Everything you need to know about liability insurance for dogs in Switzerland

Whether as a loyal companion, a family member or for emotional support – more and more Swiss households have a dog. Our four-legged friends are mostly cute, but they can also be unpredictable.

What if Nala suddenly goes after another dog? What if Rocky tears the neighbours’ shoes to shreds? Liability insurance for dogs protects you against the costs of loss and damage that your four-legged friend causes to others. In some cantons, it is even mandatory. Here you will find everything you need to know about animal and dog owner’s liability insurance in Switzerland.

There is no general requirement to take out liability insurance for dogs in Switzerland. However, as is so often the case in this country, the law varies from canton to canton. Cantonal dog laws and – in individual cases – additional requirements stipulated by the municipalities are key.

Certain cantons require dog owners to have personal liability insurance with a prescribed sum insured. For instance, the law on dogs in the canton of Zurich requires a sum insured of at least CHF 1 million. In some cantons, the requirement applies only to certain breeds with an increased risk (listed dogs).

The table below provides an overview of the cantons in which liability insurance is mandatory for dogs and how high the sums insured must be (as of 2026):

As a dog owner, you are liable for your pet. For that reason, your personal liability insurance generally covers damage that your four-legged friend causes to third parties. Animal owner’s liability insurance is automatically included with Allianz personal liability insurance – so you do not need separate liability insurance for dogs or other animals. A prerequisite is that you register your dog with us and the agreed sum insured meets the legal requirements in your canton of residence.

Be it a child or an animal, it can always happen that someone you are responsible for causes damage or injury to another person. For that reason, liability insurance makes sense in principle for all pets. If you live in a rental apartment, your landlord or landlady might even ask for proof that damage caused by your four-legged friend is covered by your personal liability insurance.

Because you spend a lot of time outdoors with a dog and come into contact with other people and animals, the probability of injury or damage to third parties is greater than with a hamster or a budgie, for example. In this regard, dog liability insurance – or animal owner’s liability cover integrated into your personal liability insurance – provides important financial security. That way, you and your furry friend can enjoy peace of mind when you are out and about.

With Allianz liability insurance for dogs, you and your pooch are covered against losses and claims asserted by third parties. Would you also like to insure your loyal companion against accidents and illness? Then Allianz pet insurance is the perfect solution for you. This insurance covers veterinary and treatment costs for your four-legged friend, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of their recovery.

We will make sure that your pet is covered. Please contact us for an individual consultation.