A local answering the 10 most asked questions about Swiss dog culture.
Hi my name is Sarah. I am born and raised in Switzerland and live with my two Australian Shepherds and my husband between Lucerne and Interlaken. I am a full-time professional pet photographer taking my furry clients to the most scenic places in Switzerland. I am working with dogs and their people from all over the world visiting our beautiful little country.
I noticed how expectations towards dogs differ from culture to culture and I want to give you a good overview as what to expect when you are travelling to Switzerland with your dog. So, you may arrive here at ease and have a fabulous time.
These are the questions you’ll find in this blogpost:
- Are Swiss people dog friendly?
- Is Switzerland a dog friendly place?
- Do I have to pick up after my dog?
- Do dogs have to be on leash in Switzerland?
- Are there dog parks in Switzerland?
- Are dogs allowed in shops in Switzerland?
- Are dogs allowed in restaurants and cafes in Switzerland?
- Are dogs allowed on public transport in Switzerland?
- Do dogs need train tickets in Switzerland and how do I get one?
- Do dogs need to be muzzled on public transportation, such as buses, trains or gondolas?
1 Are Swiss people dog friendly?
Most Swiss people are dog friendly but not all will want to interact with your dog. This is what the general society expects from dogs and dog owners:
It is absolutely expected that dogs are very well trained. Almost all Swiss dogs go to “dog school” to be well behaved in public and socialized. Barking, growling, and poor behavior in public is very frowned upon. All actions or use of tools that cause the dog pain, fear, or stress are forbidden. E-Collars, Chocking collars are NOT ALLOWD in Switzerland.
Letting your dog say hi to everyone – and you saying hi to everyone’s dog – is a no-no. Swiss people are very polite and expect everybody else to be polite as well. Please ask other dog owners if it is ok to let the dogs interact or if you want to pet or photograph someone else’s dog.
2 Is Switzerland a dog friendly place?
With lots of green areas, trails and walking paths Switzerland is very dog friendly. Dogs become more and more popular in Switzerland and are a common sight. Pet shops and vets are available in every bigger town. Dogs are allowed in public transport and in most restaurants.
3 Do I have to pick up after my dog?
Yes, always and everywhere. Plastic bags and bins are provided by the parish and paid for by taxed swiss dog owners. We are more than happy to share them with you. It is especially crucial to pick up after your dog if he does his business into meadows where cattle are / will be grazing. Dog feces can cause illness or even death.
4 Do dogs have to be on leash in Switzerland?
As long as your dog does not disturb or cause harm to others and has a good recall, he or she may be off leash except for:
- During wildlife breading season
1. April-31. July dogs must be on a leash in forests and within 100m of the forest edge. - In nature and wildlife sanctuaries
All year around. Dogs are not allowed in Switzerland’s only national park. You will see the ‘on leash’ sign for dogs on trailheads displayed on the green info panels. - While encountering live stock / cattle on trails
During the summer months June-September you might be sharing the trails with cows, goats and sheep. Keep your dog on a short leash for all animal encounters and only let go, if an animal is attacking you and your dog.
Pro tip: Know about the unwritten rules and how to handle encounters respectfully.
Scenario 1: Your dog is off leash
If you encounter another dog on a leash you are expected to leash your dog as well and do not let your dog run up to the other dog. A dog on a leash could be ill, in training, aggressive towards others or have other personal reasons as to why they do not want to interact. Please be respectful of that.
The Scenario 2: Both your and the others dog is on a leash.
Letting them say hi on leash is frowned upon due to risk of injurie if they get tangled up in the leashes.
5 Are there dog parks in Switzerland?
In Cities such as Zurich or Lucerne it is not wise to let your dog run around off leash. But there are specially designated off leash areas you can visit with your dog.
Check out these off-leash places in Lucerne
- Hundewiese Allmend
- Tribschen
- Churchill Quai
Check out these off-leash places in Zurich
- Allmend Brunau
- Zürich Allmend Gfellstrasse
6 Are dogs allowed in shops in Switzerland?
Most shops do not allow dogs. Usually, you can find a small sign at the shop’s front door. Dogs are forbidden in supermarkets or any store, that sells food for hygienic reasons. However, in pet shops, dogs are very welcome.
7 Are dogs allowed in restaurants and cafes in Switzerland?
Dogs are allowed in some restaurants in Switzerland. Always ask the staff before entering with a dog.
Dogs are almost always allowed and welcome on the terrasse outside of the restaurant. Some restaurants will provide water for your dog.
8 Are dogs allowed on public transport in Switzerland?
Yes, dogs are allowed in any form of public transport such as trains, buses, ships, gondolas, or cogwheel trains. They are not allowed on the seats however. Keep your dog out of the passageways so other passengers can get by easily.
9 Do dogs need train tickets in Switzerland and how do I get one?
Small dogs with a height of up to 30cm are free of charge if they are crated or in a bag during train or bus rides. Bigger dogs need a ticket.
The correct ticket for dogs on trains, busses, and trams of the SBB (Swiss Railroad Association) is a half fare ticket.
Pro tip: Swiss public transport is expensive. You can almost always safe money by buying a Day Pass for Dogs for 25.- Swiss Francs. Click here for more information
Important to know: Some gondolas and cogwheel trains are privately owned and the SBB ticket does not cover them. Some will transport dogs for fee, some will require you to buy a ticket for your dog. Its best to ask the staff.
10 Do dogs need to be muzzled on public transportation, such as buses, trains or gondolas?
No, there is no law in Switzerland which says muzzles are compulsory. You’ll need
one for traveling to nearby Austria, Italy or Germany though.