines that we administer, so be sure and bring them to your appointments. They are required when traveling throughout countries of the EU. Each country may have its own regulations, so be sure to research before planning a trip with your pet. Please call or visit an off‐ base veterinarian for more information.

Pet ownership in government housing is a privilege and may be revoked if your pet becomes a nuisance and/or a threat to other residents or animals. Please visit link for more information about pet ownership on base.

If you elect to have your pet seen at our facility, you must register him/her prior to setting an appointment. Simply fill out our registration form and provide a copy of your pet(s)’ most recent immunization record, specifically rabies. *RECORDS ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER YOUR PET,* unless it is a new pet that has yet to be vaccinated, or records have been misplaced, in which case vaccines may be re‐ administered.

The registration form is available on this page, under the "Pet Registration" dropdown in the "Services Provided" section. It can also be obtained through our Facebook page, by visiting our clinic during regular business hours, or via email. An exam is not required to register.

*Please allow up to 3 business days from the time of submission, for your pet’s registration to be completed before calling to schedule appointments.

It is the responsibility of the pet owner to ensure his/her pet is kept up‐ to‐ date on all required immunizations. Rabies vaccinations must always be current . Our facility offers a 3 year vaccine. In order to board your pet with local facilities, up‐ to‐ date Bordetella and Distemper vaccines are also required.