Is the dog course mandatory in the canton of Zurich?

Yes. Since 1 June 2025, anyone who keeps a dog in the canton of Zurich must attend a practical course, regardless of the dog's breed or size.

Does this apply to you?

Who it applies to

you got a dog after 1 June 2025

this is your first dog, or you have not had one for more than ten years: the theory course with an exam is then added

Who does not need to do anything

you got your dog before 1 June 2025

you have already completed the course

The rule in detail

Practical training
At least six lessons. It starts no earlier than the dog's sixth month and must be completed within twelve months of acquisition. The course is passed when all learning objectives are met. There is no exam.
Theory training
Only for first-time dog owners. Two lessons with an exam, online or with an authorised trainer.
Who may teach
Only trainers holding an authorisation from the cantonal veterinary office. To obtain it, they must pass a theory exam and a practical exam.
Proof
The trainer keeps a list of participants for three years. The veterinary office may inspect it.

Veterinary Office of the Canton of Zurich, as of September 2026.

If in doubt, the official page prevails.

Who offers it in the canton of Zurich

Jean-Pierre Aebi

Aebi's Hund & Hausbetreuung

Zürich, ZurichDE EN

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training

Regula Aeppli Meier

Hundeförderung

Richterswil, ZurichDE

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training

Rico Ammann

Good Dog

Wasterkingen, ZurichDE

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training

Leiser Sergio Anos

Weiningen, ZurichDE

Mandatory courses

Debra Elisabeth Bailey

Bailey Behaviour Tierverhaltenspraxis

Zürich, ZurichDE EN

Mandatory coursesBasic trainingBehaviour rehabilitation

Claudia Baldassarre

Hauptsache Hund

Rüti, ZurichDE

Mandatory coursesPuppiesBasic training

All trainers in the canton of Zurich

288 professionals in the canton, mandatory course or not.

See the canton page

Frequently asked questions

Does this apply to small dogs too?

Yes. The requirement does not depend on breed or size.

I have had a dog before. Do I need the theory course?

Only if your last dog was more than ten years ago.

How long do I have?

Twelve months from the day you got the dog.

How much does the course cost?

Each dog school sets its own price.

Neighbouring cantons