Dogs are friends, but not free: dog tax in Luxembourg causes controversy
Victor G, Unsplash
Having a dog in Luxembourg is not only a joy, but also a financial responsibility. In addition to food, care and veterinary services, owners must pay an annual tax, set at the level of each commune, in accordance with the law of 9 May 2008 on dog ownership. This was recalled by Interior Minister Léon Gloden (CSV) in response to a parliamentary enquiry by MP Marc Goergen (Pirates).
According to the ministry's position, the tax is considered a local levy aimed at supplementing the commune's budget, but as Gergen pointed out, the variation in rates makes the system highly heterogeneous.
The lowest rates are in Sanem, where you pay 12 euros for each dog, regardless of the number of dogs. This amount has not changed in the last two years.
At the opposite pole is Echternach, where the rate is €60 per dog and also remains stable.
But the most telling example was the tax increase in the municipality of Bech, where the rate for the first dog increased by 333 per cent in a year - from €15 to €50. The second dog is now charged 75 euros and each subsequent dog 100 euros per year.
Luxembourg was the leader in terms of revenue, collecting €130,000 in 2024 (down from €138,000 in 2023 and €134,560 in 2022). This is primarily due to the number of registered pet owners in the capital.
In Bech, the tax increase has had an effect: the municipality's income has risen from €2,895 in 2022 to €7,500 in 2024, a rise of almost 159 per cent in two years. In contrast, Saeul remains last in terms of income, with only €1,800 in 2024.
The Ministry of the Interior specified that the tables on taxes and revenues are updated regularly, in accordance with the decisions taken by the commune councils. The forecasts for 2024 are based on already approved budgets, while the figures for 2022 and 2023 are based on the results of budget reporting.
