1. Obligation for registration in the AMICUS database, in Bern
AMICUS provides an independent database for pet animals, operating throughout Switzerland.
AMICUS database (fr)
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 AMICUS database, which is replacing the database ANIS as of 1st January 2016. For dog owners already registered in the ANIS database, no action should be undertaken. Indeed, the ANIS data are automatically recovered by the database AMICUS.
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 AMICUS 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 AMICUS database (with a declaration made through a veterinarian).