Hi

Just wondering if anybody knows what I do with the SKN certificate to prove I have done the practical SKN test (I already registered the dog and the theory test last year) - do I need to go back up to the Hundekontrolle and show them the certificate or can I post/email this to them?

Let me know your thoughts - I don't want to get fined for not sending it

Thanks
Zara

When I got both certificates, I simply emailed the person whom I met when I was registering my dog for the tax purposes (I had her contact info from the receipt I got after paying). I didn't have to go there by myself.

I haven't done anything with my practical certificate. I assumed as I had already registered on ANIS, as a result of providing the theory cert, that no one needed to see it but that it had to be kept safe for future reference. If that isn't correct please do advise.

ANIS is simply a database where all the microchips numbers are stored to facilitate research if you lose your animal. There's nothing legal about it.

Normally your trainer sends the certificates where they are supposed to go. That's what mine did, for sure. But if he hadn't I'd have brought my copy to a police station, where you also register your dog for tax purposes.

What one needs to do with the certificate is not regulated, and so will vary widely by canton/Gemeinde.

My trainer issues the certificate to the owner.

My Gemeinde requires a copy of the certificate for their records, and if you have not proactively brought a copy to Einwohnerkontrolle they will chase you down for it. A letter is sent 12 months after the date you registered your dog chastizing you if your SKN certificate is not on file. (My Gemeinde also chases down owners for copies of liability insurance policies.)

But the next Gemeinde over does not keep track, leaving it to the owner to keep the certificate safe.

By the bye, there is no provision for enforcement at the federal level, leaving fulfilling the SKN course requirement to the honor system.

So once again, as with everything in Switzerland: YMMV, canton/Gemeinde dependent.

Ask your Einwohnerkontrolle folks what they need from you - but whatever you do, keep the original yourself. You would need it if, doG forbid, you ever get into trouble with your dog or if a complaint is lodged against you. If a dog is involved and the police are called they will likely ask for the certificate - and the Strafffälle database is starting to show many cases of fines issued for failing to have taken the SKN courses.

Thanks - to be on the safe side I will go to the Hundekontrolle in Zurich and give them a copy of the certificate or call and see if I can email this!

Thanks for your help

Best to ask first if they even require a copy. They might not, in which case you could save yourself a trip.

With each Gemeinde/canton doing it's own thing confusion reigns, that's for sure.