Extra enforcement of dog tax

The municipality will soon start making extra checks on dog owners to track down and fine residents who aren’t paying their dog tax.

All residents of The Hague with one or more dogs are liable for the dog tax. However, not everyone registers his dog with the municipality. This is why the municipality will carry out door-to-door checks to see if there are unregistered dogs living there.

The dog tax must be paid for all dogs - big and small - and regardless of whether they are let outdoors. Dog owners have to declare that they have a dog. They can report their dog via the municipal website and also at the Municipal Tax Department counter in the Leyweg City Office (Leyweg 813). The counter is open Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 15.00 hrs.

Strict fine policy

If it appears that someone has a dog which is not registered, he can face a high fine in addition to the annual tax assessment. The rates for the dog tax (hondenbelasting) in 2011 and the fines for not registering a dog can be found at www.denhaag.nl/belastingen.

Proceeds from the dog tax belong to The Hague’s general revenues. People who pay the dog tax contribute to the city’s liveability.