The Local Switzerland

Where and when must dogs be kept on a leash in Switzerland?

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:13:35 +0200

Letting your dog roam the Swiss countryside off the leash can have dire consequences and you may even be breaking the law.

‘Hundegesetz’: Zurich to reinstate mandatory dog-training classes from June

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:18:39 +0100

Nine years after the obligation was scrapped throughout Switzerland, all Zurich dog owners will have to attend, from June 1st, a training course called Hundegesetz in German.

Cat owners in Switzerland could soon be forced to microchip their pets

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 14:49:52 +0100

The Federal Council has asked the Swiss parliament to adopt a motion calling for the compulsory microchipping of cats, which currently is optional.

Why do the Swiss have a reputation for eating their pet cats and dogs?

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:17:22 +0200

Even though it has strict animal rights laws Switzerland remains the only European country where eating your pet cat or dog is legal, but the Swiss actually still do it?

What Zurich's new dog law means for owners

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:04:46 +0200

If you own a dog – or are planning to get one – and live in Zurich, then you need to be aware of some changes that are coming as part of a new Dog Law (Hundegesetz).

Which dog breeds are restricted (or banned) in Switzerland?

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 13:55:20 +0100

Dogs are widely considered man’s (and woman's) best friend. However, according to some Swiss cantonal governments, some dogs are more dangerous than others.

Escaped dog travels 160 kilometres across Switzerland in one night

Sat, 05 Aug 2023 10:20:57 +0200

An escaped border terrier named Lucky made an epic 160-kilometre journey across Switzerland on the eve of the country's national holiday before being found and returned to her owners.

From toys to scratching posts: How Swiss law forces you to pamper your pets

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:07:01 +0200

When it comes to animal rights and welfare, the Swiss leave nothing to chance — they have legislation that sets conditions of care for practically all types for pets and farm animals alike.

Reader question: Do I need to take out insurance in Switzerland for my pet?

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 16:12:31 +0200

A pet can become ill or injured in an accident and need emergency veterinary treatment at any time - and this can quickly become very expensive. But when does taking out pet insurance in Switzerland make sense?

'Treat pets like family members': Swiss experts recommend social distancing for animals

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 18:55:48 +0100

Swiss experts have recommended pet owners make sure their furry friends practice social distancing to avoid transmission of coronavirus.

Swiss animal authority warns against putting masks on pets

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 15:39:21 +0200

An animal protection association in Zurich has criticised pet owners putting coronavirus masks on their dogs or cats.

Brexit Q&A: Embassy answers questions from anxious Brits in Switzerland

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 15:20:26 +0200

Brits in Switzerland anxious about Brexit have been posing their urgent questions to the British Embassy. Here's what officials had to say.

Switzerland has too many fat cats – literally

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 11:04:34 +0100

Up to 40 percent of cats and dogs in Switzerland are overweight, according to reports.

Ticino tortoises at risk from warm weather

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:35:00 +0100

Unseasonably warm weather in Ticino, Switzerland’s southernmost canton, is raising concerns about pet tortoises that have prematurely emerged from winter hibernation.

Hamster explosion at Zurich pet hospital

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:12:00 +0200

An increasing number of hamsters are being taken to the animal hospital in Zurich, prompting authorities to issue guidelines for the owners.

Allergies take their toll on household pets

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 18:12:41 +0200

Red eyes and itchy noses are no longer only problems for humans, according to veterinarians.