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. All useful information is published on the websites of the competent authorities of the canton of residence (see list of cantonal veterinary offices).
Rules applicable in most cantons
All dogs must be insured. The relevant insurance is known as a civil liability insurance for dog owners and must be taken out with a private insurance company.
Dogs must be kept on lead at all times in public spaces.
Should a dog seriously injure a human being, an animal or be particularly aggressive, veterinarians, doctors, persons in charge of shelters or kennels, customs officers and dog trainers must notify the competent cantonal service, in principle the cantonal veterinarian office.
Canton of Geneva
Control mark for dogs: all dogs must wear the official control mark of the current year fixed clearly visible to their collars. The owner may obtain the identification tag from their commune or from a municipal police station in Geneva (see the informative note on dog’s tax).
Vaccination against rabies: in the Canton of Geneva only, vaccination of dogs against rabies is mandatory from the age of 5 months.
Owners of large breed dogs: owners of large breed dogs (over 25 kg and 56 cm at the withers) must obtain a licence, from the age of 18 months or within 3 months when there is a change of owner. It can be obtained by passing a control and behaviour and training test performed by an authorised dog trainer (see list of certified dog trainers below).
Authorisation to walk or look after dogs:
Persons walking more than 3 dogs at a time, including their own dogs, are subject to a licence issued by Service of the consumption and the veterinary affairs (SCAV (fr)).
Dog waste collection:
Dog owners are required to pick up their dogs’ waste using the bags provided by the municipalities in accordance with article 21 of the cantonal law on dogs (LChiens (fr)).
Import conditions: The importation of dog breeds listed as dangerous is possible only in the context of moving home and provided that the owner and the dog fulfil the conditions, which are cumulative and strictly enforced, as provided under Art. 23 paragraph 3 of the cantonal law on dogs (see link below mentioned). The owner who wishes to import a specific breed must send an application to the SCAV beforehand by e-mail (scav@etat.ge.ch). Owners are requested to inquire the competent cantonal authority about the relevant legislation (see list of the cantonal veterinary offices below).
