Can I keep a dog in Switzerland?
Yes — with registration, tax and, in Zürich, mandatory courses. Nationwide, every dog must be microchipped and registered within 10 days in the national AMICUS database. Cantonally/communally (Zürich example, illustrative): there's a dog tax of about CHF 70–200/year (set per commune), and the dog must be registered with the commune within 10 days. Since 1 June 2025, dog owners in the canton of Zürich must complete theory and practical courses with approved trainers. Zürich also bans certain listed breeds (Type-II), and since 1 Jan 2025 that includes the Rottweiler. In short: yes, with chip, AMICUS, tax and Zürich courses.
📋 The rules
- Federal: chip + AMICUS within 10 days
- Zürich: dog tax ~CHF 70–200/year
- Register with the commune within 10 days
- Zürich: mandatory courses since 1 Jun 2025
- Zürich: certain listed breeds banned (incl. Rottweiler from 2025)
🔓 Exceptions
- Course exemption: held a dog ≥6 months in the last 10 years (theory)
- Taking over a partner's dog already ≥6 months in the household
- Other cantons: their own tax, course and breed rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Failing to register the dog, not paying the dog tax, or ignoring the course duty in Zürich risks a fine and official measures. Keeping a breed banned in Zürich without a permit can lead to seizure and criminal proceedings. Beware a myth: "the same dog rules apply across Switzerland" is false — tax, course duties and breed lists vary a lot by canton. Tip: before getting a dog, check your canton's and commune's rules, especially for listed breeds.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Do I have to register my dog?
Yes. Nationwide, every dog must be microchipped and registered within ten days of acquisition in the national AMICUS database. In addition, you must register the dog within ten days with your commune, which is also where the dog tax is levied each year.
How much is the dog tax?
In the canton of Zürich the dog tax is about 70 to 200 francs per year, depending on the commune. It's set communally, so the amounts differ. Other cantons have their own rates. The tax is payable annually for as long as you keep the dog in that commune.
Do I need a dog course?
In the canton of Zürich, yes. Since 1 June 2025, dog owners must complete theory and practical courses with a trainer approved by the Veterinary Office. Anyone who has kept a dog for at least six months in the last ten years is exempt from the theory part.
Which breeds are banned in Zürich?
The Zürich dog law bans certain Type-II listed breeds, whose acquisition, breeding and import are prohibited, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Since 1 January 2025 the Rottweiler is also included.
Do the rules apply across Switzerland?
No. The chip and AMICUS requirement is nationwide, but dog tax, course duties and breed lists are regulated very differently by canton. The Zürich example is illustrative. So always check the rules of your specific canton and commune before getting a dog.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “keeping a dog switzerland rules”
- “dog tax zürich”
- “amicus register dog”
- “dog course mandatory zürich”
- “listed dogs banned zürich”
- “rottweiler ban zürich”