Everything you need to know about dogs

In its brochure on dog ownership, the Province of Tyrol has summarised the most important information for dog owners. Below you will find further relevant information on dog ownership, specifically in Innsbruck:

What do I need to do when a dog comes to live with me?

• Before a pet moves in with you, you should clarify these basic questions.
• Certificate of Competence: Before you get a dog for the first time, you must complete a theoretical training course, known as the Certificate of Competence. Through the Chamber of Commerce, dog trainers qualified in animal welfare or vets offer these special courses leading to the certificate of competence. You must send proof that you have completed the course to City Department General security and events when registering your dog.
• Dog liability insurance: You have one week to provide proof of dog liability insurance. You must send this proof to the [ City Department General security and events
• Dog licence registration: You must register your dogfor the dog licence with the Office for Local Taxes within two weeks.
• Microchipping and registration requirement: You must have your dog microchipped and registered by a vet within one month. If your dog is microchipped, you can also register it yourself via:
  • your vet
  • the authorities (official vet)
  • animaldata.com
  • ID Austria

Where and how can I register the dog tax?

You must register your dog in Innsbruck if you intend to keep it for longer than two months. You then have two weeks to register your dog using the online form, by post or in person at theService Unit Municipal levies - advance payment - Dog tax ). Please have the necessary documents and data ready. The dog tax for the year 2026 is 136,80 Euro (regular) or 45,00 Euro (reduced).

By the way: There are no more dog tax stamps in Innsbruck.

What documents and details do I need to register my dog?

You have two weeks to register your dog. To do so, you will need:

• As a first-time dog owner in Innsbruck: a certificate of competence, which must be sent to City Department General security and events
• Third-party liability insurance. Proof of insurance must be sent to City Department General security and events
• The dog’s name
• Breed
• Colour
• Dog’s sex
• Dog’s microchip number
• Dog’s date of birth
• Date of collection
• Date the dog has been in Innsbruck
• Details of the previous owner: surname, first name, address

Where is it compulsory to wear a leash in Innsbruck?

Leash obligation for the whole of Tyrol (Provincial Police Act § 6a) incl. Innsbruck:

• In public places within the populated area, you must keep your dog on a lead or muzzled throughout Tyrol.
• In public places where there are usually many people, you must keep your dog on a lead and muzzled.
• Muzzles and leads are always compulsory in
  • public transportation
  • Childcare facilities and schools
  • Playgrounds
  • Shopping centers
• The muzzle must comply with animal welfare regulations and must not be able to be removed.

Additional leash requirement in Innsbruck acc. Ordinance on the obligation to wear a leash:

• on designated paths in the Nordkette area
• on designated paths in the Vill/Igls area
• from 1 March up to and including 15 October for agricultural crops outside built-up areas (leash max. two meters)
• from 1 March to 15 November inclusive in the area of fields that have not been harvested (max. line length two meters)

Please also observe the provisions of the Tyrolean Field Protection Act, park regulations and playground regulations.

Responsible for the topic of leash restrictions is the City Department General security and events

Where can my dog run free in Innsbruck?

• On the designated dog runs or dog exercise zones of the city of Innsbruck. The use of Egerdach and Pechepark is allowed on Sundays and public holidays from 9:00 to 22:00 and on weekdays from 7:00 to 22:00.
  • Egerdach (Reichenau): Corner of Egerdachstraße and Gumppstraße, by the allotment gardens
  • Karwendelbrücke (Höttinger Au): Arthur-Haidl-Promenade, right next to the Karwendelbrücke bridge
  • Pechepark (Wilten): Corner of Südbahnstraße/Schidlachstraße
  • Powder Tower (Höttinger Au): Hans-Flöckinger-Promenade
  • Roßaupromenade East: Archenweg, 200 m east of the Baggersee entrance
  • Roßaupromenade West: at the level of Roßaugasse 7-11
  • Kranebitten: Kranebitterbodenweg behind camping site
• In the period between October and March in harvested fields outside the populated area.

Responsible for the topic of leash restrictions is the City Department General security and events

What other rules apply to my dog?

• You must keep your dog away from playground equipment, lawns, green areas, planting, sandpits and fountains in playgrounds.
• You must dispose of dog faeces in waste bins. There are numerous dispensers throughout the city with free dog waste bags/Sac-O-Mat.
• Your dog can let off steam without a lead and muzzle in dog meadows (dog exercise zones). Use is permitted on Sundays and public holidays from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm and on working days from 7.00 am to 10.00 pm. Dog faeces must also be removed here.
• You must not endanger the health of people or animals.
• Your dog must not cause any unreasonable nuisance.
• Dogs are not permitted in the Roßau leisure centre (quarry pond) and in the IKB swimming pools.
• Dogs are not permitted in cemeteries - with the exception of assistance dogs.
• Your dog must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle on public transport.

My dog has run away or died - what to do?

Here you can find more info if your pet has run away or died.

Where and how can I deregister my dog?

You can deregister your dog using the online form. Please have the necessary documents and data ready.

What documents and details do I need to deregister my dog?

To deregister your dog in Innsbruck, you will need the following documents:

• Your personal details (surname, address, etc.)
• Your bank details (IBAN)
• Your dog’s name
• Date of deregistration
• Depending on the reason for deregistration:
  • deceased / put down: date of death & proof
  • Transfer to a new dog owner: name of the new dog owner, address and telephone number
• Change of address: the new address

Responsible for the deregistration is the Service Unit Municipal levies - advance payment - Dog tax

What happens if my dog injures someone?

• Take the injured person or animal to a doctor.
• If there are any injuries, inform the police.
• Have your dog tested for rabies by your vet immediately after the bite and again ten days later, and take the test certificate to the police.
• Report the incident to [ City Department General security and events
• Notify your insurance company.

Any dog that has injured or endangered people or animals must be taken to the official veterinary officer. There, an assessment will be made as to whether the dog is considered a risk. If the dog is classified as a risk, it must wear a lead and/or muzzle outside living areas or fenced-in properties.

Who should I contact if I have any questions about dogs?