28/08/2026
Moving to Switzerland with a dog comes with a short list of obligations, and most people discover them late.
You have ten days after taking the dog to register with your municipality and in AMICUS, the national dog database. Microchipping is mandatory from three months of age.
You also need liability insurance with a minimum coverage of one million francs. This applies to every dog, regardless of size or breed.
There is an annual dog tax, and the amount depends on where you live.
There are also places where dogs are not allowed at all, such as cemeteries, public swimming areas and school playgrounds, and marked areas where a leash is required.
None of this is complicated once you know it exists. The problem is finding out after the deadline has passed.
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