You've just got a dog — or you're about to — and you know that a theory course is mandatory in Canton Zurich. But what does it actually cover? And how does it work? This article explains exactly what to expect: topics, duration, format options, the exam, your certificate, and the deadlines you need to hit.
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Start the quiz →Why is the theory course mandatory?
Since 1 June 2025, a revised dog ordinance (Hundeverordnung, HuV) has been in force across Canton Zurich. The legal basis for the theory course is § 10 HuV. Anyone living in a Zurich municipality who keeps a dog is required to complete both a theoretical and a practical dog training course with an approved trainer.
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've had a dog for at least six consecutive months in the last decade, you are exempt from the theory course. An exemption may also apply if you take over a dog from a spouse or life partner who has lived with the dog in a shared household for at least six months. Since other exemptions may exist, it's worth checking with the Veterinäramt of Canton Zurich (official page in German) or your municipality.
For a full overview of all course obligations, see our article Mandatory Dog Course Zurich.
What does the theory course cover?
The Canton of Zurich has officially defined the learning content for the theory course. The Veterinäramt has published learning objectives and course content (§ 10 HuV) that all approved trainers must follow. There are four core topic areas:
1. Needs and social behaviour of dogs
What does a dog need to live a healthy, balanced life? How does a dog communicate with other dogs and with humans? This section forms the foundation for everything else.
2. Dog training methods / learning theory
What training approaches exist? Which are supported by learning science? Which are problematic from an animal welfare perspective? You'll learn why some methods work — and others don't.
3. Legal requirements for dog ownership
AMICUS registration, leash laws, reporting obligations, liability insurance — what applies where and when in Canton Zurich?
4. Species-appropriate keeping and safe, socially acceptable handling in everyday life
How do you keep and handle your dog in a way that's appropriate to the situation? How should you behave in public, during encounters with other animals or people?
The official self-study booklet published by the Veterinäramt is the central study material for the course and is available free of charge as a PDF on the cantonal website (in German).
How long does the theory course take?
The theory course consists of two components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-study | Independent reading of the official cantonal booklet |
| Attendance instruction | 2 lessons with an approved trainer |
The two attendance lessons can be held either online or in person — more on that below. The time you spend on self-study is up to you; you should be familiar with the official booklet before sitting the exam.
The course concludes with a Prüfung (exam), which can also be held either online or in person.
Online or in person — what's the difference?
You have a choice: the attendance lessons and the exam can be completed online or in person, as long as your chosen provider offers both formats and the exam venue has been approved by the canton.
Online: Flexible, no travel required, easier to fit around work and family.
In person: Direct contact with the trainer, easier to ask questions in real time.
Both formats are officially recognised and lead to the same certificate. For a detailed comparison of the two options, see our article Online vs. In-Person Theory Course.
If you'd prefer to take the course in English: some approved providers offer the theory course in English. See our article Dog Course in English in Zurich for more information.
What do I need to prepare for the theory course?
Preparation is straightforward:
- Complete the self-study: Download the official Veterinäramt booklet (in German) and read it. It is the primary study material for the exam.
- Find an approved provider: All trainers holding a cantonal permit are authorised to offer the theory course. Use the quiz to find options near you.
- Book the course: Choose your format (online or in person) and a date that fits within your deadlines.
- Attend the two lessons and sit the exam.
Important: If you complete the theory course before acquiring your dog (which is possible up to 12 months in advance), you will not yet be registered in AMICUS at the time of the course. In this case, the trainer cannot enter the result directly into AMICUS and will instead issue you a written confirmation certificate. You bring this to your municipality when registering your dog. For more detail, see our article AMICUS Dog Registration Zurich.
What certificate do I receive after the course?
After passing the exam, you receive an official confirmation of your completed theory course. This is the document you submit to your municipality.
- If you complete the course after registering your dog in AMICUS, the trainer enters the result directly into AMICUS.
- If you complete the course before acquiring your dog, you receive a written confirmation that you submit to the municipality yourself.
What happens if I don't complete the theory course?
Failing to meet the course obligation means being in breach of the cantonal dog ordinance. The municipality and the Veterinäramt of Canton Zurich can take action accordingly. This is not a minor technicality — the course obligations are legally binding.
Specific fine amounts are not stated in this article, as no officially confirmed cantonal figures are available. For binding information on consequences, contact your municipality or the Veterinäramt directly.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need to complete the theory course? No later than 2 months after the start of dog ownership (or after moving into Canton Zurich with a dog). You can also complete the course up to 12 months in advance.
When do I need to submit the confirmation to my municipality? No later than 3 months after the start of dog ownership. This is a separate, later deadline from the course completion deadline.
Can I take the theory course in English? Yes. Some approved providers offer the course in English. See our article Dog Course in English in Zurich for details.
Do I need to do the course if I've had a dog before? The theory course is required only for first-time owners and those whose last period of dog ownership ended more than ten years ago. If you've kept a dog for at least six consecutive months in the past ten years, you are exempt.
Does the obligation apply if I'm moving to Zurich from another canton? The course obligations generally apply when moving to Canton Zurich. However, for the practical course: if you have already completed an equivalent practical course in another canton, you may be exempt — subject to confirmation by the Veterinäramt. For the theory course, the standard exemptions apply (ten years / six months). When in doubt, contact the Veterinäramt directly.
Does my dog need to be there for the theory course? No. The theory course is a knowledge-based training for the owner — your dog does not attend. That's different from the practical dog course, where your dog must be present.
How much does the theory course cost? Prices vary by provider and format. For an overview of dog course costs in Zurich, see our article Dog Course Cost Zurich.
Conclusion
The mandatory theory course in Canton Zurich is not bureaucratic box-ticking — it's a compact knowledge foundation. You'll learn how your dog thinks, what they need, and which rules apply in Zurich. The workload is manageable: self-study, two attendance lessons, and an exam.
Keep the deadlines in mind: complete the course no later than 2 months after the start of dog ownership, and submit the confirmation to your municipality no later than 3 months after the start of dog ownership. Or take the course before you even get your dog — you can do it up to 12 months in advance.
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 (official page in German).
