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In Switzerland, pets (haustier or animal domestique) are defined as animals that are kept for the animal's sake or for companionship. Dogs must have a rabies vaccination every two years from the age of six months. Cats are not required to have rabies innoculation. Dog Licences & IdentificationA dog needs a licence from the age of six months. This is usually available from the local community office on production of its international health certificate. In some cantons owners may require private liability insurance before a dog licence is issued. Dogs must wear the licence attached to the collar at all times in public places. Licences must be renewed annually and if moving to another canton of Switzerland, you must de-register and re-register your pet in the new community. Owners of unlicensed dogs will be fined. Licence fees are set by the canton. The licence is valid for a year and should be renewed annually in January. If a dog dies during the year, before 1 July, half the fee will be reimbursed.
Identification by tattoo or microchip is not obligatory in all cantons. However identification by microchip is obligatory in Geneva and Vaud. Dog licences in GenevaA dog licence is available from the Département des Finances at the following address: At: l'Hôtel des Finances, Caisse de l'Etat, Rue du Stand 26 The following documents will be required:
More information from the official State of Geneva website: Click here (in French) Dog licences in VaudDog licence are available from the local commune.
Animal HealthVeterinary hospitals (tierspital, hopital pour animaux), have animal ambulances available for emergencies day and night. The animal hospital in Zurich is also a research institute and has modern facilities for treatment and diagnosis of animal illnesses:
The death of a pet should be reported to the vet for information on how to proceed. Food for most types of domestic pet is available at supermarkets and specialist pet shops. Dogs in Public PlacesDogs are allowed in many places, but not everywhere and must be kept on a leash in the city and in residential areas. Dogs are not allowed into areas marked with a "no dogs allowed" sign. This is a circular sign with a white background encircled in red with a picture of a black dog in the centre. Dogs are not allowed in grocery stores, post offices or other public buildings. Since 21 August 2006 (following the mauling of an 18-month old toddler by a pit-bull in Geneva) all dogs have to wear a muzzle in a public park in the canton of Geneva. Before moving into rental accommodation it is important to check that dogs are allowed and that this is included in the rental agreement. Small pets such as such as guinea pigs, hamsters or canaries can be kept in all cases (even if there is a ban on pets in the tenancy agreement). "Robidogs" can be found throughout Switzerland. These are green containers (each about the size of a rubbish bin) and should be used for the proper disposal of the dog's waste. They dispense plastic bags that are to be used to clean up after the dog. Pets on Public TransportDogs and cats may travel on public transport. Cats (usually traveling in a pet carrier) and small dogs that can can be held on a lap travel for free. A half-fare ticket must be bought for larger dogs, and they must be on a leash and kept at the owner's feet. Animals Lost & FoundFound an animalA found animal should be reported to the local cantonal office for lost and found animals. To find a local office: click here The office can be notified in several ways:
Found dogs and cats should be taken to an animal refuge ( Refuge pour Animaux or Tierheim).
Website Animal Trouvé has a comprehensive, interactive map of Switzerland with all cantonal refuges and other animal organisations listed.
Lost an animalWebsite Animal Perdu lists all cats, dogs, birds and other animals found and housed in refuges throughout Switzerland. The database of found animals can be searched by the animal's identity number (tattoo or microchip) and by region. Owners of lost pets can place announcements online.
Lost & found in VaudThe canton of Vaud does not subscribe to the national database of lost and found animals. Instead this is managed by the Société Vaudoise pour la Protection des Animaux (SVPA). If an animal is found in Vaud, it should be reported to the Société Vaudoise pour la Protection des Animaux (SVPA) then be taken to the refuge, the Cantonal Fourrière of Vaud, in Lausanne (see address below). If an animal is lost in Vaud, contact the refuge (open for calls daily, 24 hours a day). Tel: 021 784 80 00. The Vaud SPA has a downloadable form to be filled with the details of the owner and lost animal: click here The completed form should be faxed to +41 (0)21 784 80 01
Organisations & RefugesThe SAP, Swiss Animal Protection (Schweizer Tierschutz STS or Protection Swiss des Animaux PSA) has a list of refuges in each canton.
The French PSA and German STS versions of the website have more comprehensive information.
Geneva CantonVeterinarian Emergencies for Small Animals in Geneva canton: available nights, weekends and holidays: Tel: 09 00 83 83 43
Pet Threats
Further Information
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This is the "Essential Animal Information for Pets in Switzerland" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Geneva. AngloINFO Geneva's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in and around Geneva, in English!". AngloINFO Geneva is your Geneva information source, for everyone living in the Geneva region or moving to the Geneva region, covering everything from the Geneva property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to Switzerland, to all aspects of everyday life in the Geneva international community for those living their lives in Switzerland. » Find out more about AngloINFO in Switzerland | ||||||||||||||||||||||
