You've found an apartment — or you're in the middle of searching — and your dog is coming with you. Renting with a dog in Zurich is entirely doable, but it requires a little preparation: with your landlord, at the municipality, and — depending on your situation — with the canton's mandatory training course obligations in mind.
This guide walks you through every step, in the right order.
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The Zurich rental market is tight. With a dog, your options narrow further — but they don't disappear. A targeted approach makes a real difference.
Be upfront from the start. Mention your dog in your very first message to the landlord or property management. It signals responsibility and filters out listings that will never work, saving time on both sides.
Give concrete information. Landlords who hesitate typically worry about noise or property damage. A brief description of your dog's breed, size, and temperament — and ideally a written reference from your previous landlord confirming your dog caused no issues — goes a long way.
Use the right filters. Platforms like Homegate, ImmoScout24, and Comparis all allow you to filter for "pets allowed" or similar. Bear in mind that the listing label is not legally binding — what matters is written confirmation in your lease agreement.
Think about the neighbourhood. Is there green space nearby? A garden or courtyard? Is a dog school accessible? These details matter for day-to-day life with a dog in the city.
Lease Agreement and Landlord Consent
In Switzerland, keeping a dog in a rental property generally requires the landlord's permission. Blanket clauses in lease agreements that prohibit all pets outright may be challengeable under Swiss tenancy law — but the exact legal position depends on the specific circumstances of each case.
Get consent in writing. A verbal agreement is worth nothing if a dispute arises later. Ask your landlord or property management to confirm in writing that you may keep a dog — ideally as an addendum to your lease or in a clear, dated email.
What the written confirmation should include:
- Breed and approximate weight of your dog
- Confirmation that keeping the dog is permitted for the duration of the tenancy
- Any conditions attached (e.g., dogs on leash in communal areas)
Conditions like these are generally reasonable — accept them pragmatically if they don't make daily life unworkable.
After Moving In: Update AMICUS
Once you're in, the first official step is re-registering your dog with your new municipality. All dogs kept in Switzerland are recorded in the national AMICUS database.
What you need to do:
- Log in at amicus.ch
- Update your dog's address to your new municipality
- Register with the municipal administration — in some municipalities this is integrated into AMICUS; in others you need to contact the municipality separately
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our article on how to register your dog in Zurich.
Dog Tax: Register in Your New Municipality
Every municipality in Canton Zürich charges a dog tax (Hundesteuer). The amount varies by municipality — in the City of Zurich it is currently CHF 200 per year; in other municipalities it may be higher or lower.
When you move, you need to:
- Deregister your dog from your old municipality
- Register your dog in your new municipality and pay the applicable annual tax
Registration is handled by the municipal administration or the relevant tax office in most cases. For a full breakdown of rates across Canton Zürich, see our article on dog tax in Zurich.
Course Obligations: Who Is Affected After a Move?
This is the part many people miss — and it matters depending on your situation.
From 1 June 2025, Canton Zürich introduced a mandatory training course requirement for dog owners. It applies to you if:
- You acquired a dog on or after 1 June 2025, or
- You moved into Canton Zürich with your dog on or after 1 June 2025 (including moves from another Swiss canton)
If you were already keeping a dog in the canton before that date, the new obligations do not apply to you — they are not retroactive.
What the course obligation involves:
| Course | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Theory | Within 2 months of acquisition / moving into the canton | Online or with a certified provider |
| Practical | Within 12 months | Can only begin once the dog is 6 months old |
For the practical course: at least 6 lessons of 60 minutes each, with at least one week between lessons.
Not sure whether the course obligations apply to your situation? The quiz takes two minutes and gives you a clear answer.
Full details are in our article on the mandatory dog course in Zurich.
Cost Overview: What Keeping a Dog in Zurich Actually Costs
On top of rent, owning a dog in Zurich comes with recurring costs worth budgeting for:
- Dog tax: approx. CHF 100–250/year depending on municipality
- Liability insurance: mandatory, minimum cover of CHF 1,000,000 — premiums from approx. CHF 80–150/year
- Courses: approx. CHF 150–400 for theory and practical combined, depending on provider
- Vet, food, equipment: varies significantly by dog
For a full cost breakdown, see our article on the cost of owning a dog in Zurich.
Conclusion
Renting an apartment in Zurich with a dog is absolutely possible — it just takes a bit of preparation and patience. The key steps in summary:
- While searching: Communicate openly, secure written landlord consent
- After moving in: Update AMICUS, register your dog and pay dog tax in the new municipality
- Check course obligations: Anyone who acquired their dog or moved it into Canton Zürich on or after 1 June 2025 is subject to the new requirements
Once these steps are taken care of, you can focus on what matters most: exploring your new neighbourhood with your dog.
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.
