How much does a dog cost per year in Switzerland?
Vet bills, feed and dog school: dog owners should expect recurring expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the annual cost of owning a dog in Switzerland.
25.04.2023
1. One-off costs for a dog in Switzerland
As a dog owner, you should expect to pay at least 1,580 francs in the first year. The costs vary depending on dog breed and the specific purchase. Any treatment costs incurred for the veterinarian as a result of illness or accident are not included.
Here you can find an overview of the main non-recurring expenses:
| Costs of dogs for the first year | |
|---|---|
| Dog purchase | from CHF 500 |
| Essentials: leash, dog bowls, basket, blanket and toys | from CHF 200 |
| Combined vaccinations: basic immunisation | from CHF 100 |
| Deworming for puppies | from CHF 10 |
| Chip and pet passport | from CHF 120 |
| Dog school | from CHF 500 |
| Dog box | from CHF 100 |
| Dog bag for small dogs | from CHF 50 |
| Total | from CHF 1,580 |
Dog neutering: costs in Switzerland
You may neuter your dog once it reaches sexual maturity at the earliest. Depending on the breed, this is the case from six to twelve months of age. The cost of neutering is determined by the veterinary practice. Neutering is usually more expensive for bitches than for males.
| Chemical castration (effective for up to 14 months) | CHF 100–200 |
|---|---|
| Surgical castration (irreversible) | Males: CHF 250–500 Bitches: CHF 500–800 |
How much does a passport cost for dogs?
Would you like to take your dog abroad? Then the animal will need its own passport. A Swiss pet passport usually costs about 25 francs. A microchip should also be inserted. This costs about 80 francs.
Animals from other European countries need an EU pet passport for entry into Switzerland. You usually get this when you buy the dog.
If you buy a dog abroad, you must register it with customs. When importing the dog, you pay VAT of 7.7% of the purchase price. Important: when travelling by car, it is imperative that you visit a staffed border crossing and register the pet there. It is possible to register the pet at a later time, but there are additional costs.
You can find all the requirements for importing pets here: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office.
2. Recurring costs for a dog in Switzerland
A dog’s life lasts about 13 years on average. Altogether, your dog will cost tens of thousands of francs during this time. The table below provides a rough overview of the costs that may arise throughout a dog’s life.
| Annual cost of a dog | |
|---|---|
| Food and treats | CHF 250–1,500 |
| Dog tax (once per year) | CHF 100–200 |
| Liability insurance | from CHF 100 |
| Toys | CHF 50–100 |
| Care and dog salon | CHF 50–1,000 |
| ** Veterinary costs**Vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea treatments as well as check-ups | from CHF 600 |
| Total | CHF 1,690–4,100 |
Source: based on Vier Pfoten Schweiz
Good to know:
Are you dependent on a dog sitter or dog daycare? These services usually cost at least 60 francs per day.
Do you live in a rental apartment? Some landlords require additional coverage in the liability insurance. This covers damage caused by pets in a rental apartment.
The costs of veterinary treatment can very considerably. Depending on the dog breed, veterinary practice and reason for treatment, you may face high expenses.
Veterinarian prices in Switzerland
Unforeseen veterinary treatments in Switzerland sometimes cost several thousand francs. In the event of a bone fracture, for example, you should expect to pay at least 2,500 francs. Chemotherapy costs up to 3,000 francs.
A pet insurance policy can protect you against high expenses if your dog is unwell. The policy usually covers the treatment costs after deducting a coinsurance.
3. Dog expenses: ways to save
Online shops: Various dog accessories such as bowls, leashes or toys are much cheaper online than in retail stores. So before you buy a dog box in the store, check the prices on the Internet. It’s also worth looking at foreign online stores like Aliexpress .
Pet insurance: Take out pet insurance as early as possible. Some providers no longer accept animals after a certain age.
Care: It doesn’t always have to be a pet daycare centre. Using various dog sharing platforms, you can get in touch with dog lovers who will take care of your four-legged friend – free of charge.
Try the pharmacy before the vets: Do you need a deworming agent or special dog food? Some pharmacies sell veterinary medicines. Ask them for advice. This is often cheaper than going to the veterinarian.
This article was first published on 13.03.2015
