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Dogs in Switzerland

Animal welfare legislation stipulates that dog owners must attend a training to learn the basics of dog ownership. This applies to all dog owners and all types of dogs.

Theory course before buying a dog
People who have never owned a dog before, must attend a theory course before buying a dog. During the approx. 4-hour course, the new dog owner will be taught the needs of a dog, how to deal with a dog properly and what is involved in keeping a dog (time and money).
Those who have already owned a dog do not have to visit this theory course.

Training the dog
With each new dog you are obtaining, a practical training course must be completed within the first year of receipt. This also applies to owners who already have or had owned a dog before. During the training sessions you learn to lead a dog, train to recognize and defuse dangerous situations and what can be done if the dog shows problematic behavior. This also applies to dogs born after 1. September 2008 that are imported into Switzerland.

Dog’s identification and registration
Since 2007, all dogs in Switzerland must be clearly marked with a microchip and registered in the database ANIS.
This is to investigate dog bites, in cases of diseases as well as in regards to dogs that ran away, are neglected or abandoned by their owner. The registration is done by a vet.

Dog taxes
Dog taxes apply for possessing a dog in Switzerland. Contact your community for more information.

Travel within the EU
After arrival in Switzerland, we recommend to have a Swiss pet passport issued. To cross the border into our neighboring counties Germany, France, Italy and Austria, dogs (as well as cats) require a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination.

WELCOME TO SWITZERLAND