Swiss Dog Tax Calculator – estimate your dog license fee instantly
Calculate the estimated dog tax for your canton and municipality in a few clicks. Current rates for Zurich, Geneva, Bern and all of Switzerland.
Calculate your dog tax in seconds
Choose your canton, number of dogs and exemption status, then click «Calculate».
⚠️ Non-binding estimate, no official value. Your municipality's regulations apply. More on our methodology.
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Dog tax table by Swiss canton
Searchable overview of indicative cantonal rates for the first dog, with exemption note.
| Canton | Avg. rate (CHF/year) | Exemption | Calculator |
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Dog Tax in Switzerland: The Complete Guide
Everything on calculation, cantonal differences, exemptions and the AMICUS requirement.
How much is dog tax in Switzerland?
Dog tax in Switzerland — often called Hundesteuer — typically costs between CHF 55 and CHF 190 per year for the first dog, depending on canton and municipality. According to a Comparis analysis, amounts vary considerably: from 70 francs in Bellinzona to 200 francs in Uster (ZH), with 107 francs in Geneva, 115 in Bern, 105 in Fribourg and 190 in Lausanne. There is no single nationwide dog tax — every canton sets its own rules, and many municipalities add local surcharges. Use our calculator above to estimate your Swiss dog tax.
Dog tax by canton and municipality: the differences explained
The biggest differences are between urban and rural regions. A dog tax calculation for Zurich gives a different result than one for Uri or Appenzell Innerrhoden. Within a canton, rates can even vary between municipalities, since many cantons give local authorities some leeway in setting the exact amount. For a canton-by-canton dog tax comparison, see our full table above.
Dog tax exemption and second-dog surcharges
A Switzerland-wide dog tax exemption exists for certain categories: assistance, guide and rescue dogs are generally exempt in most cantons and municipalities. Some municipalities also grant exemptions for working farm dogs. On the other hand, a second dog in Switzerland almost always costs more — often with a surcharge of 50 to 100%, and in some cities like Basel, double the base rate.
Mandatory registration: dog tax and AMICUS Switzerland
Regardless of the municipal dog tax, every dog in Switzerland must be microchipped and registered in the national AMICUS database since 2016. This registration is the basis municipalities use to assess your dog tax. Registering with your municipality is a separate step — see our registration guide for the full process (currently in German).
FAQ: Dog Tax in Switzerland
The key answers on dog tax, exemption and AMICUS registration.
Dog tax is not set nationally but by each canton, often together with the municipality. It typically combines a cantonal base rate with municipal surcharges, sometimes tiered by number of dogs.
In most cantons, recognised assistance, guide and rescue dogs are exempt from dog tax. Some municipalities also make exceptions for farm dogs or social hardship cases.
Most municipalities charge a higher rate for a second dog, often with a surcharge of 50 to 100%, and in some cities the rate is doubled.
Yes, since 2016 every dog in Switzerland must be microchipped and registered in the national AMICUS database, independent of the municipal dog tax.
Rates vary widely by municipality; cities such as Uster (ZH) and Lausanne have been reported among the highest, reaching CHF 190–200 per year for the first dog.
If your dog dies or is given away during the year, many municipalities refund the unused portion of the tax on request.
Everything about dog tax
In-depth guides on registration, costs, cantons and exemptions.
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Go to the calculator →Transparency & Legal Information
Full legal information is available on the following pages (currently in German).