Dog Ownership Guide
Vaud
No Obligation
The canton of Vaud has no general training obligation for dog owners — dog ownership is governed by the Law on the Police of Dogs (LPolC, BLV 133.75) and its implementing regulation (RLPolC, BLV 133.75.1), both in force since 1 May 2014. Special permit and training requirements apply to potentially dangerous dogs (AmStaff, Pit Bull Terrier and Rottweiler and their crossbreeds). All dog trainers must hold a cantonal authorisation issued by the DGAV. Federal regulations (microchip, AMICUS registration, liability insurance) apply to all dog owners in the canton.
LPolC BLV 133.75 · In force since 1 May 2014
No general course obligation — but strict rules for dangerous dogs
The Law on the Police of Dogs (LPolC) governs in the canton of Vaud the identification, ownership, breeding, trade and use of dogs as well as the training of owners and trainers. There is no general course obligation for all dog owners — the legislator relies on federal regulations (Art. 68 ff. OPAn) as the minimum standard. Only owners of potentially dangerous dogs (AmStaff, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler and their crossbreeds, Art. 2 RLPolC) are subject to a special permit and training obligation. Anyone wishing to offer dog courses — in a club or independently — must hold a cantonal authorisation from the DGAV (Art. 30 LPolC), which must be renewed every five years (Art. 25 RLPolC).
📋 No obligation ≠ no duties
Even without a cantonal course obligation, all federal minimum requirements apply to all dog owners in Vaud: microchip no later than 3 months after birth, AMICUS registration, private liability insurance (Art. 15 LPolC), adequate socialisation and control of the animal (Art. 16 LPolC). Violations can be penalised with fines of up to CHF 20,000 (Art. 34 LPolC).
Ownership & legal obligations
What all dog owners in the canton of Vaud must observe
The following obligations apply to all dog owners in the canton of Vaud — regardless of the breed or size of the dog. Additional requirements apply to owners of potentially dangerous dogs (see section "Bans & Permits").
| Obligation | Deadline / Details |
|---|---|
| Microchip identification | No later than 3 months after birth; by a vet (Art. 16–18 OFE; Art. 3 RLPolC) |
| AMICUS registration | Report purchase, sale, change of address, death within 10 days (Art. 9 LPolC; Art. 17 OFE) |
| Private liability insurance | Mandatory for all dog owners (Art. 15 LPolC) |
| Collar tag (name & contact) | Dog always wears collar with owner details (Art. 3 RLPolC) |
| Socialisation & control | Adequate socialisation; dog must be controllable at all times by voice/gesture (Art. 16 LPolC) |
| Leash obligation (public buildings & transport) | In public buildings, public transport, school yards, playgrounds: short leash; also at events (Art. 17 LPolC) |
| Report biting incident | Every dog bite wound must be reported immediately to the veterinary office or nearest police post (Art. 23 LPolC) |
| Report litters (breeders) | No later than 3 months after birth, before transfer; except for breeders controlled by a cynological association (Art. 10 LPolC) |
| Fine for violation | Up to CHF 20,000 fine for violation of the LPolC (Art. 34 LPolC) |
Municipal autonomy & dog tax
Municipalities in the canton of Vaud may independently designate leash-required areas and restrict access to public places (Art. 17 para. 1 LPolC). They also autonomously levy the dog tax — typically CHF 100–150 per dog per year. Check with your municipality for current rates. The annual dog census by municipalities (Art. 13 LPolC; Art. 16 RLPolC) takes place by the end of February and is transmitted to the DGAV.
⚠️ Trainers need a cantonal authorisation
Anyone offering dog courses, protection dog training or bite prevention courses in the canton of Vaud must hold an authorisation from the DGAV (Art. 30 LPolC). The authorisation is valid for 5 years and must be renewed in time (Art. 25 RLPolC). The DGAV distinguishes four profiles: Mordant, Profile 1, Profile 1+ and Profile 2 (Art. 21 RLPolC). For Profile 1+, for example, the HIK-1 diploma (Certodog) or the DIC (Union Canine Suisse) are recognised (Art. 22 RLPolC; DGAV list July 2025).
Potentially dangerous dogs (CPD) & bans
American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull & Rottweiler — special rules
In the canton of Vaud, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff), American Pit Bull Terrier and Rottweiler and their crossbreeds are considered potentially dangerous dogs (CPD, Art. 2 RLPolC). Keeping them is not prohibited but requires a permit. Breeding and importing for commercial purposes are prohibited (Art. 11 LPolC).
Mandatory CPD permit
Keeping an AmStaff, Pit Bull or Rottweiler requires a cantonal permit (Art. 12 LPolC; fee Fr. 800.—, Art. 27 RLPolC).
TCOM test (from 12 months)
Test of controllability, obedience and control (TCOM) after 12 months of age by the cantonal veterinary service (Art. 10 RLPolC).
72 hours of mandatory courses
After the TCOM: 72 hours of dog training within a maximum of 2 years; course start no later than 45 days after TCOM (Art. 11 RLPolC). Can be reduced or waived with an excellent TCOM result.
Breeding & commercial import prohibited
Reproduction and commercial import of CPD breeds is prohibited. Illegally imported dogs are immediately confiscated (Art. 8 RLPolC).
Second dog alongside CPD requires permit
Anyone wishing to keep another dog alongside a CPD needs their own separate permit; joint walks only if each dog has its own keeper (Art. 12 para. 3 LPolC; directive 01.05.2014).
PAM — Bite prevention courses (animateur)
Bite prevention activity requires its own PAM authorisation (animateur-dog binome); renewal every 2 years based on a situation test; dogs re-assessed every 2 years by cantonal service (PAM Directive, 19.10.2023).
⚠️ Mandatory muzzle at events
At public events, potentially dangerous dogs and dogs subject to measures (proximity/intervention measures) must wear a muzzle (Art. 17 para. 3 LPolC). Dogs under proximity/intervention measures are also prohibited at cynological events. On playgrounds, in school yards, in public buildings and in public transport, all dogs must be kept on a leash.
Which breeds are considered potentially dangerous (CPD)?
In the canton of Vaud, according to Art. 2 RLPolC, three breeds and their crossbreeds are considered potentially dangerous: American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff), American Pit Bull Terrier (Pit Bull Terrier) and Rottweiler. The owner must immediately notify the DGAV of the CPD status and provide all necessary information for breed identification (including parent animals) (Art. 2 para. 3 RLPolC). A provisional permit is possible until the TCOM is passed (Art. 10 para. 4 RLPolC).
FAQ
Do I need to take a dog course in the canton of Vaud?+
No — the canton of Vaud has no general course obligation for dog owners. However, federal minimum requirements (microchip, AMICUS, liability insurance) apply to everyone. Only owners of potentially dangerous dogs (AmStaff, Pit Bull, Rottweiler) must complete 72 hours of courses after the TCOM test (Art. 11 RLPolC).
I own a Rottweiler — what must I do?+
Notify the DGAV immediately, apply for the cantonal permit (Fr. 800.—), pass the TCOM test after 12 months of age, then start the 72-hour course within 45 days (Art. 9–11 RLPolC). A provisional permit is issued if personal requirements are met.
Can I let my dog run freely in the canton of Vaud?+
In principle yes, if the dog is safely controllable (Art. 16 LPolC). In buildings, public transport, school yards, playgrounds and at events, a leash is mandatory. Municipalities can designate additional leash-required areas (Art. 17 LPolC). Check your municipality's local regulations.
My dog has bitten someone — what must I do now?+
You must report the incident immediately to the veterinary office (DGAV) or the nearest police post, and provide assistance to the bitten person (Art. 23 LPolC). The service examines the case and may order a behavioural assessment. In case of recurrence or serious aggression, euthanasia may be ordered (Art. 26 LPolC).
What training do I need to offer dog courses?+
A recognised qualification and a cantonal authorisation from the DGAV (Art. 30 LPolC). For Profile 1+, for example the HIK-1 diploma (Certodog), the DIC (Union Canine Suisse) or MEC/MECB (Fédération Romande de Cynologie) are recognised (Art. 22 RLPolC; DGAV list July 2025). The authorisation costs Fr. 200.— (club) or Fr. 400.— (independent) and is valid for 5 years.
How much is the dog tax in the canton of Vaud?+
The dog tax is a municipal matter and varies. A typical amount is CHF 100–150 per dog per year. Check directly with your municipality. There is no single cantonal rate.
What happens if my dog moves or dies?+
Every change — address, new owner, export abroad, death — must be entered in AMICUS within 10 days (Art. 9 LPolC; Art. 17 OFE). This also applies to dogs temporarily looked after (more than 3 months).
Quellen
- Loi sur la police des chiens (LPolC; BLV 133.75), du 31 octobre 2006 ↗
- Règlement d'application LPolC (RLPolC; BLV 133.75.1), du 9 avril 2014 ↗
- DGAV — Formations reconnues éducation canine (art. 22 al. 3 RLPolC), juillet 2025
- Directive PAM — Prévention accidents par morsure, 19 octobre 2023
- Directive CPD — Détention d'un chien conjointement à un CPD, 1er mai 2014
- DGAV — Notice éducation canine: comment demander l'autorisation de cours ↗
- BLV — Tierschutz Heimtiere Hunde (OPAn Art. 68 ff.) ↗