Registration of a dog

Regardless of the size, weight or breed of your dog, you must register your dog in Bocholt. Special regulations apply to the keeping of large dogs, dangerous dogs or dogs of certain breeds, which must be checked by the local regulatory authority, the Department of General Order.

How can I register my dog?

You can either register your dog in person at the Citizens' Office or via the online application.

To register your dog, the Department of Finance and Participation, Claims Management Division requires the following information:

• Address and date of birth of the owner
• Breed of the dog
• Size and weight of the dog
• When did you take the dog into your household or when did you move to Bocholt with your dog?
• Origin of the dog

The following forms are available for registration:

Would you like to register your dog in person?

To register your dog in person at the Citizens' Office, please make an appointment via the Citizens' Office topic page.

I have a large dog. What do I have to consider?

Dogs that are fully grown

• weigh at least 20 kg and/or
• reach a shoulder height (withers) of at least 40 cm,
• which do not belong to one of the breeds expressly mentioned in § 10 of the State Dog Law,
• are not categorised as "dangerous" dogs,

are considered "largedogs"

The following documents are required:

• Proof of expertise
• Proof of forgery-proof identification by microchip
• Proof of dog liability insurance with a minimum sum insured of €500,000 for personal injury and €250,000 for other damage

My dog is considered a "dangerous dog". What do I have to consider?

Dogs of the breeds Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bullterrier and Bullterrier and their crossbreeds with each other as well as their crossbreeds with other dogs, as well as other dogs whose dangerousness has been determined in individual cases, are considered dangerous dogs.

In order to keep a dog of these breeds in Bocholt, prior authorisation from the Department of Public Order is required.

The following authorisation and keeping requirements must be met and proven by the owner:

Prerequisites:

• Completion of the 18th year of age
• Safe keeping and management of the dog
• The dog must be housed in an escape-proof and behaviourally appropriate manner
• Special private or public interest

Documents required:

• Proof of expertise in the form of a certificate from the official veterinarian
• Certificate of good conduct (Belgart "0")
• Proof of dog liability insurance with a minimum insurance sum of € 500,000 for personal injury and € 250,000 for other damage
• Proof of forgery-proof identification by microchip

Obligations:

Dangerous dogs must be kept on a suitable lead and must wear a muzzle. A person other than the owner carrying the dog must fulfil the above requirements. The owner must notify the competent authority of the relocation, keeping, acquisition and surrender of a dangerous dog.

If you have any further questions, please contact the staff of the Public Order Department, General Order, Trade and Elections Division. We will be happy to advise you: