Years after the reform was first proposed and approved, officials in Canton Zurich have now confirmed new rules will soon be put in place for dog owners in the Swiss metropolis. The new “Dog Law” (Hundegesetz) will be enforced within the next year.

New dog law (Hundegesetz) to be imposed in Canton Zurich

In a statement, the Veterinary Office of Canton Zurich confirmed that the new dog law (Hundegesetz) can finally be introduced. The law was originally proposed and approved by lawmakers in the canton in 2021, but a legal challenge from 14 dog course instructors delayed its introduction until now.

The challenge was related to the part of the law which required all dog instructors to complete a new examination, regardless of whether they were already instructors or not. However, this complaint was rejected by the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne.

What law changes should dog owners in Zurich expect?

Here is what is changing as part of the new dog law for Zurich:

All dog breeds must complete mandatory dog training

The headline change for current and prospective dog owners in the Swiss metropolis is that all dogs, regardless of their size, will now be required to complete dog training in order to live in the canton. 

Previously, owners could get out of completing the course if both parents of the dog were classed as “small.” The change means that owners of hundreds of different dog breeds - from beagles and terriers to spaniels and chihuahuas - will soon be required to complete dog training courses.

What mandatory training is required for dogs in Zurich?

If a dog is between eight and 16 weeks old, they must attend at least four puppy training sessions and at least 10 sessions of young dog training. Canines aged 16 weeks to 18 months require young dog training and at least 10 lessons of regular dog training (unless owners can confirm they participated in puppy training).

Dogs aged 18 months to eight years have to complete regular dog training, while those older than eight years do not require any training. You can check what type of training your dog requires using the official website.

Zurich to employ more dog trainers

To compensate for the fact that thousands more dogs will soon require training, cantonal officials will move to expand the number of dog training locations and dog trainers. As outlined above, these new trainers will have to pass a theory and practical exam. 

When will the new dog law come into force?

The new dog law is expected to come into force by mid-2025 at the latest. Leash requirements for forest areas, vaccination, insurance, dog tax, banned breed and registration rules are expected to remain the same in the new version of the law.

For more information on the current rules, check out the official website.

Thumb image credit: Zdelnik Alexandr / Shutterstock.com