Dogs in Canton of Geneva, Switzerland: rules, tax and travel
Geneva requires liability insurance, a yearly control mark (valid to 31 March), registration within 10 days, theory and practical courses for new owners, and a leash in forest from 1 April to 15 July.
The cantonal dog law covers tax and rules; the cantonal tax administration bills the tax.
The national rules for Switzerland apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Genève | Banned | American Staffordshire Terrier, Boerboel, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, English Mastiff, Spanish Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, American Pit Bull Terrier, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, Tosa, Dogue de Bordeaux, Bullmastiff, Thai Ridgeback, crosses RChiens art. 17 (15 'chiens listes'): banned in the canton for dogs arriving after 24 Feb 2008; grandfathered dogs with a 'carte bleue' must pass a behaviour test, be neutered and be muzzled and leashed everywhere. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Identify and register the dog in the database within 10 days of acquiring it. The annual control mark is required for dogs from 6 months old and needs ID, insurance certificate, rabies vaccination record and database proof.[2]
Dog tax and licence
Theory and practical dog courses apply to new owners (regulation Art. 6, 7; exemption for stays under 3 months). Large dogs (56 cm or more and over 25 kg) need a behaviour test (TMC).[3]
Insurance
Holders must have valid liability insurance for the dog; a copy is needed to get the control mark (Art. 16).[4]
Leash and muzzle
Leash required in towns and on public roads, parks, at the airport, in forest from 1 April to 15 July (or when control is not strict), and at campsites (regulation Art. 14). Forest reserves are closed to dogs.[2]
Not confirmed yet: Dog tax. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.