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New Rules for Dog Owners in Switzerland 2025/2026
What's changing now – explained clearly for all dog owners
Dog ownership in Switzerland is facing major changes. New legal regulations will come into force in 2025 and 2026, affecting all dog owners – regardless of breed, size or experience.
From mandatory training and the digital ePetCard to stricter import rules and an EU-wide microchip requirement: This article provides a clear overview – calm, understandable and without fear-mongering.
🐾 1. Digital Dog Control: The ePetCard is Coming
From January 1, 2026, the current physical PetCard will be abolished. It will be replaced by the digital ePetCard, managed via the animundo app.
- No physical ID card required anymore
- All dog data available digitally
- Easier reporting (relocation, change of owner, loss)
- Direct connection to the AMICUS database
Existing PetCards remain valid, but new cards will no longer be issued. The future of dog management is digital.
🎓 2. Mandatory Training for Dog Owners (e.g., Canton Zurich)
As of June 1, 2025, mandatory training for all dog owners will apply in the Canton of Zurich. mandatory training requirement for all dog owners.
The focus is on safety, animal welfare and prevention – not on breed bans.
📘 Theory Course (for first-time dog owners)
- approx. 2 hours
- Mandatory for people without dog experience in the last 10 years
- Topics: responsibility, dog behavior, law
- Final exam
- Deadline: within 2 months of acquisition or moving in
🐕 Practical Course (for all dog owners)
- at least 6 lessons
- regardless of breed or size
- Dog at least 6 months old
- Completion within 12 months
🔐 3. EU-wide Microchip Requirement from 2026
From 2026, an EU-wide microchip requirement for dogs and cats will apply. The goal is seamless identification and better animal welfare.
- Dogs are already microchip-mandatory in Switzerland
- Cats currently not – recommendation: voluntarily microchip
- For travel & imports from the EU, the microchip is mandatory
🚚 4. Stricter Import Rules for Puppies
Since February 1, 2025, puppies under 15 weeks of age can no longer be simply imported.
- Import under 15 weeks generally prohibited
- Exception only for personal collection from the breeder
- No animal transport, no parking lot handovers
This rule protects puppies from illegal trade and health damage.
🧠 5. No New Breed Lists – Focus on Responsibility
No new Switzerland-wide breed list will be introduced for the time being.
Instead, the focus is on:
- Training for owners
- Early prevention
- Individual assessment of dog and human
However, existing cantonal regulations remain in place.
✅ Your Smoffy Checklist
- ✔ Check mandatory training in your canton
- ✔ Install the animundo app
- ✔ Set up ePetCard
- ✔ Check microchip status of dog & cat
- ✔ Know import rules before buying a puppy
💛 Conclusion
The new rules bring more responsibility – but also more clarity, safety and animal welfare.
Those who are informed and act prepared give their dog a stable, safe environment.
Smoffy stands for conscious, loving dog life – today and in the future.