Graz is the capital of Styria and Austria's second-largest city with around 306,000 residents. The city is known for its well-preserved Renaissance and baroque architecture, its vibrant student population, and a relaxed pace of life. For pet owners, Graz stands out with its network of Hundewiesen (fenced off-leash dog parks) distributed across major parks including Augarten, Volksgarten, and ORF-Park. The city provides drinking fountains, dog cooling areas, benches, and waste bag dispensers at most Hundewiesen. Notably, the Styrian dog tax (Hundeabgabe) has been abolished, making Graz one of the more affordable Austrian cities for dog ownership. Dogs are welcome on Graz public transport (Holding Graz) with a muzzle and leash. The Mur River promenade and the Schloßberg hill offer excellent walking routes through the heart of the city.
Veterinary Clinics
Kleintierpraxis Katharina Schell
Geidorf (university quarter)
Kleintierzentrum Rechbauerstraße
Graz city center
Tierarztpraxis Puntigam — Mag. Martin Gross
Puntigam (southern Graz)
Tierarztpraxis Puchstraße
Gries (western Graz)
Pet-Friendly Parks
Augarten
Off-leash OKA popular park along the Mur River with a large fenced Hundewiese where dogs can run off-leash. The park features mature trees, open lawns, and river access. Well-equipped with drinking fountains, benches, and waste bag dispensers. A favorite gathering spot for Graz dog owners, especially on weekends.
Augarten, 8010 Graz
Volksgarten
Off-leash OKGraz's central public garden near the Kunsthaus, with a fenced Hundewiese for off-leash play. The park is compact but well-maintained, with shaded paths and seating areas. Convenient for dog owners living in or visiting the city center. Close to the Mur River promenade.
Volksgarten, 8010 Graz
Leechwald
Leash requiredA dense urban forest on the eastern edge of Graz, offering shaded hiking trails through beech and oak woodland. Dogs must be leashed on main paths, but the forest provides excellent exercise and cooler temperatures in summer. The Hilmteich pond at the forest edge is a popular resting point.
Leechwald, 8010 Graz
Lustbühel Hundewiese
Off-leash OKA spacious fenced off-leash area in the Lustbühel neighborhood on the southeastern edge of Graz. The Hundewiese is surrounded by greenery and offers ample room for dogs to run. Less crowded than the central parks, making it ideal for dogs that prefer quieter environments.
Lustbühel, 8042 Graz
Local Pet Regulations
No Dog Tax in Styria
The Styrian Hundeabgabe (dog tax) has been abolished. Dog owners in Graz no longer need to pay an annual dog tax or register specifically for tax purposes. This makes Graz one of the most affordable Austrian cities for dog ownership.
Mandatory Liability Insurance
All dog owners in Graz must carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of €725,000. This is a requirement under Styrian provincial law and must be maintained for the entire duration of dog ownership.
Source: Steiermärkisches Landessicherheitsgesetz
Dog Training Course Requirement
Dog owners who have not owned a dog within the previous five years must complete a certified dog training course. The course covers responsible dog ownership, behavior, and Styrian dog regulations.
Microchip and Registration
All dogs must be microchipped and registered in the national pet database. This is mandatory under Austrian federal law and applies regardless of breed or size. Registration is handled by the attending veterinarian.
Leash Requirements in Parks
Dogs must be leashed in all public parks outside of designated Hundewiesen (fenced off-leash areas). Inside Hundewiesen, dogs may be off-leash without a muzzle. On streets and public transport, dogs must be leashed or muzzled.
For nationwide regulations, see our Austria pet care guide.
Best Neighborhoods for Pets
Geidorf
The university quarter in northern Graz, home to tree-lined streets, student cafés, and proximity to the Leechwald forest. A walkable neighborhood with a relaxed atmosphere and good access to green spaces. Several veterinary clinics serve the area.
St. Leonhard
A residential district east of the city center with the Stadtpark at its doorstep. Quiet streets, independent shops, and easy access to the Hilmteich and Leechwald. Popular with families and pet owners who value proximity to nature within the city.
Jakomini
A central district with excellent public transport connections and the Augarten park nearby. More urban than Geidorf but offers good infrastructure for pet owners, including pet shops and vet clinics. The Mur River promenade is within walking distance.