Since 1 June 2025, first-time dog owners and people who haven't owned a dog for more than 10 years are required to complete a theory course. The good news: you get to choose whether you do it online or in person. Both formats are officially recognised by the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich.
But which format actually works better? This article gives you an honest, practical comparison — no fluff.
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What's actually covered in the theory course?
Regardless of format, the content is set by Canton Zürich. You'll learn:
- The legal framework for dog ownership in Canton Zürich
- The needs and social behaviour of dogs
- Dog communication and body language
- Appropriate methods for keeping and training dogs
- The time and financial demands of dog ownership
At the end there's an exam — questions are set by the Veterinäramt. Pass it and you receive a written confirmation. You'll need to submit this to your municipality when you register your dog (within 3 months of starting dog ownership).
Both formats take approximately 2 hours of learning, plus the exam.
The Online Theory Course
How it works
You complete the course on a web platform — at your own pace, whenever you like. Most providers offer a mix of videos, interactive content, and a final online test.
Advantages
Maximum flexibility. Learn at midnight, during your lunch break, on the train. No fixed schedule.
No commute. If you live outside the city centre or don't have a car, this matters.
Your own pace. Revisit difficult sections as many times as you need. Nobody's waiting for you.
Often cheaper. Online courses typically cost CHF 80–130 — less than most in-person options.
Start immediately. You can complete the theory course up to 1 year before getting your dog. If you book online, you can often start the same day — even if your puppy doesn't arrive for another three months.
Disadvantages
No live interaction. You can't ask spontaneous questions. Many platforms offer a forum or email support, but it's not the same as raising your hand in a room.
Requires self-discipline. If you tend to get distracted online, you'll need a real plan to get through it.
Exam may be separate. With some providers, the final exam happens at a separate in-person appointment.
Who benefits most?
- Busy professionals with unpredictable schedules
- Parents of young children
- People living outside the city centre
- Those comfortable with self-directed online learning
- Anyone who wants to complete the course quickly without waiting for a spot
The In-Person Theory Course
How it works
You attend a fixed course evening — typically one session of 2–3 hours, sometimes split across two shorter evenings. The course runs in small groups (often 8–15 people), led by a licensed dog trainer.
Advantages
Direct interaction. Ask questions as they come up, share experiences, and benefit from others' questions too.
Social element. You meet other new dog owners — often the start of real dog-walking friendships.
Structured environment. Fixed appointments work well for people who struggle to study at home.
Exam on the same evening. Many in-person providers run the exam immediately after the course — you leave with your confirmation that night.
Local knowledge. A good local trainer knows which vets are nearby, where the best off-leash areas are, and which parks are dog-friendly.
Disadvantages
Fixed schedule. You have to fit your life around course dates. Popular courses fill up weeks in advance.
Commute required. Depending on where you live, that could mean 30–60 minutes of travel.
Higher cost. Expect CHF 120–200 for an in-person course including the exam.
Group pace. You learn at the group's speed, not your own.
Who benefits most?
- People who learn better in social settings
- Those who like asking questions and getting immediate answers
- Anyone who doesn't particularly enjoy online learning
- Those looking to connect with other new dog owners
- People who prefer a clear, structured single evening commitment
Side-by-side comparison
| Online | In-Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price (incl. exam) | CHF 80–130 | CHF 120–200 |
| Time commitment | Self-paced | 1 evening (2–3h) |
| Wait time to start | Often immediate | 1–4 weeks |
| Exam | Online or separate appointment | Usually same evening |
| Social component | Low | High |
| Flexibility | Very high | Low |
Both formats are officially equivalent
An important point: the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich makes no distinction between an online and an in-person theory course. Both lead to the same written confirmation you need for municipality registration. There's no "better" option — only the one that works for you.
When booking, make sure the provider is officially authorised by the Veterinäramt of Canton Zürich. An authorised provider can demonstrate on request that their course matches the official curriculum.
What about the deadline?
You must complete the theory course within 2 months of starting dog ownership. The written confirmation must be submitted to your municipality within 3 months.
However, you can also take the course up to 1 year before getting your dog — ideal if you're already planning ahead. In this case, hold on to the written confirmation and hand it in when you register your dog. Note: the trainer can only enter the result in AMICUS once you're already registered in AMICUS — which normally happens at municipality registration. If you took the theory course beforehand, your municipality will record it based on the written confirmation.
For a full walkthrough of the registration process, see our article on registering your dog in Zürich.
Our recommendation
If you need flexibility and can study independently: Go online. You'll save time, money, and the hassle of finding an available date.
If you like learning socially and want to meet other dog owners: Go in-person. The evening is worth it — both for the content and the connections.
For a full overview of everything required as a new dog owner in Zürich, read our guide on the mandatory dog course in Zürich and the dog theory course in Zürich.
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