How dog friendly is Switzerland?

Hm... probably an odd question...

So, I just found out Switzerland doesn't quarantine domestic animals with proof of rabies vaccination, so... my dog and I are (hopefully) going. It looks and sounds very lovely.

Anyway, I've contacted the tourism bureau asking about certification he needs, etc...

So now the question is... how dog friendly is it? Where are dogs allowed, where are they not allowed, etc...? Do most people there like dogs? Can I get him on public transit in Zurich? Restaurants, stores, etc...? Specific areas that are dog friendly, specific areas that aren't? Etc... Areas of specific interest... Zurich, Engadin, and the Lugano/Morcote area... and the Alps, particularly in the Eastern half of the country.

I have him registered as an Assistance Dog in the US, and he's very well behaved and sweet. Of course, that certification means nothing outside of the US, so...

And any general recommendations on where to visit are welcome.

THANK YOU!!!

Hi there

Switzerland is mostly dog-friendly but there are several things you have to be aware of:

-Always clean it up if your dog shits on a public place. Otherwise you can get fined!!!
- If dogs are not alowed on public places or if you have to leashe it there are signs. (In parks you have to leash it, on playgrounds no dogs are allowed). On normal streets you don't have to leash it.

- Public transits are no problem, but you have to buy a ticked for your dog (mostly a half price ticket)
- Many Restaurants allow dogs, but not all. Best is if you ask. Most stores dont allow dogs, it has to wait outside.
- If you are going to the nature (Alps, Willoes, Morcote, ...) you don't have to leash your dog. But if it chases cows or other farm animals you'll get problems.

Over all Switzerland has many dogs. I grew up with dogs here. There are many people who love dogs and many who don't. Best is to always take a leash with you. If there is a situation where you have to take it on the leash you can do it and after you leave the park or after the scared people are away you can unleash it again.

http://geneva.angloinfo.com/countries/sw...
http://geneva.angloinfo.com/countries/sw...


Enjoy your stay!

I'm guessing they are very dog-friendly because there is dog poop everywhere! (esp geneva) clearly there are no laws for curbing your dog, so they must have a pretty high standing in society!

i live in lugano switzerland and brought my dog with me from the US> switzerland is extremely dog friendly. i take my dog everywhere from restaurants to shopping. even places that dont allow dogs, like the post office, you can find dogs there. generally as long as your dog is well behaved no one will tell you dogs are not allowed. i would say the only place they are not is the supermarket.

they even allow dogs on public transportation,. buses trains cabs.... they have special tickets for them too.

if you have a big dog like me its better to if you dont take them around while its raining or cold out, because youll find that many of the restaurants and stores are crowded inside. while during the summer there are many outdoor restaurants.

feel free to email me if you have any more questions.

Switzerland is quite dog friendly. Dogs are allowed on public transportation (trains, busses, trams). Some restaurants allow dogs, others don't. As far as stores....I wouldn't suggest taking in your dog unless it's a pet store.
MOst people are open toward dogs as long as they're well behaved.
PS All over Switzerland they have RobbieDogs - spare green garbage can like boxes where you can get bags to pick up your dogs buissness