Ein kleines Mädchen spielt im Gras mit einem Hundewelpen der adoptiert wurde.

Adopting a dog in Switzerland

The decision to adopt a dog is not only an act of charity, but also an enrichment of one's life. As the American author Josh Billings once said, "A dog is the only creature on earth that loves you more than it loves itself." In Switzerland, numerous dogs are waiting for a loving home in animal shelters and at animal welfare organizations. This blog post highlights the benefits of dog adoption, shows where you can adopt dogs in Switzerland, explains the adoption process, and provides valuable information on legal aspects and responsibilities.

Advantages of adopting a dog

Adopting a dog offers far more than just the obvious benefit of giving an animal a new home:

  • Save lives and relieve pressure on animal shelters : Every animal shelter in Switzerland houses dogs waiting for a new home. By adopting, you not only save the adopted dog's life, but also make room for other animals in need.
  • Enriching your life : Adopted dogs often show a special sense of gratitude and loyalty. The joy of accompanying a dog from difficult circumstances to a happy life is indescribable.
  • Pre-screened animals : Dogs from shelters are usually medically examined, vaccinated, and microchipped. Their behavior has often been analyzed, giving you a better idea of ​​the dog's personality and needs.
  • Variety of dogs : Whether mixed breeds, purebred dogs, puppies or seniors – animal shelters offer a large selection so that the right dog can be found for every lifestyle.
  • Lower costs : Adoption fees are usually lower than the purchase price from a breeder. You also save on vaccinations and neutering, as these are often included in the adoption package.

Where can you adopt dogs in Switzerland?

Switzerland offers numerous contact points for dog adoption:

These organizations not only offer dogs but also provide comprehensive advice on adoptions. Of course, this list is not exhaustive; the list could go on and on. Therefore, it's worth doing some detailed research.

The process of adopting a dog

Adopting a dog is a multi-step process designed to ensure that both dog and owner are a perfect match:

  1. Research and selection : You find out about the available dogs and choose an animal that fits your lifestyle.
  2. Contact : After selecting a dog, you contact the organization. You will often receive initial information about the animal's behavior and health status.
  3. First meeting : Many animal shelters offer trial appointments where you can get to know the dog in a controlled environment.
  4. Pre-inspection : A shelter employee will visit your home to ensure it is dog-friendly.
  5. Adoption contract : After a successful preliminary inspection, an adoption contract is concluded. This contract contains information about the new owner's responsibilities and the dog's health status.
  6. Handing over the dog : The dog moves in with you, often accompanied by a handover discussion with final tips and recommendations.

Which dogs are looking for a home?

In Switzerland’s animal shelters, you will find dogs with very different life stories:

  • Puppies : Often surrendered or from unplanned litters. They are playful and eager to learn, but require a lot of time and patience. You can find everything about puppies in our dedicated blog post.
  • Adult dogs : Many adult dogs are already trained and know basic commands. They are ideal companions for people who don't have time to train puppies.
  • Seniors : Older dogs are calmer and often perfect for people looking for a relaxed companion.
  • Animals with special needs : Dogs with physical disabilities or from difficult circumstances who need a loving home. They can be particularly grateful and loyal companions.

Challenges and responsibility

Adopting a dog also brings challenges:

  • Behavioral issues : Shelter dogs often have a difficult past. It can take time for them to gain trust and adjust to a new home.
  • Time and patience : Especially in the first few weeks, your dog needs a lot of attention to get used to it.
  • Financial obligations : In addition to the adoption fees, there are ongoing costs for food, care, insurance and veterinary visits.
  • Lifelong commitment : A dog often lives for 10-15 years. Adoption should be carefully considered, as it is a long-term commitment. At this point, we'd like to refer you to our blog series " Dogs for Beginners, " where we prepare you for the dog purchase in several steps.

Legal and organizational aspects

The following regulations apply in Switzerland:

  • Registration requirement : Dogs must be registered with the municipality and microchipped. Registration takes place in the AMICUS database.
  • Dog tax : The tax varies between 30 and 150 francs per year depending on the canton and municipality.
  • Leash requirement : Many cantons have leash requirements in urban areas, parks, and forests, especially during the breeding and nesting season. We have already written a blog post on the topic of leash requirements .
  • Liability insurance : Some cantons require liability insurance to cover damage caused by your dog.

Can everyone in Switzerland adopt a dog?

In Switzerland, not everyone can simply adopt a dog. There are certain requirements and legal regulations that vary depending on the canton and organization. Here are the key points:

  1. Minimum age
  • In Switzerland, individuals must generally be at least 18 years old to adopt a dog. Some organizations require a minimum age of 21 , especially for large or demanding dog breeds.
  1. Living situation
  • Apartment or house : The living situation must be suitable for keeping a dog. A small city apartment may not be suitable for larger or very active dogs.
  • Landlord permission : If you rent, you need the landlord’s permission to keep a dog.
  1. Time resources
  • Organizations check whether the potential owner can devote enough time to caring for, training, and nurturing the dog. Those who work long hours every day and would leave their dog alone for long hours usually have fewer chances of being approved for adoption.
  1. Financial stability
  • Keeping a dog involves costs (food, veterinary fees, insurance, dog tax). Many organizations assess whether the owner's financial situation is stable enough to cover these costs.
  1. Experience with dogs
  • For certain breeds or dogs with special needs (e.g., behavioral problems), experience with dog ownership is often required. Some organizations recommend or require participation in dog training courses .
  1. Cantonal regulations and breed lists
  • Some cantons have breed lists that restrict the keeping of certain dog breeds or impose additional requirements. For example, in the cantons of Geneva and Valais, certain dogs such as pit bulls and Rottweilers are prohibited.
  • In other cantons such as Zurich or Aargau, specific regulations apply to “listed dogs” (e.g. leash requirements, muzzle requirements or owner permits).
  1. Preliminary check and probationary period
  • Many animal shelters and animal welfare organizations conduct a pre-home inspection to ensure the conditions are ideal for the dog. There is often also a trial period to ensure that the dog and owner get along well.
  1. Personal suitability
  • Depending on the organization, people with physical or mental disabilities that might prevent them from meeting a dog's needs may be excluded from adoption. This primarily serves to protect both the animal and the potential owner.

Experience report from an animal shelter

Mona Vetsch, the well-known reporter for Swiss Radio and Television, visited an animal shelter in her series "Mona Mittendrin." The video shows life in an animal shelter and the dedication of the on-site staff.

How else you can support animal welfare

Even without adoption, you can actively support animal welfare:

Conclusion

Adopting a dog is an enriching, life-changing experience—both yours and that of your new companion. With the right preparation and support, you can provide a loving home for an animal in need. At the same time, you'll be actively contributing to animal welfare and rewarded with the unconditional love of a dog.

Tradi-Dog motto: Trying is better than studying, it's worth adopting the dog!

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