Animal found or missing: who owns the found animal?

A stray or found animal is legally a find. Whoever finds it must report it, to the lost-and-found office, the public order office or an animal shelter. The previous keeper initially remains the owner and can reclaim the animal. Only after certain deadlines expire can the finder acquire ownership.

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A found animal is subject to the find rules (§§ 965 ff. BGB): the finder must report the find and keep or hand over the animal. The previous owner retains ownership and can demand the animal back.

If you find the animal and the owner remains unknown beyond the statutory deadline (as a rule six months) despite the report, you can under certain circumstances acquire ownership of the animal. Expenses (e.g. vet, food) you can demand to be reimbursed.

What you should do now

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1. Report the find
Report the found animal to the lost-and-found/public order office or hand it in at the animal shelter and have it checked for identification (chip).
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2. Search for the keeper
Via chip/Tasso, notices and social networks the keeper can often be found quickly.
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3. Keep or hand over
Keep the animal carefully or hand it over. Necessary costs you can demand to be reimbursed.
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4. Clarify ownership/return
If the keeper comes forward, return the animal against reimbursement of your expenses; if they remain unknown, ownership can arise after the deadline expires.

How to spot the scam

A found animal is simply kept without reporting the find.
The identification (chip) is not checked although the keeper could thereby be found.
Expenses are claimed without a receipt.

Frequently asked questions

Does a stray animal belong to me?

Not immediately. A found animal is subject to the find rules (§§ 965 ff. BGB). The previous owner initially retains ownership and can demand the animal back. Only after the statutory deadline (as a rule six months) expires can the finder under certain circumstances acquire ownership.

What must I do as a finder?

Report the find, to the lost-and-found office, public order office or animal shelter, and keep or hand over the animal. Have it checked for a chip so the keeper can be found. Necessary expenses such as vet costs you can have reimbursed.

How do I get my missing animal back?

Report the loss to the lost-and-found office, animal shelter and via search registers (e.g. chip database). As the owner you can reclaim your animal, but must reimburse the finder for their necessary expenses. Identification with a chip increases the chances considerably.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.