Pets

Where do I have to register the dog?

Each dog must be microchipped and registered. If you bring a dog from abroad, it must be registered by the veterinarian in Switzerland.

Register with the municipality of residence and let them know that you have a dog. The municipality of residence registers you as a dog owner and sends you an annual invoice for keeping the dog.

If you move, report a change of address to the municipal office within 10 days.

What are the rules for dogs?

In most municipalities, dogs are required to be kept on a leash . Check with the municipality of residence to find out what the rules are.

As an owner, you are obliged to remove dog excrement from streets, squares, sidewalks, public facilities and agricultural crops. The municipality of residence provides plastic bags free of charge and there are ROBIDOG  dog excrement containers available everywhere for disposal.

Insurance

Personal liability insurance is mandatory for dog owners in the canton of St.Gallen.

Not every landlord allows larger pets such as dogs or cats. It may be that there is a ban on pets in the rental agreement. 

The landlord can terminate the lease if you do not comply with the pet ban or if you buy a pet without obtaining his or her permission.

If nothing is mentioned in the rental agreement for pet ownership, then this is generally allowed.

An exception are animals with a particular potential for disturbance or danger, such as: 

• Animals in large numbers
• Snake
• Spider
• other exotic animal species

Here you need the consent of the landlord. In addition, the import and keeping of many exotic animal species are not permitted for species protection reasons.  

> When viewing the new apartment, be sure to ask if pets are allowed.