You've just moved to Zürich, you have a dog — or you're planning to get one — and you're wondering whether the mandatory dog training rules actually apply to you. The short answer: yes, they do. The rules apply to everyone living in a municipality in Canton Zürich, regardless of the language you speak at home.
The good news: you don't need to speak German to complete the required courses. English-language options exist, and this guide will help you navigate the whole process clearly.
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The law applies to everyone in Canton Zürich
Since 1 June 2025, Canton Zürich's revised dog legislation has been in effect. It applies to anyone who:
- Acquired a dog on or after 1 June 2025, or
- Moved into Canton Zürich with a dog on or after 1 June 2025
and lives in any municipality within the canton (not just the city of Zürich). Your nationality, language, and employment status don't change anything.
As an expat, you have the same obligations as any other new dog owner:
- Theory course (if you've never owned a dog before, or haven't for more than 10 years): within 2 months of starting dog ownership
- Practical course: for all new dog owners since 1 June 2025 — at least 6 lessons of 60 minutes each, at least 1 week apart, completed within 12 months
- Municipality registration: within 10 days of getting your dog
Do I have to do the courses in German?
No. There is no legal requirement to attend courses conducted in German. What matters is that the course provider is officially authorised by the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich. Authorised providers can offer courses in any language — and many specifically offer English.
The certificates and confirmations you receive are usually issued in German (this is standard across Swiss official documents), but that's fine. Your municipality just needs the document, not a translation. A course attended in English still produces a valid German-language certificate.
Where to find English-language dog courses in Zürich
Theory course in English
You have two practical options:
Online theory courses are often available in multiple languages. Some providers offer their platforms explicitly in English. This is especially convenient because you can learn at your own pace — no fixed appointment, no commute, often start immediately.
In-person theory courses in English do exist in Zürich, though they're not always prominently advertised. It's worth reaching out directly to course providers even if their website only mentions German — many trainers are bilingual and happy to accommodate. Ask specifically: "Do you offer theory courses in English?"
Practical course in English
Zürich's large international community means many dog trainers are experienced working with non-German-speaking clients. The practical course is hands-on, which means language is less of a barrier than you might expect — a lot of dog training is about body language and demonstration anyway.
Practical tips for finding an English-speaking trainer:
- Search directly for "dog trainer English Zürich" or "Hundeschule English Zurich"
- Expat Facebook groups (such as Internations Zürich, English-Speaking Zürich) are gold mines for personal recommendations
- The canton's official list of authorised trainers covers all licensed providers — call around and ask about English
- Apps like Treatwell or local directories sometimes list language capabilities
What to expect at the municipality
The registration process at your local Gemeindeamt (municipality office) is usually manageable in English, especially in larger municipalities and in the city of Zürich itself. Staff in international cities are accustomed to non-German speakers.
What you'll need for registration:
- Your ID or residence permit
- Your dog's details (name, breed, sex, colour, date of birth if known)
- Proof of liability insurance (minimum CHF 1,000,000 coverage)
As a first-time dog owner in Switzerland, you'll receive your AMICUS number at registration. This is Switzerland's national dog database ID — you'll need it for vet appointments and for your trainer to register course completions.
For a detailed step-by-step, see our article on registering your dog in Zürich.
Did you bring your dog from abroad?
If you moved to Canton Zürich with an existing dog after 1 June 2025:
- Practical course: required, within 12 months of your move date
- Theory course: only if you haven't owned a dog for at least 6 consecutive months in the last 10 years
- Exemption possibility: if you've already completed an equivalent practical course in another Swiss canton, the Veterinäramt may grant an exemption — apply in writing with your documentation
Keep any course certificates from your home country or previous cantons. It's worth asking the Veterinäramt whether they can be recognised, even if it's not guaranteed.
Summary: What expats need to do
| Task | Deadline | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Register dog with municipality | 10 days after getting dog | Usually possible in English |
| Get liability insurance (min. CHF 1M) | Immediately | English providers available |
| Theory course + exam (if required) | Within 2 months | English options available |
| Submit theory confirmation to municipality | Within 3 months | German-language document, no translation needed |
| Practical course (6 × 60 min, 1 week apart) | Within 12 months | English trainers available |
You're not alone in this
Zürich's expat community is large, well-organised, and very dog-friendly. Thousands of international residents have navigated exactly this process — and many trainers have built their businesses partly around English-speaking clients.
Züri Paw Society's quiz is fully available in English, and we send your compliance plan to your inbox so you have all your deadlines in one place.
For the full overview of everything involved, read our article on the mandatory dog course in Zürich and the dog theory course in Zürich.
Weekly tips for dog owners in Zürich — in English, free of charge.
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