1. Before taking in a dog
Anyone who takes on a new dog on or after 1 July 2026 and is not covered by any exemption must complete a four-hour theory course before taking the dog in.
The course covers, amongst other things:
- The needs and behaviour of dogs
- Housing, care and health
- Responsible ownership of the animal
- The legal framework for dog ownership
Important: The theory course must be completed before the dog is taken in.
2. Practical session with the dog
Within twelve months of starting to keep a dog, you must complete a two-hour practical session with your own dog. The dog must be at least six months old to take part.
3. Who must take the course?
In principle, the person
- in whose name the dog is registered in the pet database,
who keeps the dog in their own household and who is responsible for it.
4. Who may be exempt?
Among others, the following people may be exempt from the new federal certificate of competence: those who
- already keep a dog and can prove this via the pet database,
- have kept a dog for at least two years within the last two years,
- or have kept a dog for at least two years within the last seven years and have also completed a recognised
- dog training course or examination.
Exemptions also apply to certain professional groups and categories of people.
Mere long-term experience with dogs is not automatically sufficient without appropriate proof.
5. The Lower Austrian Dog Ownership Act and the Animal Welfare Act apply in parallel
Irrespective of the new federal certificate of competence, the provisions of the Lower Austrian Dog Ownership Act continue to apply.
These include, in particular:
- Registration of the dog with the local authority
- Proof of third-party liability insurance
- General Lower Austrian certificate of competence
- for dogs posing an increased risk or dogs exhibiting unusual behaviour: an extended certificate of competence
- Compliance with regulations on keeping dogs, lead use and muzzles
6. Recognition of existing certificates
A general Lower Austrian certificate of competence obtained by 30 June 2027 counts as the theory part of the new federal certificate. In this case, the two-hour practical session is generally still required.
An extended Lower Austrian certificate of competence obtained by 30 June 2027 is fully recognised.
Conversely, the new federal certificate of competence is recognised as a general certificate of competence under the Lower Austrian Dog Ownership Act.
7. Two separate notifications
- Registration with the local authority: for the Dog Ownership Act, dog licence fee, insurance and competence.
- Registration in the pet database: nationwide registration of the microchipped dog.
Both registrations are required and are not interchangeable.
8. You will need the following documents when registering with the local authority
Depending on the dog and your personal circumstances, in particular:
- Details of the dog owner
- The dog’s details and microchip number
- Proof of third-party liability insurance
- Proof of competence
- if necessary, further evidence regarding the breed, origin or specific expertise
Any questions? The market town’s Citizen Services team will be happy to help.