Getting a pet
If you're thinking of getting a pet or if you already have one, here is the low down on looking after your pet, adopting a pet and all things related to our animal friends in Luxembourg.
The law
Dogs must be registered and have identification (usually a microchip). Cats don’t need to be registered but must be microchipped. Dogs must be registered and microchipped within one month of adoption. If you’re importing a dog, a registered vet can do this and vaccinate against rabies.
You can register your dog at the local commune. You’ll need a veterinary certificate stating the breed and proof of vaccination against rabies in addition to proof of liability insurance. You’ll find the forms and rules on guichet.lu here. If you move, you will need to re-register at your new commune within a month, and it’s your commune to whom you pay dog tax.
Dogs must be kept on a lead in built up areas, public car parks, sports grounds, children’s play parks, and on public transport. On some forest paths, dogs must also be kept on a lead so look out for signs.
Cats and dogs should have a European pet passport. If you adopt from a rescue charity or shelter, you will get this on adoption and it will state the vaccinations your pet has had. You will need the passport when you visit a vet.
Emergencies & vets
In an emergency call 112. On duty vets are published daily here. You can also contact SOSvet.lu.
For non-emergencies the Yellow Pages has a list of vets in Luxembourg.
Axa can provide pet insurance for cats and dogs, at three different levels of cover.
Adopting a pet
Before you adopt a pet, consider the conditions you live in, for example if you have enough space or have a garden.
You should regularly visit a pet at a shelter or foster family to build a relationship with them before adopting.
If you decide to go ahead, you’ll need proof of ID and address, and you may be required to pay a fee for microchipping, sterilization and vaccinations.
There are several shelters in Luxembourg, Belgium and France where you can apply to adopt a pet:
- SOS Animaux asbl, 58 Rue de l'Avenir, Luxembourg
- Déierenasyl, 6, Boulevard de Kockelscheuer, Luxembourg
- Asile Dudelange shelter, 45 rue de la Forêt, Dudelange
- Escher Déiereschutz SEPA 121 Rue Bourgrund, Esch-sur-Alzette
- Schëfflenger Déiereschutzveräin shelter, rue de Hédange, Schifflange
- MiniMiez Asbl for cat and kitten adoption (foster families in various locations)
- SRPA Arlon, 351 route de Luxembourg, Arlon, Belgium
- SPA Thionville, 101 chemin de Mineurs, Thionville, France
If you want a specific breed of animal or need an indoor cat due to your location or dwelling, you can find more information about pure-bred cats at Lux-Cat Club and a list of Luxembourg-based dog breeders here.
If you want to bring your pet from overseas you can check the rules for Luxembourg here. The website also lists information on getting a pet passport in addition to import regulations.
Food and accessories
Within the Grand Duchy, Fressnapf sells pet food and accessories and can be found in a number of shopping centres, plus has stores across Luxembourg. You can also try Frups which has a store in Colmar-Berg but also delivers.
Further afield, Zooplus.de will deliver pet supplies to Luxembourg. Paws-Up is a new online shop based in Luxembourg selling items for dogs and cats including food, grooming products, essentials such as leads. and accessories such as blankets and bowls.
Josy Welter in the Belle Etoile shopping centre also stocks pet supplies and you can buy rabbits, mice, gerbils and guinea pigs in-store, in addition to fish and tanks.
Beggen-based, family-run enterprise Boutique J Christnach-Jungblut sells everything you need for your pets, and also clothing brands like Barbour, Fjäll and Räven.
For second-hand pet accessories such as transport boxes or dog coats you can try the Facebook group, Secondhand Deieren Artikelen.
Doggy day or pet holiday care
There are plenty of places that can walk your dog, groom him, or sit your cat if you're on holiday. You should check with your local commune, but if you live in the west of Luxembourg then check out Wagging Tails, Lux Pets, Doggy@Petz and Zareschlass.
You can find a list of doggy boarding, dog sitting, dog walking and dog grooming places in Luxembourg here (use the search criteria along the top for the specific service and location).
This author can recommend Catsitter for regular visits to your cats whilst you are away and you can find more cat or pet sitters here.
Dog training, play dates, pet friendly restaurants and pet advice
There are plenty of doggie play dates, dog training and other places you can spend time with your dog in the company of other dog owners. For more information check out our article, Fun things to do with your dog. For a list of dog and cat-friendly restaurants read our article here.
For advice, support, information or just to share news on your pet, join the group Pet owners of Luxembourg. They can also advise you what to do if you have lost your dog or cat.
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