Obligation to wear a muzzle: When does it apply?

Are you unsure if and when you should use a muzzle on your furry friend? In fact, the authorities require your pet to wear a muzzle in certain situations. In other cases, a muzzle serves as reliable protection or safety for your four-legged friend. You can find out everything you need to know about muzzles in this article!

Obligation to wear a muzzle on public transport

Do you like to be out on tour with your dog? Then you should definitely get your dog used to a muzzle! A muzzle is obligatory in many public transport vehicles.

This is also the case with Deutsche Bahn: If your dog is not in a transport box, you may only take him on the train on a leash and with a muzzle on. But a muzzle is not only useful on the train - you should also put a muzzle on your pet on the platform, where there are particularly many people at peak times.

For other means of transport such as buses and trams, there are usually no uniform regulations. The best thing to do here is to ask the transport company directly what you should bear in mind when taking your furry friend with you.

Obligation to wear a muzzle for listed dogs

For dogs classified as dangerous by law, e.g. the bull terrier, Staffordshire terrier, Doberman or crossbreeds of these breeds, a muzzle is obligatory in some German federal states. Is your four-legged friend also classified as a listed dog because of its breed?

Listed dogs can, however, be exempted from the obligation if a temperament test rules out potential aggression towards people, other dogs and the environment. Also check whether you need a certificate of competence to keep your furry friend.

Obligation to wear a muzzle while travelling

Whether splashing around in the water or hiking through the lush greenery - are you planning a trip with your dog? Then it's worth taking a look at the entry regulations in advance, especially when travelling internationally with your four-legged friend. As a dog owner, it's best to find out in advance about the regulations on muzzles in other countries::

Obligation to wear a muzzle in Austria

In addition to a leash, pet passport, valid rabies vaccination and identification with a transponder chip, you should also pack a dog muzzle in your travel bag.

As in Germany, the obligation to keep your dog on a leash or muzzle depends on the individual federal states and municipalities, but as a rule, muzzles and leashes are obligatory in public transport, parks or gatherings, e.g. in swimming pools or shopping centres.

Obligation to wear a muzzle in Italy

A muzzle should definitely be on your packing list for your trip to Italy. In Italy, it is officially required to carry a muzzle as well as a 1.5-metre leash. Although a muzzle is rarely obligatory - for example in public transport or buildings - we still advise you to always have a muzzle with you. Large dogs in particular may be required to wear a muzzle in public, depending on the situation.

And even though the dog breed ordinance that classifies certain dog breeds as listed dogs has been abolished in Italy: It is best to clarify the entry of a potential listed dog with the Italian authorities before travelling - then you are on the safe side and can enjoy the anticipation of your trip to Italy!

Obligation to wear a muzzle in Switzerland

In Switzerland, too, there is no uniform regulation on the obligation to wear a muzzle. To be on the safe side, therefore, take a muzzle with you, as regionally different regulations can lead to signs indicating that muzzling is obligatory in certain places. However, if the Swiss authorities classify certain dogs as "biting" or "dangerous", these dogs must be muzzled in all Swiss cantons. In addition, some cantons maintain a breed list that classifies certain breeds as list dogs. Keeping these dogs in this country is only permitted under strict conditions or is completely prohibited. Detailed information on this can be found on the tourism pages of your travel region on the internet: It is therefore best to check which dog laws apply there before entering the country.