Apply for a permit to breed, keep and trade animals

If you handle animals commercially - i.e. independently, regularly and with the intention of making a profit - you need a permit
You do not necessarily have to register or have registered a business.

You need a permit if you:

• breed or keep vertebrate animals, with the exception of farm animals and wild game,
• trade in vertebrates,
• operate a riding or driving business,
• exhibit animals, for example in shows, exhibitions or demonstrations, or make animals available for this purpose,
• fight vertebrates as pests,
• train dogs for other people, for example companion dogs or assistance dogs, maintain facilities for this purpose or instruct the training of dogs by their owners, for example in dog training schools.

A permit is also required if you:

• Breed, keep or supply vertebrates or cephalopods, for example octopuses, whose organs or tissues are intended for scientific purposes, for example animal experiments,
• breed or keep vertebrates whose organs or tissues are used for other purposes, for example cell cultures for diagnostics,
• keep animals in an animal shelter or similar facility, for example a sanctuary,
• keep or exhibit animals in a zoo or other facility,
• import vertebrate animals, other than farm animals, into Germany in return for payment or other consideration or take over their placement, e.g. foreign dog protection,
• train guard dogs or operate facilities for this purpose,
• organize animal fairs at which other persons exchange or sell animals.