Since 1 July 2026, new rules have been in force throughout Austria for people taking on a new dog. Anyone who does not fall under any statutory exemption must hold a certificate of competence in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act.
1. Certificate of competence in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act
For dogs, the new certificate of competence consists of:
- 4 hours of theory
. The theory course must be completed before taking the dog in. - 2 hours of practical training with your own dog
The practical session must be completed within 12 months of starting to keep the dog. The dog must be at least 6 months old for this.
2. Who is required to provide proof?
In principle, the person who
- keeps the dog,
- is responsible for it,
- and is registered as the owner in the pet database.
3. Who may be exempt?
Among others, the following persons 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 verifiably kept a dog in recent years,
- or who have recognised training or specific professional qualifications.
Important: Mere long-term experience with dogs is not automatically sufficient without appropriate proof.
4. Important in Lower
Austria The new certificate of competence under the Animal Welfare Act does not automatically replace all requirements in Lower Austria.
The Lower Austrian Dog Ownership Act continues to apply. This includes, in particular:
- registering the dog with the local authority,
- proof of third-party liability insurance,
- proof of competence in accordance with the Lower Austrian Dog Ownership Act,
- for dogs posing an increased risk or dogs exhibiting unusual behaviour: an extended certificate of competence,
- compliance with regulations regarding confinement, lead and muzzle.
The liability insurance must cover at least 725,000 euros per dog for personal injury and property damage.
5. Recognition of existing certificates
A general Lower Austrian certificate of competence obtained by 30 June 2027 counts as the theory component of the new federal certificate. In this case, the two-hour practical session with the dog is generally still required.
An extended Lower Austrian certificate of competence completed 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.
6. Two registrations – please do not confuse
them Registration with the local authority
This is required for dog registration, the dog licence fee, third-party liability insurance and competence certification under the Lower Austrian Dog Ownership Act.
Registration in the pet database
: This is the national registration of microchipped dogs and is carried out via a vet or online using ID Austria
. Both registrations are required and are not interchangeable.
7. Please bring
the following to the local authority: Depending on the dog and your personal circumstances, you will need in particular:
- Details of the dog owner,
- the dog’s details and microchip number,
- Proof of third-party liability insurance,
- proof of competence,
- any further supporting documents, if applicable.
Note: This information sheet is intended as a general guide. In individual cases, the statutory provisions and the information provided by the relevant authorities apply.