You've just got a dog, or you're about to. Now you need to know: when is the next theory course, and how much time do you have? This page gives you the answers.
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Start quiz →What is the mandatory theory course?
Since 1 June 2025, Canton Zürich has had a new dog law. For many new dog owners, the theory course (Theoriekurs) is now a legal requirement. It's one component of the mandatory dog course that the canton prescribes for certain groups of people.
The theory course covers the fundamentals of dog ownership: animal behaviour, communication, legal obligations, and everyday safety. It ends with an exam. Only trainers holding a current permit from the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich may offer approved courses. The canton set out the official learning objectives and course content in November 2024. The course typically runs approximately 2 hours (including the exam), though exact duration may vary slightly by provider.
For more on the content and structure, see the detailed article on the theory course for dog owners.
When does the theory course have to be completed?
Two deadlines to keep in mind:
2 months: The theory course itself must be completed within 2 months of acquiring the dog (or moving to Canton Zürich with a dog).
3 months: The course confirmation must be submitted to your municipality within 3 months of acquisition. This is a separate step from completing the course.
Worth knowing: you can take the theory course up to 1 year before acquiring a dog. If you know you're getting a dog soon, you can book now.
Who is affected?
The theory course is required only for first-time owners and anyone who has not kept a dog for at least 6 consecutive months in the last 10 years.
Anyone who has kept a dog for at least 6 consecutive months within the past 10 years is generally exempt from the theory course requirement.
Important: Licensed dog trainers (as defined under the Hundeverordnung) are NOT exempt from the theory course. They are only exempt from the practical course. If the general conditions apply to them, they must complete the theory course too.
The law applies to anyone who has acquired a dog or moved into Canton Zürich with a dog on or after 1 June 2025.
Approved providers and dates in 2026
Specific course dates change regularly. Below are providers currently offering approved theory courses in Canton Zürich. For up-to-date session dates, visit the provider's website directly or download the official list of approved trainers from the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich.
animalcoach-zh.ch Offers theory courses online and in-person at Zürich Albisgüetli. The exam is typically held in-person. According to their own website, sessions run approximately every 2 weeks. Verify current dates directly at animalcoach-zh.ch.
hundeschule-ohana.ch Approved provider in Canton Zürich with theory course offerings for new dog owners. Check current dates at hundeschule-ohana.ch.
inpunctohund.ch Offers the mandatory theory course with clear deadline information. Check dates at inpunctohund.ch.
handfuerpfote.ch Offers theory course and theory exam for new dog owners in Canton Zürich. Check with handfuerpfote.ch for available dates.
swissdogschool.ch Offers online theory courses via Zoom, including in English. Check current dates at swissdogschool.ch.
boopcamp.ch Theory course in English for dog owners in Canton Zürich. Check available dates at boopcamp.ch.
No suitable date among these? Use the quiz to build your personal search plan.
Online theory course: a flexible option
Can't fit a classroom session into your 2-month window? The online theory course is a fully valid alternative. Several approved providers in Canton Zürich offer the course via Zoom or their own platforms.
What you need to know:
- Online courses must meet the same cantonal requirements as in-person courses.
- The exam may be online or in-person depending on the provider.
- English-language online options are available explicitly for non-German speakers (Swiss Dog School, boopcamp).
For a direct comparison of online versus in-person formats, including pros and cons for different situations, see the article online or in-person theory course?.
Frequently asked questions about theory course dates
I got my dog 6 weeks ago. Do I still have time?
Yes, but you need to act now. The deadline is 2 months after acquisition. At 6 weeks, you have roughly 2 weeks left. Book immediately.
Can I book a course before I have my dog?
Yes. You can complete the theory course up to 1 year before acquiring a dog. This is actually a good strategy if you know you'll be getting a dog in the coming months.
What happens if I took the course before acquiring my dog and I'm not yet in AMICUS?
In this case, the trainer cannot enter the course confirmation directly into AMICUS because you're not yet registered. You'll receive a written confirmation instead, which you submit to your municipality when you register your dog. More on this in the article on registering your dog in Zürich.
Am I exempt because I owned a dog before?
Only if you kept a dog for at least 6 consecutive months within the last 10 years. If your last dog was more than 10 years ago, you're not exempt. If you're unsure, take the quiz.
What about licensed dog trainers?
Licensed dog trainers as defined under the Hundeverordnung are exempt from the practical course, but not from the theory course. If the general conditions apply to them, they must complete the theory course too.
I'm moving to Zürich from another canton. Do I need to take the theory course again?
If you've already completed an equivalent practical course in another canton, that may qualify for a practical course exemption, subject to confirmation by the Veterinäramt. For the theory course, contact the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich directly to have your specific situation assessed.
How do I know if a provider is actually approved?
Only trainers with a current permit from the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich may offer the mandatory theory course. The official list is available as a download on zh.ch. Always check there before booking.
Next steps
- Calculate your deadline: 2 months after acquiring the dog or moving into the canton.
- Check providers: Visit the websites listed above or download the official approved provider list from the Veterinäramt.
- Choose your format: Online or in-person, depending on availability and preference. See the comparison: online or in-person theory course?
- Book and complete the course: Including the exam at the end.
- Submit confirmation: To your municipality, within 3 months of acquisition.
- Plan your practical course: After the theory course comes the practical dog course, which must be completed within 12 months (from when the dog is 6 months old, at least 6 lessons of 60 minutes each, with at least one week between lessons).
Still unsure what applies to your situation? The quiz gives you clarity in 2 minutes.
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.
