Is the dog course mandatory in Valais?

Yes, since 1 January 2020, for anyone keeping a dog for the first time.

Does this apply to you?

Who it applies to

you live in Valais

you are over sixteen

you cannot show that you have kept a dog before

Who does not need to do anything

you have kept a dog before

it is a livestock guardian dog, an assistance dog for a person with a disability, or a service dog

the animal only stays in Valais for a short time

The rule in detail

Duration
At least six hours, or eight periods of forty-five minutes.
Deadline
Within twelve months of taking on the dog, but not before the dog is eight months old.
Content
Keeping the dog in line with animal welfare rules, life in society, the dog's needs, basic training, feeding, educational walks in town and in nature. The programme follows the topics of the Dog Owner Certificate.
Who may teach
Only instructors certified and recognised by the cantonal veterinary service, following a set programme.
Who checks
The municipalities, when collecting the dog tax. If you have not done it they remind you of the obligation and then report you to the cantonal veterinary office, which can impose sanctions.

Cantonal government ordinance, in force since 1 January 2020, as of September 2026.

If in doubt, the official page prevails.

Who offers it in the canton of Valais

Achkan Aghamirazim

Dog connection

Vétroz, ValaisFR

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Clarys Augsburger

Agilit’asion, Sion

Martigny, ValaisFR

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Marie-Dominique Biermann

Sheltie Stars du Prabé

Savièse, ValaisFR

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Nathalie Bonvin

Du Loup des Alpes

Vétroz, ValaisFR

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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Marisa Bruchez

Vet Daves

Val de Bagnes, ValaisFR

Mandatory courses
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Fabienne Coquoz

Edu4pattes

Val-d'Illiez, ValaisFR

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training
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All trainers in the canton of Valais

39 professionals in the canton, mandatory course or not.

See the canton page

Frequently asked questions

My dog is six months old. Can I take the course already?

The deadline runs for twelve months, but the course can only be taken from eight months.

How do I prove I have had a dog before?

A database registration or a municipal dog tax invoice is enough.

Who checks that I have done it?

The municipality, when collecting the dog tax.

Neighbouring cantons