Do you have a question? Our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I have to go to dog school with my dog?
The regulations for dog training courses vary from canton to canton in Switzerland. Ask the competent veterinary office, the commune or your veterinary practice about the regulations in your canton of residence. Further information on the cantonal dog laws and a list of cantonal veterinary offices can be found here.
What do I need to consider before the dog moves into my home?
Before the dog moves in, you should set up its retreat and place food and water bowls in their final location. Place rugs on smooth floors and block off dangerous areas (e.g. steep stairs) with a child gate if necessary.
As puppies are still discovering the world and put everything in their mouths, you should clean up thoroughly before a puppy arrives so that it cannot eat anything dangerous (medication, poisonous plants, etc.). You should also keep things that are important to you (shoes, clothes, decorations, etc.) out of reach. Puppy runs are also a good idea, allowing you to partition off a corner of the room and make it completely puppy-proof.
How should I furnish the home so that the dog feels comfortable?
A dog needs a quiet, draught-free place to retreat to. Ideally in a corner of the room, never in the hallway where someone is constantly walking past him. How this dog area should be designed depends on the individual dog. Some like to lie harder, directly on the floor or on thin blankets, others like comfortable mattresses or baskets and some dogs feel most comfortable in large, open dog crates.
Also place rugs on smooth floors so that the dog can move around safely without slipping. Stairs can also be secured with rugs. If you do not want your dog to enter certain areas of the house (alone) (e.g. kitchen, children’s room, steep stairs), you can block these off with the help of child gates.
What do I do if my dog is anxious or traumatized?
Seek support from a dog trainer with experience in the therapy of anxious or traumatized dogs. Depending on the severity, an accompanying drug therapy by a behavioral medicine specialist may be necessary.
What does a dog need to be happy?
A dog needs a stable network of relationships, consistent yet loving training, respectful treatment and sufficient daily exercise as well as sufficient mental activity and social contact with other dogs. You can find out more in our brochure.
What does a dog need when it moves into my home?
Above all, a new dog needs a lot of patience and understanding. You can find detailed tips on moving in with a dog (regardless of origin) in the IBH brochure “New basket – new happiness“.
How do I train a dog?
In order for the dog to build and maintain a secure bond with you, you should train him with positive reinforcement, i.e. you reward your dog for good behavior instead of punishing him for undesirable behavior. A good dog training school can help you train your dog. You can find more information here.
When and for how long can I leave a puppy alone?
Puppies should not be left alone. From the age of 6 months, young dogs can be left alone for one to two hours after appropriate training.
How long can a dog be left alone?
Dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours a day. You must first practice with your dog so that it can stay home alone in a relaxed manner.
How often should I take my dog for a walk?
Dogs should have the opportunity to urinate and defecate outside at least four times a day (in the morning, at midday, in the late afternoon and before going to bed). Puppies, old and sick dogs need to relieve themselves more frequently. At least one walk a day should be longer than a short toilet round so that the dog can satisfy its need for exercise and environmental exploration.
How expensive is it to keep a dog?
Acquisition costs
- 2000 – 2500 CHF (breeding puppy)
- 290-540 CHF (shelter dogs)
Basic equipment (lead, collar, basket, toys, etc.)
- Approx. CHF 500 (must be replaced several times in the dog’s life)
Recurring costs – total approx. 1700 CHF / year
- Food (incl. treats): 150 / month
- Dog tax: 100 – 150 / year (varies according to canton and municipality)
- Vaccinations & worming: 350 / year
- Training: 450 / year
Reserves for medical emergencies, vacation care, etc.
- Vacation care often costs around 50 per day.
- In medical emergencies, treatment can quickly cost several thousand francs. If you don’t have that much in reserve, you should consider taking out insurance for your dog.
How much care does a dog need?
How much grooming a dog needs depends on the breed. Some dogs need to be brushed several times a week to prevent their fur from matting. Some dogs need to be clipped or trimmed regularly and for others, grooming is limited to the shedding period. In the summer months, all dogs should be checked for ticks and burrs after every walk.
You should check your dog thoroughly once a week and also look in the ears and mouth to detect any pathological changes at an early stage. Further information can be found in our “Information sheet on the health and care of dogs“.
How much time do you need for a dog every day?
An adult dog needs about 4 hours of active activity throughout the day (including training, feeding, grooming and the legally required outdoor exercise – daily and in all weathers). In addition, adult dogs should never be left alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time per day.
The time required for puppies and young dogs is even greater. In particular, more time is needed for house-training and education. They also cannot be left alone at the beginning.
Should I have my dog neutered?
Female and male dogs should only be neutered if this is necessary for medical or behavioral reasons. Seek detailed advice from your veterinary practice and your dog trainer beforehand. Male dogs can also be chemically castrated (using hormone implants) to test the effects of castration before surgery.
Is there rabies in dogs? How can I prevent rabies in dogs?
Yes, dogs can contract rabies. A vaccination protects against this. Before traveling to rabies risk countries, a rabies titer test is also necessary so that the dog can return to Switzerland. This confirms that the dog has developed immunity after vaccination.
What is parvovirus?
Parvovirus is a highly contagious, often fatal viral disease. There is a vaccination that provides very good protection against the disease.
When does a dog have to be put down?
If a dog suffers from an incurable disease that severely restricts its quality of life, or if it poses a danger to humans because it could transmit rabies or shows uncontrollable aggressive behavior, it must be put down.
When do I need to take an adult dog to the vet?
Adult dogs should visit the veterinary practice once a year for a check-up. The vaccinations are refreshed if necessary. In the event of illness, you should also seek veterinary advice.
When do I have to take a puppy to the vet?
Puppies should be taken to a veterinary practice and thoroughly examined as soon as possible after purchase. This allows the puppy to get used to visits to the vet straight away and you can be sure that it is healthy. Further visits to the veterinary practice are necessary for vaccinations and in the event of illness.
Does a dog need a rabies vaccination to travel abroad?
Yes, the date of vaccination must also be at least 3 weeks ago. How long the vaccination is valid is entered in the pet passport.
When can a puppy be vaccinated against rabies?
Vaccination against rabies is possible from the age of 12 weeks.
What vaccinations does a dog need?
The Swiss Association for Small Animal Medicine SVK recommends vaccinating dogs against distemper, parvovirus and canine adenovirus (hepatitis) as well as against leptospirosis and kennel cough. Vaccination against rabies is necessary for cross-border trips.
How do I import a dog?
There are different requirements depending on the country of origin and age of the dog. In any case, the dog must have a valid pet passport and be cleared through customs (VAT).
You can find detailed information online at the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).
At what age can a dog be taken away from its mother and sold?
A dog may be taken away from its mother from 8 weeks of age and sold in the same country. For cross-border sales, however, at least 15 weeks are required in the EU because the rabies vaccination is mandatory and only takes effect from then on.
What is the price of a pedigree dog?
A purebred dog with a pedigree from a reputable Swiss breeder costs several thousand francs. As demand exceeds supply, there is often a long wait before a puppy can finally be purchased. But it’s worth it: you can visit the breeding site several times, get to know the mother dog and the littermates and contact the breeders personally if you have any questions.
If you cannot find your dream puppy in Switzerland and want to buy a dog abroad, you must be very careful not to fall for dubious dealers. It is best to limit your search to nearby countries so that you can still visit the breeding location in person. Be sure to follow our “Checklist for buying a dog“.
How much does a dog cost?
The prices for dogs vary greatly and range from a few hundred to a few thousand francs. The price depends on how old the dog is, where it comes from and whether it is purebred. With the exception of “designer dogs”, mixed-breed dogs are significantly cheaper than purebred dogs. In addition, dogs are usually cheaper abroad. On the one hand, the price level there is lower than in Switzerland, on the other hand, many offers are dubious. Often the dog mafia is behind them and just wants to make a quick profit!
No matter whether young or old, purebred or not, street dog or animal welfare dog: these animals are transported across Europe and suffer from cruel treatment and poor conditions. So don’t be fooled by cute photos and cheap prices, but ask critical questions and, if in doubt, don’t buy! Here you will find important tips for buying a dog.
How can I tell whether an advertisement is serious?
This is very difficult because addresses, photos and other details about the dog are often falsified. However, you will often notice discrepancies or contradictions if you check the advertisement carefully. Our “Checklist for buying a dog” gives you tips on what you should look out for in the advertisements. It is also essential to get an idea of the dog breeding on site. Whenever possible, the puppy and its mother should be visited at the breeding site before purchase, preferably several times.
How do I recognize bad dog breeding?
The best way to recognize a dubious dog breeder is to visit the breeder on site. Hygiene often leaves a lot to be desired, the dogs are dirty and their coats look unkempt. They often have little space, no exercise and know nothing other than their place of birth. They have little contact with people and no family connection.
Where can I buy a dog?
Dogs can be bought from an animal shelter, a breeder, a farm or from abroad. You can find the most important information and tips on what to look out for in each case in our “Information sheet on buying a dog“.
Which breed suits me?
Where can I find a dog, where should I buy a dog?
If you have thought about it carefully and are sure that you want to get a dog, then it is important to think carefully about where the dog should come from: From an animal shelter, from a kennel, from a farm or from abroad? You can find out what to look out for in our factsheet.
What do I need to think about before buying a dog?
There are many critical questions you should ask yourself before getting a dog. Do you have enough time, money and space and are you prepared to take on a long-term responsibility? Use our checklist to see whether a four-legged friend would fit into your life.
What are the advantages of serious breeding?
Reputable breeders and organizations offer a return guarantee, in-depth advice and support before and after the purchase, the parent animals (and puppies) are tested for diseases and character, the breeders pay attention to which puppy suits you best.
What can happen if I buy a dog from dubious breeders or puppy dealers?
The dogs often have to be freed from parasites, and many are also ill and sometimes need medication for the rest of their lives. Many puppies also have hereditary defects that only become visible over time (breathing problems, misaligned teeth and bones, skin rashes and allergies, etc.). In addition, the dogs have often been through terrible experiences, are traumatized and develop behavioural disorders (anxiety disorders, uncleanliness, aggression, etc.). Treating these animals requires a lot of patience, time and money for therapy. Dogs that cannot be treated are put to sleep, difficult dogs often simply end up in a shelter.
If the papers have been forged and the origin of the dog is unclear, it can be confiscated by the veterinary office and, in the worst case, even euthanized.
What should I do if I have been taken in and bought a dog from a dubious supplier?
The dog should be taken to a veterinary practice immediately and given a medical examination to rule out parasites and diseases and to identify any physical damage. To ensure that the perpetrators can be prosecuted, it is important to document all incidents in detail and report them to the police. Further information can be found here.
What can I do if I have found dubious offers?
Report suspicious advertisements to the operators of the platform by e-mail or using the internal reporting function. If an entire website looks dubious, report it to the FSVO, the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office: info(at)blv.admin.ch.
If you only realize later that you are dealing with a dubious offer (for example, when visiting the kennel or during the handover), report this immediately to the competent cantonal veterinary office.
In the case of foreign dogs, also inform the local veterinary authority in the country of origin. Never buy dogs from suspicious sellers – not even out of pity. Dubious breeding and illegal trade can only be stopped if there is no profit.
How can I tell if a platform is reputable?
Check the details in the legal notice to see whether the location and providers exist. If no address or no location is given or the data protection regulations are missing, this is already suspicious. Also read the delivery conditions, if the dogs are brought from abroad within a few days, it is certainly not reputable. And is there anything in the terms and conditions about advice, warranty and a right of return in the event of problems? If you are unsure whether the online platform is reputable, you can also search the Internet for reviews. Dishonest sites often have negative reviews from disappointed customers.
What can I do against the illegal puppy trade?
platform operators. Report illegally imported dogs, suspicious observations or dubious activities directly to the police or the nearest veterinary authority (cantonal veterinary office). Make people you know who want to buy a dog aware of the dangers of the illegal puppy trade. You can find more information and tips here.
How do I recognize a reputable dog breeder?
If you want to buy a healthy puppy, it is important that it comes from a good kennel. Our information sheet “How to recognize a reputable dog breeding” gives you tips on the criteria you should look out for.
What should I look out for when buying a puppy?
Take a look at our “Checklist for buying a dog“, which explains how to proceed in just a few steps.
How do I recognize illegal puppy trading?
Look out for inconsistencies in the advertisements, statements or descriptions of the dogs advertised. Contradictions indicate lies! Extremely cheap prices are also suspicious. Ask critical questions about the dog’s origin, pedigree, breeding location and parents, husbandry and socialization, pedigree and vaccinations. The providers should also take an interest in the fate of the dogs and ask whether you have enough time and experience to raise a puppy. If the providers do not ask any questions, it is dubious. Even if you are unable to visit the breeding location and mother. Also ask to see the pedigree and the pet passport with the vaccinations and check whether the same chip number is entered everywhere.
Should I buy a dog to save it?
Many puppies and dogs suffer from cruelty and mistreatment and from poor housing conditions. However, it does not help to buy such a dog for free, because every animal sold boosts the “production” of such dogs and promotes the business model of criminal dog traffickers. You should therefore never buy a dog out of pity if it comes from a dubious breed.
What does dubious breeding mean?
Dubious breeding means that the dogs are kept and bred under conditions that are contrary to animal welfare. They sometimes live in very confined spaces and are unable to fulfill their needs. The hygienic conditions are often terrible. It is all about profiting from the animals, they are not treated as living beings. The bad experiences often lead to behavioral problems. But the breeding selection is also dubious, because animals with physical defects are not excluded from breeding, but mated on, so that the breeding defects are passed on and the puppies suffer greatly as a result (breathing problems, hip problems, skin problems, etc.).
What is illegal puppy trading?
Illegal puppy trade means that the legal requirements of the EU or Switzerland are not complied with. This applies to both import and export regulations. In particular, a certain minimum age must be observed for puppies (EU: cross-border trade only from 15 weeks, Switzerland from 8 weeks). In addition, dogs need a microchip and a pet passport and must also have a valid rabies vaccination to cross the border in the EU.
As a buyer, will I also be fined if I buy a dog from an illegal dealer?
Buying an “illegal puppy” is not in itself a criminal offense. However, you may have to pay VAT in arrears and pay for the handling. You will also be punished more than enough if the dog is ill or has a behavioral disorder and you have to spend a lot of money on its treatment. In the worst case scenario, the authorities will take the dog away from you and euthanize it due to the risk of rabies. However, you can also return it to its country of origin or quarantine it for 120 days, both of which are very expensive.
When is the trade in puppies illegal?
A trade is considered illegal if any provision of domestic legislation relating to animal welfare, epidemics or trade law has been violated. This can be the age of the dog if it was separated from its mother 8 weeks ago, but it can also be a missing microchip or a missing or falsified pet passport, or the border crossing was not carried out correctly if, for example, the dog comes from a rabies risk country and does not meet the conditions or if it was not declared at customs and VAT was not paid.