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I want to take care of animals. Do I need a licence?

With Petsitting24, you can easily find suitable jobs looking after dogs, cats and other pets. It is important to be aware of the legal requirements:

  • You can look after up to five other people's animals per day without a licence. This means that no additional effort is required for occasional jobs or sporadic help.
  • Commercial pet sitting only begins when you look after animals regularly and with the intention of making a profit. Typical signs of this are:
    • recurring care of other people's animals
    • actively offering your services (e.g. through advertisements or advertising)
    • the intention to generate income or cover costs with the activity

In this case, you must document your assignments.


Licence requirement

A cantonal licence is required if you provide commercial care for more than five animals belonging to other people per day (24 hours) – regardless of whether this is done simultaneously or consecutively (Art. 101 TSchV).

  • Your own animals can be included in the count if they are kept in the same facilities.
  • Walks or short-term care are also included in the calculation.
  • In many cases, proof of training is required for the licence.


Note

The exact regulations vary from canton to canton. Our information is intended as a guide – for binding information, please contact the relevant cantonal veterinary service.

👉 With Petsitting24, you can find great jobs and ensure that you meet all legal requirements at the same time.

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