Manual : Pets

Legislation in force in Switzerland regarding dogs and applicable to members of permanent missions and international civil servants who own dogs

1. Obligation for registration in the Animal Identity Service (ANIS) database, in Bern

ANIS provides an independent database for pet animals, operating throughout Switzerland.

Starting from 1 January 2007, all dogs must be marked uniquely and in such a way as to prevent falsification by implanting a microchip, and they must be registered in the ANIS database.

Dogs imported from abroad must be presented to a veterinarian in Switzerland within 10 days following entry into the country. The veterinarian must declare these dogs for registration in the ANIS database (including the foreign microchip or tattoo number) within the following 10 days. There is no automatic transmission to Switzerland of any data already registered in another country.

The regulations do not require a microchip to be implanted in the case of any dog bearing a perfectly legible tattoo. Nevertheless, tattooed dogs must also be registered in the national ANIS database (with a declaration made through a veterinarian).

2. Animal protection

With regard to how to treat and look after one’s dog, the Federal Ordinance, of 23 April 2008, on the protection of animals includes, in particular, the following provisions (see Articles 22 and 68).

- Dogs must, each day, have sufficient contact with human beings and, as far as possible, other dogs.
- Those kept in closed premises must be able, every day, to take exercise according to their needs and must, as far as possible, be able to romp in the open air.
- Those kept tied up must be able to move around in an area of at least 20 m2 (20 square metres), and must not be attached using a choke chain.
- Those kept in the open air must have a shelter and water available.
- Anyone looking after a dog must take the measures necessary to prevent the dog endangering either human beings or animals.
- Treating dogs with excessive harshness, firing shots to punish them, and using spike collars are prohibited.

3. Regulations regarding dogs in each canton

Most of the Swiss cantons have regulations about dogs, particularly in relation to looking after dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs (such as bull terriers, Dobermans and Rottweilers). Most of the cantons have drawn up a list of dogs that are considered dangerous or potentially dangerous.

Owners of dogs are asked to ensure they are knowledgeable about the legislation applicable in the canton where they live, by consulting the relevant authority (the cantonal veterinary office).

A summary is presented below of the situation in some of the Swiss cantons.

3.1 Canton of Basel-Land
- Owners who are not able to exercise complete control over their dogs must keep them on a leash.
- All dogs must be covered by civil-liability insurance (to be entered into with a private insurance company).
- There are specific measures in force relating to dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs. The owners of such dogs must declare them to the cantonal veterinary office, which will tell the owner what steps must be taken (requesting authorization for possession of the dog, dog-training requirements, etc.).

3.2 Canton of Basel-Stadt

- Dogs must be kept on a leash during the hours from 22.00 to 06.00 and at all times in restaurants, streets and places with significant numbers of people.
- All dogs must be covered by civil-liability insurance (to be entered into with a private insurance company).
- There are specific measures in force relating to dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs. The owners of such dogs must declare them to the cantonal veterinary office, which will tell the owner what steps must be taken (requesting authorization for possession of the dog, dog-training requirements, etc.).

3.3 Canton of Bern

- There are specific measures in force relating to dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs. The owners of such dogs must declare them to the cantonal veterinary office, which will tell the owner what steps must be taken (requesting authorization for possession of the dog, dog-training requirements, etc.). The cantonal veterinary office may require the owner of such a dog to keep it on a leash, to muzzle it, or both, in all public areas within the canton.

3.4 Canton of Fribourg

- Each municipality (or “commune”) may enact specific rules (such as an obligation to keep a dog on a leash, or prohibiting them access to certain locations).
- There are specific measures in force relating to dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs. The owners of such dogs must declare them to the cantonal veterinary office (which will tell the owner what steps must be taken (requesting authorization for possession of the dog, dog-training requirements, etc.). These dogs must be kept on a leash in any public areas within the canton.

3.5 Canton of Geneva

- Anyone who acquires a dog, of whatever breed, must follow a theory course provided by a dog instructor or veterinarian. The purpose is to make people looking after dogs aware of the animals’ needs and behavior, as well as the current legislation.
- All dogs must be covered by civil-liability insurance (to be entered into with a private insurance company).
- All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination must normally be renewed every three years.
- Entry to some public parks is prohibited to all dogs. In certain others parks, dogs must be kept on a leash. (Refer to the information boards.)
- There are specific measures in force relating to dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs (15 breeds). The owners of such dogs must declare them to the cantonal veterinary office, which will tell the owner what steps must be taken (requesting authorization for possession of the dog, dog-training requirements, etc.). Such a dog must be muzzled as soon as it leaves its home.

3.6 Canton Vaud

- In any public areas within the canton, the owner of a dog, of whatever breed, must be able to control it, at any moment, by some action or sound. Failing that, the animal must be kept on a leash, or even require to be muzzled.
- There are specific measures in force relating to dangerous or potentially dangerous dogs, namely American Staffordshire Terriers (“Amstaffs”), Pit Bull Terriers and Rottweilers. The owners of such dogs must declare them to the cantonal veterinary office, which will tell the owner what steps must be taken (requesting authorization for possession of the dog, dog-training requirements, etc.).