Geneva

The Loi sur les chiens (LChiens; M 3 45) has regulated dog keeping in the canton of Geneva since 2011. The 2016 amendment abolished the general obligation for preparatory courses for new dog owners — Geneva has since dispensed with a universal training obligation. The TMC test (Test de maîtrise et de comportement) is the only remaining practical training element and only applies to dogs weighing over 25 kg or at least 56 cm at the withers, at the earliest when the dog is 18 months old. The most recent amendment of 29 April 2023 clarified the TMC rules (3 attempts within 1 year) and removed the obligation for listed authorised dogs that have reached the age of 8.

In addition to the federal regulations (AniPO), the following cantonal obligations apply in the canton of Geneva according to the LChiens (M 3 45):

Tax exemptions & control badge exceptions

Exempt from dog tax: guide dogs and companion dogs for people with disabilities, police, customs and army dogs, professional hunters' dogs and herd protection dogs. The exemption also applies to the control badge — however, exempt persons must still apply for and wear the control badge.

The TMC is a practical assessment of the dog's manageability and behaviour in everyday situations. It is conducted by dog trainers approved by the SCAV (Service de la consommation et des affaires vétérinaires). If failed, up to 3 attempts within one year are possible. The test is waived for dogs on the prohibited list once they have completed their 8th year (provided there is no aggressive behaviour).

1. 1

   Manageability in everyday situations

   The owner must demonstrate that they can safely keep the dog under control in all typical Genevan everyday situations — town, busy streets, parks, encounters with other dogs and people.

2. 2

   Behaviour assessment

   The dog's behaviour is assessed for aggressiveness, fearfulness and social compatibility. The aim is to determine whether the dog is suitable for Geneva's public spaces and does not pose a danger to persons or other animals.

3. 3

   Leash walking & reaction to stimuli

   Particularly relevant for large dogs in a dense urban canton like Geneva: calm behaviour on the leash, no uncontrolled reactions to joggers, bicycles, prams or noise, and the owner's ability to recall the dog immediately even when distracted.

Geneva has one of the strictest breed regulations in Switzerland. Since 24 February 2008, a complete keeping ban applies to 15 breeds classified as potentially dangerous. Dogs already kept in Geneva before this date and known to the SCAV could continue to be kept under conditions — all listed dogs acquired after this date or unknown to the SCAV are considered illegal. The complete breed list is available at ge.ch.