You know you need to complete the theory course — but now you're wondering: which providers actually count? Can you book any course with "dog training" in the title? And where do you find the official list?
These are exactly the right questions. Not every provider is approved, and a course with the wrong provider does not satisfy your legal obligation. This article walks you through how to find the right provider in a few clear steps.
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Start the quiz →What does "approved provider" actually mean?
An approved provider is a dog trainer who holds a valid permit (Bewilligung) issued by the Veterinäramt of Canton Zurich.
In November 2024, the Veterinäramt established the official learning objectives and course content for both the theory and practical courses. All permit-holding providers must structure their courses according to these cantonal specifications. That means content and quality are regulated at the cantonal level — not left to individual providers.
One important detail: there is no separate accreditation category for "theory-only" providers. Any trainer with a Veterinäramt permit is authorised to offer both the theory course and the practical course. The permit covers both formats.
What does not count:
- Courses from providers without a Veterinäramt permit
- Online offerings from providers in other cantons (unless explicitly recognised by the Veterinäramt — check directly with the provider)
- General dog training classes with no connection to the cantonal obligation
Where to find the official provider list
The only reliable source is the official list published by the Veterinäramt of Canton Zurich.
Here's how to find it:
- Go to zh.ch/de/umwelt-tiere/tiere/haustiere-heimtiere/hunde.html
- Scroll down to the section titled "Liste der Ausbildenden mit Bewilligung" (List of trainers with a permit)
- Download the current list
That's it. No other route is reliable. Not Google, not recommendations from friends, not provider websites. Only the Veterinäramt list confirms that a provider actually holds a current permit.
Online vs. in-person — what does the canton permit?
Whether a fully online theory course satisfies the cantonal obligation is not definitively answered in the Veterinäramt's public sources.
What we know: Several approved providers offer hybrid models — for example, self-study online combined with an in-person exam. These formats exist in practice.
What we don't know: Whether the Veterinäramt has explicitly approved all delivery formats, or whether any restrictions apply.
What you should do:
- Ask the provider directly whether their specific format is recognised by the Veterinäramt of Canton Zurich
- Get written confirmation if you have any doubt
- Contact the Veterinäramt directly if uncertain: zh.ch/de/umwelt-tiere/tiere/haustiere-heimtiere/hunde.html
For a deeper look at the online vs. in-person decision, see our dedicated article Online or in-person: theory course for dogs in Zurich.
5 questions to ask a provider before you book
Before committing, get clear answers on these five points:
1. Are you listed in the current permit list of the Veterinäramt of Canton Zurich? Yes or no. If the answer is evasive or points to a different certification: don't book. Only the Veterinäramt permit counts.
2. Does your course cover the official Veterinäramt learning objectives? Approved providers must follow the learning objectives and course content set by the Veterinäramt (as of November 2024). Any reputable provider will confirm this without hesitation.
3. What format is the course — and is that format recognised by the Veterinäramt? In-person, online, or hybrid? Ask explicitly whether the chosen format meets cantonal requirements.
4. How is the result recorded after the course? After passing the theory course, the result must either be entered directly into AMICUS or confirmed in writing. Here's the key nuance: the trainer can only enter the result in AMICUS if you are already registered there. If you take the course before acquiring your dog and therefore aren't yet in AMICUS, the trainer cannot make the entry — they will instead issue a written confirmation certificate, which you present to your municipality when registering your dog. Ask the provider which procedure applies in your situation. For more on the AMICUS registration process, see our article on AMICUS dog registration in Canton Zurich.
5. How far in advance can I book — and can I get a spot at short notice? You have 2 months from the date you acquire your dog to complete the theory course. Popular providers sometimes have waiting lists. Ask about the next available date before you commit.
Common mistakes when choosing a course
Mistake 1: Trusting a dog school without checking the permit Not every dog school holds a Veterinäramt permit. A professional website is not a substitute for being on the official list.
Mistake 2: Booking a course with a provider from another canton Whether courses from other cantons are recognised by Canton Zurich has not been officially confirmed. If in doubt, check directly with the Veterinäramt before booking.
Mistake 3: Waiting too long The deadline starts the day you acquire your dog. If you delay searching, you risk running into availability issues and missing the 2-month window. Start today.
Mistake 4: Booking a course without knowing if you're even obligated Not all dog owners in Canton Zurich are required to complete the theory course. The theory course is required only for first-time owners and anyone who has not kept a dog for at least six consecutive months in the past ten years. If you're unsure, take the quiz first, or read our article on what the theory course covers — and who needs it.
Mistake 5: Not keeping the confirmation document After the course, you'll receive either an AMICUS entry or a written confirmation. Keep it safe — you'll need it when registering with your municipality.
FAQ
Can I take the theory course before I get my dog? Yes. You can take the course up to 12 months before acquiring your dog. One important detail: if you take the course before acquiring your dog, you won't yet be registered in AMICUS. Because the trainer can only enter the result in AMICUS for participants who are already registered, they will instead give you a written confirmation certificate. You present this to your municipality when you register your dog. Clarify the procedure with your provider in advance.
How long does a provider's permit remain valid? The Veterinäramt issues and can revoke permits. Since March 2026, an updated examination system for trainers is in place. Always verify using the current list — not an older version.
What happens if I miss the deadline? The canton can take action, and you won't be fulfilling your obligations as a dog owner. If you've already missed the 2-month window, book as soon as possible — it's always better to act than to remain non-compliant.
Are there exemptions from the theory course? Yes, exemptions exist. For the full verified list, see our article on the theory course for dogs in Zurich.
Does the obligation apply if I'm only in Zurich temporarily? Anyone who keeps a dog in a Zurich municipality for at least three months falls under the cantonal dog law.
Conclusion
Finding an approved provider isn't a guessing game — there's an official list, and now you know exactly where to find it. Get the current permit list from the Veterinäramt, check your preferred provider, ask the five questions, and book. The 2-month deadline runs from the day you acquire your dog, so there's no reason to wait.
For the full picture on all your obligations and deadlines, read our complete guide to the mandatory dog course in Zurich 2025.
This information is for guidance only and does not constitute legally binding advice. For binding information, please contact your municipality or the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich.
