Pet Owner Liability 2026: Dog & Horse Protection

Why You Need Pet Owner Liability Insurance

In Germany, so-called strict liability (Gefährdungshaftung) applies to owners of dogs and horses (§ 833 BGB). This means: you are liable for all damage your animal causes, completely independent of whether you are personally at fault. If your dog breaks free on a busy street and causes a rear-end collision, you must pay for the damage. In many federal states, dog liability insurance is mandatory and can be calculated in the pet owner liability comparison.

What You Should Watch Out for in the Tariff

Good rates cover damage to rented property (if your dog scratches the door frames of the rented apartment) and secure the animal even when led without a leash or when watched by third parties (friends, dog sitters). The coverage sum should be at least 20 million Euros.

Compare pet owner liability: Protect yourself against the dangers of pet ownership with cheap protection: Go to the pet owner liability calculator.