Is the dog course mandatory in the canton of Fribourg?

Yes, and since 1 January 2024 there are two separate requirements: a theory course for a first dog, and a practical assessment for every new dog.

Does this apply to you?

Who it applies to

theory course: you are getting a dog for the first time, or ten years after your last dog

practical assessment: every new owner-dog pair, whatever the breed or size

Who does not need to do anything

you have kept a dog in the past ten years: no theory course

your dog was acquired before 1 January 2024: neither course nor assessment

The rule in detail

The theory course
At least five hours, to be taken before buying or adopting the dog. It is given by a trainer approved by the cantonal food safety and veterinary affairs service. The certificate allows you to register with your municipality to obtain the AMICUS number, which is required to register the dog. Registration must happen within ten days of acquisition.
The practical handling assessment
Within eighteen months of the dog's registration in AMICUS. Taking it before twelve months is strongly discouraged: in practice it takes place between twelve and eighteen months. It assesses the owner's ability to keep the dog under control, and the dog's behaviour. If you do not pass, you can retake it and change trainer, as long as they are approved.

Article 28a of the Dog Keeping Act, articles 13 and 14 of the Regulation of 13 June 2023, as of September 2026.

If in doubt, the official page prevails.

Who offers it in the canton of Fribourg

Danièla Babelay

Chez Gus

Rue, FribourgFR

Mandatory coursesBasic training
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Géraldine Buchs

Bulle&Dogs Sàrl

Marsens, FribourgFR

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Robyn Jean Cavada

Petites Pattes

Attalens, FribourgFR

Mandatory coursesBasic trainingBehaviour rehabilitation
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Dominique Chatelanat

Les Loups du Menhir

Rue, FribourgFR

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Anne-France Cotting

Cabotin

Le Mouret, FribourgFR

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Yves Dupasquier

DupBulleDogs

Bulle, FribourgFR

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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All trainers in the canton of Fribourg

47 professionals in the canton, mandatory course or not.

See the canton page

Frequently asked questions

I have had a dog since 2022. Does this affect me?

No, neither the course nor the assessment.

I am getting my second dog, the first was in 2021. What do I need to do?

No theory course, but the practical assessment with the new dog.

Can I change trainer if I fail the assessment?

Yes, as long as they are approved by the cantonal service.

Must the course really be taken before getting the dog?

Yes. The certificate is needed to obtain the AMICUS number.

Neighbouring cantons