Berliners are more likely to have pets than kids, which is fairly typical for a city where apartment living is the norm. Dogs are hugely popular, and locals take their pooch everywhere, from the U-Bahn and S-Bahn to shops and cafes. Dogs sometimes seem to have more rights than humans.

Dog owners must obtain the necessary permits before legally taking ownership, and canines are also required to be vaccinated, and while there are no such requirements for cats, it is a good idea to also have them vaccinated and micro-chipped. Marita Toepfer Veterinary Services specialises in micro-chipping pets.

Pet stores with animals eagerly waiting to find owners are fairly rare in the city centre, so you’ll have to travel outside the inner city ring to find your perfect housemate. It’s also worthwhile checking local classifieds in the newspaper or Tip guide, which lists animals looking for a new home.

The best place to pick up a pet is at Tierschutz Berlin, a home for abandoned animals. Roughly the size of 30 football pitches, it is huge, and has dogs (up to €205), cats (€60 to €85), rabbits (€20), birds (€15) and reptiles on request.

Basic pet supplies are available at supermarkets, but if you want nutritional advice, Best Friends Shop in Wilmersdorf is an excellent place to head for pet accessories and food, especially for owners of cats and dogs. Tieroase in Friedrichshain has essential supplies for dogs, cats, birds, fish and reptiles.

Of course, caring for your pet isn’t limited to meeting their basic needs. If your canine is having a bad hair day, Hundeparadies in Mitte will preen your pooch from head to paw (it also stocks a good range of pet accessories). If they need discipline rather than a haircut, Hundezentrum Berlin will teach you how to best handle your dog. If nothing but the very best will do, pop into Ally & Dotty for freshly baked organic doggie biscuits (birthday cakes can be pre-ordered). Callas Goodies in Schöneberg offers colour and preservative-free cookies for dogs, as well as sleeping mats and toys from all over the world to munch on.

Should your pet get sick, there are plenty of vets in town. As well as the traditional all-purpose animal doctors, there are vets who specialise in homoeopathic treatment, physiotherapy, animal dentistry and even laser eye treatments.