Dog Ownership Guide
Zurich
All Dogs
since 01.06.2025
Theory Course
2
hours
Practical Course
6×
24 months
Since 1 June 2025, the canton of Zurich has had Switzerland's most modern dog ownership law (HHG ZH). It mandates training obligations, a theory course with exam, practical course learning objectives and certification requirements.
HHG ZH · In force since 1 June 2025
The revised dog ownership law: what has changed?
The Zurich dog ownership law has been completely revised. Three key changes: (1) theory course with final exam, (2) uniform learning objectives for the practical course, (3) new certification requirements for trainers.
⚡ Revised HHG ZH
In force since 1 June 2025. Applies to all dogs taken on from that date. Existing certificates obtained under the old law remain valid.
Ownership & legal obligations
Obligations for dog owners in the canton of Zurich
In addition to the federal obligations (AniPO), Zurich has additional cantonal requirements.
| Obligation | Deadline / Details |
|---|---|
| Registration with the municipality | Within 10 days of taking over |
| AMICUS registration | Within 10 days, central dog database |
| Microchip | Must be present and functional |
| Theory course (with exam) | For first-time owners and those without a dog in the last 10 years |
| Practical course | Min. 6 lessons, within 12 months of taking over |
| Liability insurance | Min. CHF 1 million coverage — for all breeds |
| Dog tax | Annually to the municipality of residence (approx. CHF 175/year) |
Who is exempt?
The theory course is waived for persons who have kept a dog for at least six months in the last ten years. The practical course is waived for dogs older than ten years.
Federal animal protection law
The AniPO also applies: daily social contact, exercise, species-appropriate housing.
§ 10 HHV
The theory course: content and exam
Approximately two hours (online or in person), ends with an exam (min. 80% correct).
| # | Themenbereich | Zeit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information about dogsSenses, needs, development & social behaviour | 20 Min. |
| 2 | Learning behaviourClassical & operant conditioning, punishment | 30 Min. |
| 3 | Handling dogsManagement, equipment, banned devices, everyday life | 30 Min. |
| 4 | Acquiring a dogBasic questions, choosing a dog, starter equipment | 15 Min. |
| 5 | Travelling with a dogEntry and exit conditions abroad | 5 Min. |
| 6 | Dogs and the lawAniPO, HHG ZH, AMICUS registration | 20 Min. |
Exam
Only learning objectives P and H are tested. Min. 80% correct answers required.
What owners need to know
The «4 F» reactions are central: Flight, Fiddle about, Freeze, Fight. Early recognition prevents escalation.
The dominance theory is considered outdated. Dogs must not be dominated — fear requires social support, not submission.
§ 13 HHV
The practical course: learning objectives
At least six 60-minute lessons at an approved school. From the sixth month of age, within 12 months of taking over.
- 1
Bonding and relationship
Attentive response to the handler. Bond-strengthening play.
- 2
Reading body language
Correctly interpret stress, fear, threat signals and respond appropriately.
- 3
Basic training
Sit, down, 60 sec. stay, recall at 15 m, 50 m loose lead, side change.
- 4
Handling in difficult situations
Calmly passing people, joggers and other dogs on a loose lead.
- 5
Muzzle acclimatisation
Voluntarily inserting for at least 10 seconds without stress or force.
No final exam
Progress is documented continuously. Confirmation only when all learning objectives are achieved.
AniPO Art. 76
Banned equipment
Explicitly banned — even if commercially available:
Electric devices
Teletac, vibration collars, e-collars
Anti-bark devices
All types of bark-prevention devices
Banned collars
Prong, choke and coral chain collars
Chemical devices
Spray collars and similar
Acoustic devices
Pet Gentle and similar
Docking/cropping
Tail and ear docking, import banned
Reporting obligation
Serious injuries caused by dogs must be reported to the cantonal authority (Art. 78 AniPO).
Breed bans
Zurich maintains a breed type list II. Check the current list on the official cantonal website.
FAQ
Do I need the theory course if I already had a dog before?+
No — anyone who has kept a dog for at least six months in the last ten years is exempt.
Does the obligation also apply to small dogs?+
Yes, since 1 June 2025 for all dogs — regardless of size or breed.
Can I do the theory course online?+
Yes, online or in person — equivalent. Ends with an exam (min. 80%).
By when must the practical course be completed?+
Within 12 months of taking over, earliest from the 6th month of life. Exception: dogs over 10 years.
What happens without AMICUS registration?+
Deadline: 10 days. Violations can be fined.
Quellen
- Kanton Zürich — Hunde (Veterinäramt) ↗
- Tierschutzverordnung (TSchV), SR 455.1 ↗
- Veterinäramt ZH: Lernziele Theoriekurs § 10
- Veterinäramt ZH: Lernziele Praxiskurs § 13
- gfs-zürich: Hundebissvorbeugung ZH (2023)