You've just got a dog — or you're planning to — and you need to know whether a training course is legally required, which one, and by when. Canton Zurich's dog law changed on 1 June 2025, and the new training obligations apply to everyone who keeps a dog in a Zurich municipality from that date onward. Here's everything you need to know, clearly laid out.
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Start the quiz →What Changed on 1 June 2025?
The revised Hundegesetz (dog law) and new Hundeverordnung (dog ordinance) for Canton Zurich came into force on 1 June 2025. The central change: anyone keeping a dog in any Zurich municipality from that date is required to complete both a theory course and a practical training course.
The obligation applies across all municipalities in Canton Zurich — not just the city of Zurich.
The revised law also introduced other changes — including the addition of the Rottweiler to the Rassetypenliste II (restricted breeds list, effective 1 January 2025) and tightened requirements for keeper permits. These are relevant to some owners but outside the scope of this article.
Who Is Subject to the Course Obligation?
The training obligation applies to anyone who keeps a dog in a Zurich municipality on or after 1 June 2025 — whether you're buying a puppy, taking over an adult dog, or moving into the canton with your dog.
For both courses: training must be delivered by a trainer holding a valid permit (Bewilligung) from the Veterinäramt Kanton Zürich. Courses completed with an unapproved provider are not recognised.
What counts as "keeping a dog"?
The obligation applies if you keep your dog in Canton Zurich for at least three months. Short visits or temporary stays do not trigger it.
Theory course — who needs it?
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 an experienced dog owner with verifiable recent practice, you may be exempt from the theory requirement. Whether an exemption applies to you is best confirmed with your municipality or the Veterinäramt.
Practical course — who needs it?
The practical course is mandatory for new dog owners in Canton Zurich as a general rule. Exemptions apply in certain cases — including dogs over 10 years old at acquisition, transfers from a spouse or life partner (dog in shared household for at least 6 months), and licensed dog trainers.
Additional exemptions may apply if you're moving into Canton Zurich from another canton and can prove an equivalent practical training (subject to Veterinäramt recognition), or if health grounds — yours or your dog's — make participation impossible.
Theory Course — What Does It Involve?
The theory course covers the fundamentals of responsible dog ownership: canine behaviour and communication, your dog's needs, basic training principles, and the legal framework in Canton Zurich.
Deadlines
- The theory course must be completed within 2 months of acquiring the dog.
- You can also complete it up to 12 months in advance — before you even have a dog.
- The course completion confirmation must be submitted to your municipality within 3 months of acquiring the dog. This is a separate step from completing the course itself.
Online or in person?
Many approved providers offer the theory course online, which can be more flexible. Whether an online course suits you better than an in-person session depends on how you learn and your schedule. We cover this in detail in our article online or in-person theory course.
For a full breakdown of the theory course — content, how to prepare, and what to expect — see our theory course guide for dog owners in Zurich.
Practical Course — When Is It Required?
The practical course is the second, longer part of the training obligation. It takes place with you and your dog together, working through real situations in a hands-on setting.
What is required?
The course must consist of at least 6 lessons of 60 minutes each, with at least one week between lessons. The spacing is intentional — it gives you and your dog time to consolidate what you've learned in everyday life. If the Veterinäramt's learning objectives aren't met after 6 lessons, additional sessions are required. The trainer may only issue the completion certificate once all learning objectives are fully achieved.
Deadlines and prerequisites
- The course must be completed within 12 months of acquiring the dog.
- Your dog must be at least 6 months old before the course can begin — i.e., from the 7th month of life onward.
- For puppies: if your dog comes to you at 2 or 3 months, you can't start the practical until month 6 — but the 12-month deadline is already running. Don't leave it too late.
For full details on the course structure, content, and how to find a place, read our article on the practical dog training course in Zurich.
How Do I Find an Approved Provider?
This is the critical point: only courses with trainers holding a valid permit from the Veterinäramt Kanton Zürich are recognised. A course completed with an unapproved trainer has no legal standing.
Where to look
The Veterinäramt publishes a list of approved providers on its website. The learning objectives for both course types were published in November 2024 — all permit-holding trainers base their courses on these.
Go directly to the official provider list: zh.ch – Hunde
What to check
- Permit status (verify against the Veterinäramt list)
- Location and accessibility
- Available dates that fit your deadline window (12 months go quickly)
- Language: some providers offer courses in English or other languages — relevant if you're an expat
What Happens If I Don't Complete a Course?
The law provides for consequences if the training obligation is not met. We don't quote specific fine amounts, as these are not publicly specified — but your municipality can require proof of compliance and take action if the obligation goes unmet.
The training requirement is not optional. It is part of a broader set of obligations for dog owners in Canton Zurich, which also includes AMICUS registration (within 10 days of acquiring a dog older than 3 months), liability insurance (at least CHF 1,000,000), and local dog tax. For a complete overview of the registration process, see our article on registering your dog in Zurich.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both courses if I've had a dog before? Not necessarily. The theory course applies only to first-time owners and those who haven't kept a dog for at least six consecutive months in the past ten years. The practical course is generally required, but exemptions exist. Confirm your individual situation with your municipality or the Veterinäramt.
I'm moving to Zurich from another canton and already have a dog — do the rules apply to me? Yes, if your move takes place on or after 1 June 2025. For the practical course, prior equivalent training from another canton may be recognised, subject to Veterinäramt confirmation.
Does the obligation apply to foster dogs or temporary care dogs? The obligation applies if you keep the dog for at least three months in the canton. Shorter stays are not covered. If in doubt, ask your municipality.
Can I take both the theory and practical course with the same provider? Yes, many providers offer both. It's not a requirement — you can use different providers for each, as long as both hold a valid Veterinäramt permit.
My dog is already 9 months old. When does the practical course need to be finished? The 12-month deadline runs from the day you acquired the dog, not from when the course starts. If you acquired your dog on 1 July 2025, the course must be complete by 30 June 2026. Since your dog is already 9 months old, they are eligible to start right away — plan the 6+ lessons accordingly.
I'm moving to Zurich in 3 months — can I take the theory course now? Yes. The theory course can be completed up to 12 months before you acquire a dog or move into the canton. Completing it in advance is a smart move — it takes one deadline off your plate from day one.
Summary
The new training obligations from 1 June 2025 are manageable once you know the rules and plan ahead. The key points:
- Theory course: Within 2 months of acquisition, confirmation submitted within 3 months — required only for first-time owners and those without recent dog experience
- Practical course: Within 12 months of acquisition, earliest start when dog is 6 months old
- Only approved providers with a Veterinäramt permit count
- The law applies from 1 June 2025 — it does not apply retroactively to dogs already kept before this date
Not sure which courses apply to your situation? The quiz will tell you in a few 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.
