Protection against illegal imports

Out of two dogs, one is currently imported from abroad, unfortunately often illegally, according to the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV) writes. The temptation to earn a lot of money in an easy way leads unscrupulous sellers to sell puppies that are too young, separated from the mother dog too early, poorly socialized and often sick.

According to the FSVO, some of the puppies come from regions or countries where rabies is widespread. If these puppies are not vaccinated or are poorly vaccinated, there is a risk of reintroducing the terrible disease into Switzerland.

Dog registration: mandatory from 2016

All dogs kept or imported in Switzerland must be registered. Every change of owner must be reported, as the FSVO emphasizes. Electronic identification by means of a microchip and complete registration in the dog database are the two basic elements to ensure complete traceability and to better protect the dogs and the population, it said.

From January 1, 2016, all dogs must be registered in the national Dog database will be recorded. The cantons, which are responsible for monitoring dogs, have entrusted the Bern-based company Identitas AG with the development and management of the dog database as part of a public-private partnership, the FSVO further writes.

No action is required by dog owners whose animal is already registered in the Anis database.