Dutch dog taxes vanish as fewer than 30% of towns enforce fees by 2026
Fewer Dutch municipalities are charging dog owners an annual tax. The number has dropped steadily over the past decade, with only a small fraction still enforcing the fee. By 2026, less than 30 percent of local councils will continue collecting it.
In 2024, De Bilt became one of the latest towns to scrap its dog tax. Just last year, owners there paid €113.40 per pet. The move reflects a wider trend, as 10 more municipalities will abolish the tax in 2026 alone.
Across the Netherlands, only 101 councils still impose the fee, down from 111 in 2025. In the northern region, just three municipalities now charge it. Meanwhile, 19 towns still require over €100 annually, with Katwijk topping the list at €142.18 per dog in 2026.
The revenue from these taxes flows into general municipal budgets. Local authorities decide how to spend the funds, but no public records show which northern councils will offer exemptions in 2026.
The average yearly cost for dog owners sits around €76, though this varies widely. With fewer than 30 percent of municipalities still enforcing the tax by 2026, the decline marks a significant shift in local policy. The trend suggests most councils now prefer alternative funding methods.
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