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In Switzerland, pets (haustier or animal domestique) are defined as animals that are kept for the animal's sake or for companionship. Dogs must have a rabies vaccination every two years from the age of six months, or every year if the dog crosses the border. Cats are not required to have rabies innoculation. Dog Licences & IdentificationA dog needs a licence from the age of six months (there's an exception on guide dogs). This is usually available from the local community office on production of its international health certificate. In some cantons owners may require private liability insurance before a dog licence is issued. Dogs must wear the licence attached to the collar at all times in public places. Licences must be renewed annually and if moving to another canton of Switzerland, a person must de-register and re-register their pet in the new community. Owners of unlicensed dogs will be fined. Licence fees are set by the canton. The licence is valid for a year and should be renewed annually in January. If a dog dies during the year, before 1 July, half the fee will be reimbursed. Identification of dogs by tattoo or microchip is obligatory in all cantons. Any dog born since 2007 must be micro chipped (not tattooed) by a vet, by the time the puppy is three months old. The vet will register the puppy with the canton.
All dogs must be registered with the Animal Identity Service (ANIS). Any change of address or owner, or the death of the dog, must be reported to the ANIS within ten days. Dog identification in GenevaAny dog born since January 2001 in Geneva must be micro chipped within ten days of acquiring the dog, or within ten days of arrival in the canton of Geneva. For dogs born before January 2001, a tattoo is acceptable, however, the dog must be registered with the Animal Identity Service (ANIS). Dog licences in GenevaA dog licence (médaille) is available from the Département des Finances at the following address:
Owners of guide dogs do not need a dog licence. The following documents will be required:
The dog licence must be attached to the dog's collar at all times. If the dog licence is lost, the owner must report the loss to the Département des Finances within three days.
Dog licences in VaudDog licence are available from the local commune.
Dog OwnershipDog owners who acquired their dog between 1 September 2008 and 1 September 2009 must undergo a practical training course before 1 September 2010. Owners of dogs acquired after 1 September 2009 must follow this training course within one year. Anyone that has never owned a dog before must also take a theory course (cours de sensibilisation) before they may purchase or adopt a dog.
Animal HealthVeterinary hospitals (tierspital, hopital pour animaux), have animal ambulances available for emergencies day and night. The death of a pet should be reported to the vet for information on how to proceed. Animals under 10 Kg may be buried on private land (guidelines apply). Many cantons have pet cemeteries, and most provide a place for pet cremation,. A local vet can advise where to go and what to do. Food for most types of domestic pet is available at supermarkets and specialist pet shops. Dogs in Public PlacesDogs are allowed in many places, but not everywhere and must be kept on a leash in the city and in residential areas. Dogs are not allowed into areas marked with a "no dogs allowed" sign. This is a circular sign with a white background encircled in red with a picture of a black dog in the centre. Dogs are not allowed in grocery stores, post offices or other public buildings. Before moving into rental accommodation it is important to check that dogs are allowed and that this is included in the rental agreement. Small pets such as such as guinea pigs, hamsters or canaries can be kept in all cases (even if there is a ban on pets in the tenancy agreement). "Robidogs" can be found throughout Switzerland. These are green containers (each about the size of a rubbish bin) and should be used for the proper disposal of the dog's waste. They dispense plastic bags that are to be used to clean up after the dog. Dangerous DogsAs of 25 February 2008, certain breeds of dog are considered dangerous and are illegal to keep without permission in Geneva. These breeds include the:
Dogs cross-bred with any of the above breeds are also illegal. Dogs weighing over 25 kg, dogs that have already bitten or attacked a person or another dog, and dogs trained to attack are also considered potentially dangerous and must be declared to the authorities. These dogs will be assessed for behaviour and the owner's ability to control it. If already living in Geneva at the time the ban was put into effect, a banned dog may remain in Geneva, but must be declared to authorities and permission to keep it must be obtained. These dangerous dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a lead at all times when not confined. They must also be neutered or spayed to prevent breeding. Application to keep a dangerous dog in GenevaApplication must be made to the Veterinary Affairs Service (Service de la consommation et des affaires vétérinaires/SCAV)
The following documents are required for application to keep a dangerous dog in Geneva (autorisation d'acquisition et de détention d'un chien potentiellement dangereux):
If permission to keep a dangerous dog is granted, the holder must fulfill the following requirements:
The canton of Geneva's Office of Veterinary Affairs offers comprehensive information about the process.
Pets on Public TransportDogs and cats may travel on public transport. Cats (usually traveling in a pet carrier) and small dogs that can can be held on a lap travel for free. A half-fare ticket must be bought for larger dogs, and they must be on a leash and kept at the owner's feet. Animals Lost & FoundFound an animalA found animal should be reported to the local cantonal office for lost and found animals. To find a local office: Click here The office can be notified in several ways:
Found dogs and cats should be taken to an animal refuge (Refuge pour Animaux or Tierheim).
Website Animal Trouvé has a comprehensive, interactive map of Switzerland with all cantonal refuges and other animal organisations listed.
Lost an animalWebsite Animal Perdu lists all cats, dogs, birds and other animals found and housed in refuges throughout Switzerland. The database of found animals can be searched by the animal's identity number (tattoo or microchip) and by region. Owners of lost pets can place announcements online.
Lost & found in VaudThe canton of Vaud does not subscribe to the national database of lost and found animals. Instead this is managed by the Société Vaudoise pour la Protection des Animaux (SVPA). If an animal is found in Vaud, it should be reported to the Société Vaudoise pour la Protection des Animaux (SVPA) then be taken to the refuge, the Cantonal Fourrière of Vaud, in Lausanne (see address below). If an animal is lost in Vaud, contact the refuge (open for calls daily, 24 hours a day). Tel: 021 784 80 00. The Vaud SPA has a downloadable form to be filled with the details of the owner and lost animal: Click here The completed form should be faxed to +41 (0)21 784 80 01
Organisations & RefugesThe SAP, Swiss Animal Protection (Schweizer Tierschutz STS or Protection Swiss des Animaux PSA) has a list of refuges in each canton.
The French PSA and German STS versions of the website have more comprehensive information. SOS Chats is a shelter for lost and abandoned cats. Kittens and cats are available for adoption.
Geneva CantonFor veterinarian emergencies for small animals in Geneva canton (available nights, weekends and holidays) Tel: 09 00 83 83 43.
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