Report free-roaming and abandoned pets

From a purely legal point of view, pets and pets found are "lost property". Thus, the municipalities are responsible as lost property authorities. These must receive found animals and accommodate them in a species-appropriate manner.

The lost property authority usually hands over the found animals to a suitable place such as an animal shelter.

To the lost property office of the respective municipality

If applicable, find report form of the municipality

§ 3 No. 3 Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG)
§ 965 German Civil Code (BGB)

If free-roaming animals endanger public safety, especially road safety, you should immediately notify the police.

Once you've found an animal, contact your community. There you can display the find and hand over the animal by arrangement. The municipality, as the lost property authority, usually takes care of the further accommodation and care of the animal.

You can also return the animal directly to an animal shelter without reporting it to the municipality. In this case, the shelter takes over the report of the find.

There are no fees.

The animal protection associations and animal shelters assume an important task for society in this area. They are always grateful for donations that benefit the animals. If you are interested in a pet, you can contact a shelter. There you will also receive expert advice.