When it comes to the treatment of animals, the Grand Duchy is an advanced country. In May 2016, Fernand Etgen, the Luxembourg Minister of Agriculture, introduced a new law aimed at ‘ensuring the dignity, protection of life, safety and welfare of animals’. Since then, the legal framework has been modernised.
The Animal Welfare Act adopted in Luxembourg is based on the legal recognition of the dignity of pets, which should be respected by those who care for them. For any violation of the Act, even an insignificant one, veterinary inspectors can issue subpoenas and impose fines, just like in the case of a traffic offence.
In Luxembourg, people may have only those animals that are stated in the so-called ‘positive’ list. If someone owns or wants to adopt an animal that is not on the list, they must get corresponding permission from the Ministry.
IMPORTANT!
In Luxembourg, the owners of an apartment or house virtually have the right to prohibit the keeping of an animal. Usually, such a requirement is specified in the lease agreement. If the issue can be discussed with the landlord, do not forget to ask about it in advance.
For dogs, both procedures — identification and registration — are obligatory. Dogs must have a microchip, which can be provided by a veterinarian. Registration of cats is not compulsory; however, they must be microchipped.
The procedures are done within the first four months after birth or within a month after the animal is taken from a shelter or brought to the country.
You can register your dog in the local commune. For that, you will need a breeding certificate, a rabies vaccination certificate and liability insurance.
IMPORTANT!
All owners must pay a dog tax. Its rate differs from one commune to another, but the minimum rate amounts to 10 euros. Only owners of guide dogs are exempt from the tax.
Mandatory insurance is required for dogs. This guarantees your civil liability as a dog owner in case of a mishap caused by your pet.
IMPORTANT!
If a dog has a new owner, he/she must report it to the city administration at the place of residence within a month. If you move, you will have to re-register the dog in your new commune, also within a month.
If one wants to adopt a dog whose breed is considered potentially dangerous, he/she should get prior approval. These breeds are Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, American Staffordshire Terriers, Pit Bulls and Boerboels. The Ministry of Agriculture issues documents for keeping or bringing in dogs of such breeds only upon providing a certificate of completion of special training courses run by an approved organisation.
Similar to dogs, cats must be microchipped. In addition, they must be spayed or neutered. This operation is carried out no earlier than six months after the birth of the animal. If you plan to go on vacation and leave your pet in the cattery, be ready to provide its medical record and the documents proving that the above-mentioned procedures have been carried out.
Pets must also be vaccinated against rabies. Veterinarians vaccinate animals at least once every two years and issue a certificate describing the animal.
Although it is not mandatory, it is recommended to vaccinate:
Cats and dogs must have a European pet passport. If you adopt a pet from a charity or shelter, you will get this document with the list of vaccinations your pet has received. You will need the passport when visiting a veterinarian.
This implies the ability to buy high-quality feed and accessories, have emergency veterinary care and move freely in transport.
Fressnapf company sells animal feed and accessories for pets. You can find its products in local shopping malls. Also, you can try Fraps and visit their store in Colmar Berg or order online for delivery.
Pet supplies are delivered to Luxembourg by Zooplus.de, too.
Boutique J Christnach-Jungblut is a family business based in Beggen that sells everything pets may need, as well as the clothing of such brands as Barbour, Fjäll and Räven.
IMPORTANT!
To buy used pet accessories, for example, pet carriers or clothes for dogs, you can interact with a special group on Facebook.
A list of veterinarians on duty is posted here every day. In case of emergency, you can call 112.
A list of veterinary services and doctors can be found at http://www.yellow.lu/.
Pets may travel by train free of charge, but large dogs must wear a muzzle. Also, when traveling by international train, you must buy a ticket for your pets.
Dogs may travel by bus but only with full-fare tickets, regardless of their size.
In Luxembourg City, there are special dog-friendly grassy areas. Dog owners are reminded to clean up after their pets, and in parks, there are free distribution points with dog waste bags.
IMPORTANT!
In Luxembourg, there are no laws requiring dog owners to clean up after their pets. However, there are local regulations according to which people must pick up their dog’s poop in public areas and on sidewalks in residential areas.
Dogs must always be kept on a leash in inhabited localities, public parking lots, on sports grounds and playgrounds and on public transport.
In Luxembourg, there are several shelters where you can apply to adopt a pet. All you will need is a document proving your identity and address. Also, you will likely have to pay for microchipping, sterilisation and vaccinations of the chosen animal.
SOS Animaux asbl, 58 Rue de l’Avenir, Luxembourg
Deierenasyl, 6 Boulevard de Kockelscheuer, Luxembourg
Asile Dudelange Shelter, 45 Rue de la Forêt, Dudelange
SEPA, 121 Rue Bourgrund, Esch-sur-Alzette
SOS Animaux asbl, 58 Rue de l’Avenir, Luxembourg
Deierenasyl, 6 Boulevard de Kockelscheuer, Luxembourg
Asile Dudelange Shelter, 45 Rue de la Forêt, Dudelange
SEPA, 121 Rue Bourgrund, Esch-sur-Alzette
If you are looking for a cat or dog of a specific breed, you can find more information about purebred cats at the Lux-Cat Club or find a breeder in the list of Luxembourg dog breeders.
If you want to bring a pet from abroad, please read the regulations in force in Luxembourg.