I always dreamed of the perfect trip to the Swiss Alps with my dog. It is the most dog-friendly place I have ever seen. I learned so much while Planning Dog Friendly Holidays in Switzerland – Tips and Itineraries. The mountains. The clear lakes. The friendly people. First of all, I want to share my secrets for a smooth journey. Switzerland has strict rules, but they make life better for every pet.
The Legal Side: Understanding Switzerland Dog Laws
You must know the rules before you go. The switzerland dog laws are very detailed to protect animals. First of all, the law says you must handle dogs in a way that fits their nature. You cannot keep a dog tied up all the time. Additionally, puppies must stay with their mother until they are at least 56 days old. On top of that, you must give your dog social contact with humans and other dogs every day.
The law also cares about where your dog sleeps. If you use a kennel, it must be the right size. For a dog that weighs up to 20 kg, you need at least 6.0 square meters of space. If the dog is over 45 kg, it needs 10 square meters. Plus, the height must be at least 1.8 meters. Every dog needs a soft place to lie down and a spot to hide if they feel shy.
Gradually, I found out about the items you cannot use. You must not use a choke collar without a stop. Prong collars are strictly against the law. Also, you cannot use any device that uses electricity or bad sounds to punish a dog. Therefore, you should pack a standard harness and a short lead.
One big rule involves “cropped” or “docked” dogs. Switzerland banned ear clipping in 1981 and tail cutting in 1997. It is generally against the law to import a dog with these features. However, tourists can bring their pets for a short holiday if they pay a deposit at the border. You must never try to sell or show these dogs while you are there.
Taking a Dog to Switzerland from UK: The Basics
Many people ask about taking a dog to switzerland from uk. I found that driving is the best way. Flying can be scary for pets in the cargo hold. The pet travel to switzerland process starts with a visit to the vet. You must have a microchip. Also, your dog needs a rabies vaccination. Later, you must get an animal health certificate.
The wait is important. You must wait at least 21 or 30 days after the rabies shot before you enter the country. If you come from the UK, you will likely use LeShuttle to cross to France. The ride takes only 35 minutes. You stay in your car with your dog the whole time. It is very easy and low-stress for the pup.
How Dog Friendly is Switzerland?
I often wonder how dog friendly is switzerland compared to other places. It is amazing. Dogs are welcome in most places. You can take them into many shops and even public buildings if they are on a short lead. Similarly, most restaurants welcome furry guests. I saw dogs sitting quietly under tables all over Zurich and Lucerne.
Public transport is another win. You can take your pet on almost every train, bus, and boat. Small dogs travel for free. If your dog has a wither height of 30 cm or less, put them in a carrier or basket. They can sit on your lap or under your seat. However, if you have a big dog, you must buy a ticket. Usually, it costs half of a second-class fare. Additionally, you can buy a dog day pass for 25 Swiss Francs. This is a great deal for long trips.
The Itinerary: Things to do with Dogs in Switzerland
There are so many things to do with dogs in switzerland. I followed a 7-day plan that covered the best spots.
Day 1: Zurich Life
Start your morning at Bima’s Kitchen. They have a terrace where dogs can join you for organic coffee and pastries. The cost is about 25 Swiss Francs. Later, walk along the shores of Lake Zurich. The path from Bellevue offers great views. If the sun is out, visit the Botanical Garden. It has 15,000 types of plants. Finally, eat dinner at Les Halles. It is a trendy spot where dogs are part of the crowd.
Day 2: Lucerne and History
Breakfast at Cafe des Alpes is a must. It overlooks the lake. After you eat, walk across the famous Chapel Bridge. Your dog will love the sniffs in the Old Town. Later, head to the Richard Wagner Museum. Dogs can explore the large outdoor areas while you learn about the composer. For dinner, try Restaurant Schwanen for a dog-friendly menu.
Day 3: Interlaken Adventures
This area is a dream. Take the funicular up to Harder Kulm. The ticket is about 38 Swiss Francs. At the top, hike the pet-friendly trails for a view of the peaks. On top of that, you can visit Lake Brienz. The train from Interlaken takes 30 minutes. Your dog can play in the water while you rest. End your day at The 3 Tells for a cozy meal.
Day 4: Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen is the valley of 72 waterfalls. Staubbach Falls is incredible because you can walk behind it. Additionally, you can visit Trümmelbach Falls. These falls are inside the mountain. Note that dogs cannot go inside the tunnels because it is loud and narrow. However, the trails around the area are perfect for them. Later, take a cable car to Mürren. This village has no cars. It is very peaceful for a stroll.
Day 5: Zermatt and the Matterhorn
Zermatt is famous for the Matterhorn. You must ride the Gornergrat Railway. It costs about 80 Swiss Francs, but dogs travel for free on many mountain lifts in Zermatt. The views at 3,000 meters are breathtaking. can dogs go on cable cars in switzerland? Yes, they can. They even travel to Glacier Paradise, the highest station in Europe. Just make sure your dog is well-behaved.
Day 6: Geneva Charm
Geneva is very elegant. Walk around Lake Geneva and visit the United Nations Office outdoor areas. If your dog needs to run, go to Parc Bertrand. It has two off-leash areas where they can play freely. Plus, there is a water fountain to keep them cool in summer. For dinner, visit Cafe Papon for a mix of Swiss and French food.
Day 7: Montreux Beauty
The lakeside promenade in Montreux is like a garden. Walk to Chillon Castle. Well-behaved dogs can explore the grounds with you. Later, relax in the Montreux Rose Garden. It is the perfect end to a busy week.
Finding Dog-Friendly Hotels in Switzerland
You have many choices for dog-friendly hotels switzerland. I tried to mix luxury with simple spots to save money.
- Zurich: I liked the vibe of the city hotels.
- Lucerne: The Hotel Schweizerhof Lucerne is a top pick.
- Interlaken: Hotel Interlaken welcomes furry friends.
- Zermatt: There are 15 pet-friendly hotels here. Hotel Alpenhof is a great choice.
- Andermatt: Radisson Blu Hotel Reussen is very modern.
- Arosa: Valsana Hotel is perfect for hikers.
Many hotels provide beds and bowls. Some even offer blankets and special meals. Always book your stay in advance. This is especially true for mountain huts if you are hiking.
Special Focus: Switzerland Dog Breeds and Show Rules
I noticed some interesting things about switzerland dog breeds. The law mentions domestic dogs clearly, but some regions have extra rules. For example, the Canton of Geneva has a list of dogs that must wear a muzzle in public. This includes the Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Cane Corso. Similarly, the Mastiff and Tosa are on this list. Therefore, check the local rules if you own one of these breeds.
If you want to attend a dog show, be careful. Dogs with docked tails or ears cannot participate. This applies even if you are just a visitor. Also, you cannot use choke collars at shows. They only allow gentle grooming like brushing.
Safety in the Mountains
Mountain safety is huge in Switzerland. The weather can change fast. First of all, check the MeteoSwiss app before you go. For every 1,000 meters you climb, the temperature drops by 6 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the wind makes it feel even colder.
Watch out for livestock guardian dogs. These big white dogs protect sheep and goats from wolves. They are not pets. If you see a flock, keep your dog on a short lead. Do not walk through the middle of the animals. Instead, walk slowly around the edge. If the guardian dog barks, do not run. Stay calm and talk to the dog so it knows you are a person.
Similarly, you might encounter a wolf. If you see one, stop and analyze the situation. Make sure the wolf has a way to get away. Keep your dog very close to you. Do not follow the wolf or try to feed it. Retreat at a normal pace.
Etiquette for a Happy Trip
Swiss people value “conflict-free coexistence”. Follow the Zurich Dogs Code to be a good guest.
- Leash Rules: Keep your dog on a short lead on buses, at train stations, and on busy streets.
- No-Go Zones: Do not bring dogs to cemeteries, swimming pools, or schoolyards.
- Cleaning Up: You must pick up every trace of faeces. Dispose of it in the green bins you see everywhere.
- Restaurant Manners: Your dog should lie quietly under the table. They should not sit on chairs or eat from your plate.
- Meeting People: If you see a hiker or a cyclist, move your dog to the far side of the path. Keep them on a short lead until the person passes.
Hiking the Bernese Oberland Traverse
If you are a serious hiker, look at the Bernese Oberland Traverse. It connects Meiringen to Leukerbad. The distance is about 102 km. It takes 5 to 8 days to finish. The highest point is the Hohtürli Pass at 2,778 meters.
The terrain is diverse. About 65% of it is mountain trail. The rest is regular hiking path. You will see Oeschinensee, which many call the most beautiful lake in the world. The water is deep blue and very clear. Just down the road is Blausee. It is a trout farm, so dogs must stay on a lead at all times there.
You can stay in mountain huts along the way. This is a unique experience. You get to meet other hikers and eat local food. Some popular huts include Schwarenbach and Rotstockhütte. Check if they allow dogs before you book.
Grindelwald: A First-Hand Experience
I spent three days in Grindelwald recently. It was on my bucket list for a long time. We visited Grindelwald First on the first day. The gondola ride takes 25 minutes. For two adults and a child, we paid 136 Swiss Francs with a guest card discount. Dogs were free of charge!
The First Cliff Walk is a series of platforms hanging off the mountain. It is free to enter. The platforms are flat and easy to walk on. Even my dog joined us for the photos. We waited for the fog to clear, and the views of the Eiger North Face were amazing.
On the second day, we went to Männlichen. You can reach it via a 20-minute gondola ride from the terminal. The views here are even better than at First. We paid 100 Swiss Francs for the return ticket, and the dog was free again. We did the Royal Walk to the summit. It takes 30 minutes and has a platform shaped like a crown.
Finally, we saw the Glacier Canyon. It is a 20-minute walk from the village. The water is a beautiful turquoise color. It is dog-friendly, and we paid 42 Swiss Francs for the family. There is a big “spider web” net you can walk on over the river. It is a great activity for a rainy day.
The Ticino Region: A Different World
Later in my trip, I drove south to Lugano. This is the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. It feels totally different. You see Italian architecture and feel Mediterranean weather. Plus, there are more mosquitoes, so be ready!
Visit Mount San Salvatore for 360-degree views. A funicular takes you to the top. Also, walk to the village of Gandria. It is built into the mountain with very narrow streets. One of my favorite spots was Lavertezzo. The Verzasca River has the clearest water I have ever seen. It can be busy in summer, so take a trail further up the river to find a quiet spot.
Swimming with Your Dog
Can dogs swim in the famous lakes? Generally, yes! However, they are usually banned from official swimming areas called a “Badi“. If a spot is not a Badi, a fishing zone, or a nature reserve, it is usually okay.
In Zurich, I found some great spots. Richterswil has an area near the floating harbor that is perfect. You can even get a drink in a dog-friendly section of the cafe nearby. Similarly, Greifensee and Pfäffikersee have dog-friendly parts. In Bern, I saw dogs swimming in the Aare River all the time. Just be careful because the current can be very strong.
Essential Packing and Prep
When I pack for Switzerland, I think about the terrain.
- Footwear: You need sturdy hiking boots for T2 or T3 trails.
- Water: Carry plenty for you and your dog to avoid heat stroke.
- Maps: Download digital maps from Swisstopo or SwitzerlandMobility, but carry a paper version too.
- Safety: Use the Rega app for mountain rescues.
- Clothing: Bring a rain jacket and a warm sweater, even in summer.
Gradually, I realized how well-organized Swiss tourism is. All hiking routes and cable car statuses are clearly displayed. This makes it easy to change your plans if the weather turns bad.
Statistical Data for Travelers
To help you plan, here is some useful data:
- Dog Day Pass: 25 CHF.
- Dog Annual Pass: 350 CHF.
- Elevation variation: Temperature drops ~6°C per 1,000m.
- Hiking speed: ~15 min per 100m elevation gain.
- Public transport limit: Dogs under 30 cm in carriers are free.
- Fines: You will pay a penalty if you bring an illegal cropped/docked dog without following the holiday rules.
FAQ
- Can I take my dog on holiday to Switzerland?
- Yes, you can bring your dog to Switzerland for holidays or short stays. Even dogs with cropped ears or docked tails are permitted for temporary holiday visits, though foreign owners may be required to pay a deposit at customs.
- How to go on holiday if you have a dog?
- You can travel to Switzerland by car (utilizing services like LeShuttle), train, or air. International travelers must ensure their dog is microchipped, has a valid rabies vaccination, and possesses a health certificate endorsed by the relevant veterinary authority in their country of origin.
- Where to go in Switzerland with a dog?
- Excellent dog-friendly destinations include major cities like Zurich, Lucerne, Geneva, and Montreux, as well as alpine regions like Zermatt and Interlaken. You can also visit scenic locations such as the Bernese Oberland and the Ticino region.
- Are dogs allowed in supermarkets in Switzerland?
- They only mention that supermarkets like Migros and Co-op are conveniently located near transit stations.
- Can dogs bark in Switzerland?
- While dogs can bark, owners are responsible for ensuring that nobody is disturbed by their dog’s barking, particularly in public buildings and restaurants. If a dog exhibits behavior that causes fear or excitement in others, such as barking or growling, owners should manage the situation to prevent conflict.
Concluding words
Switzerland is an exceptionally dog-friendly destination that offers comprehensive itineraries ranging from urban sightseeing in Zurich and Geneva to mountain adventures in Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland.
Successful holiday planning requires adhering to strict import regulations regarding docked tails or cropped ears and following local codes of conduct that emphasize keeping dogs under control and cleaning up after them. Public transport options, including trains, buses, and cable cars, widely accommodate dogs, often allowing small pets in carriers to travel for free.
