Does anyone have a source of information for the rules about Solothurn dog importation?

The BVet has this handly little site; plug in the appropriate info and it will tell you all you need to know to import a dog into Switzerland:

http://bvet.bytix.com/plus/dbr/default.aspx?lang=en

And you will need to understand the dog control laws in Solothurn; a summary can be found here:

http://www.tierimrecht.org/de/tiersc.../solothurn.php

Be aware that you will need to register your dog in the ANIS database within 10 days of arrival - only a vet can do this, so you'll want to make an appointment soon-ish. Also you need to register with your Gemeinde, pay the tax, etc.

Training classes (SKN) are now mandatory for Swiss-resident owners who aquired a dog after 1 Sept 2008; even if you are not required to take a class, I would strongly recommend that you do so. Dog ownership is viewed quite differently here in Switzerland than in many other places - the SKN classes may well help you avoid some of the difficulties dog owners accustomed to other norms have come up against. To find an SKN trainer in your area, the BVet has another handy app:

http://bvet.bytix.com/plus/trainer/

Hope you and your dog enjoy your time in Switzerland.


ETA: What breed(s) are your dogs?

Be aware that Solothurn has enacted BSL - restrictions apply to the following breeds and mixes: Bullterrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and mixes thereof. If either of your dogs is one of these breeds, please consider the effect this move might have on them very carefully.

Meloncollie, thank you so much for the information. I am a little concerned about the BSL, we don't know the breed of either of our dogs as they are both mixes but I'm afraid the one might be part bull dog of some sort. The vet has her down as a lab mix I believe, but it's a concern. How do they determine what the breed is exactly?

Also, is Bern any more pet friendly in that regard? I have only fairly short contract in the apartment in Solothurn right now, so it's possible that we could live on the edge of Bern. It would only be a very short drive into Solothurn for work.

Bruce,

I don't know how strict or how lax the SO authorities are in determining if a mixed breed dog falls into the restricted category. Hopefully someone living in SO might be along to comment.

If listed as a lab mix you are probably OK - unless your dog looks very bull breed-ish. Do you have anything other than vague suspicion of your dog's parentage?

You biggest worry might be nasty neighbors who might file a complaint based on appearances.

To play it safe, you could contact the Veterinäramt in SO and ask how a mix is defined. Do be aware that you might be opening a can of worms - stress that you do not know what your dog's parentage is, only that he is a lab mix.

Here is the contact info:

http://www.so.ch/departemente/volksw...aerdienst.html

AFAIK, only ZH defines mixes (DNA test showing 10% of a banned breed.)

But to your other question: no, BE does not have BSL on the books. The laws in Bern are summarized here:

http://www.tierimrecht.org/de/tiersc...recht/bern.php


Were it me... Given the difficulties I have faced as a dog owner, I would take the safer route and look for a place in BE. But if that is not possible, do make sure you understand the SO Veterinäramt's definition and the neighbor's attitudes to dogs.

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Can any dog owners in SO post of your experience with BSL?