How do you insure your dog or cat correctly?

In short

With pets there are two risks.

For damage your pet causes to others, you are liable. Your personal liability covers that, and for dogs it is compulsory in many cantons. No compulsory insurance pays vet costs. For that there are voluntary pet insurances or you build up a reserve yourself.

As of 2 October 2026 · OR Art. 56 · Sources bj.admin.ch, zh.ch, weu.be.ch and 3 more

GuideTo the answer in a few questions

Which insurance does your pet need?

With pets there are two different risks. Damage your pet causes, and costs at the vet.

All answers at a glance

What do you want to protect? Damage my pet causes to others

Your personal liability. As a keeper you are liable for your pet. Personal liability covers that if animals are included. For dogs many cantons require liability insurance, Zurich for example with cover of at least CHF 1 million and Bern with at least CHF 3 million.

Could you pay for an operation costing a few thousand francs yourself? Yes, no problem

Your own reserve is often enough. Regularly put an amount aside for your pet. Over the years you often pay less this way than with premiums, excess and exclusions.

Could you pay for an operation costing a few thousand francs yourself? It would be tight

Pet insurance can make sense. Take it out while your pet is young and healthy. Watch the maximum amounts per year, the excess and whether existing illnesses are excluded. Premiums often rise with the pet's age.

General classification, as of 2026. The rules for dogs are set by each canton itself. Not advice.

Want to know more?

Which insurance covers what?

What happens	Who pays
Your dog bites someone	Your personal liability, if animals are included
Your cat scratches the neighbour’s sofa	Your personal liability
Your pet falls ill or is injured	Pet insurance or you yourself
Your pet destroys your own belongings	You yourself
Your pet is stolen	Household contents insurance, depending on the policy

What does that mean in francs?

A dog bite with hospital treatment and loss of work can quickly cost many thousands of francs, clearly more with lasting damage. That is why the cantons require high cover. At the vet a larger operation often costs a few thousand francs. If you put aside CHF 50 every month, after three years you have a reserve of CHF 1,800.

What applies to dogs?

Check liability. The sum insured must meet your canton’s requirements.
Register the dog. With the municipality and in the dog database with the microchip.
Follow the canton’s rules. Leash requirements, dog tax and rules for certain breeds are cantonal.

What many people get wrong

“My dog wouldn’t hurt a fly, so I don’t need liability insurance.” You are also liable for damage you do not expect.
“Liability insurance pays the vet.” No. It only pays damage to others.
“Pet insurance pays everything.” Maximum amounts, excess and exclusions limit the benefit.

Do I need liability insurance for my dog?

In many cantons yes. Zurich requires cover of at least CHF 1 million, Bern at least CHF 3 million. Each canton sets the rules itself. Ask your canton's veterinary office.

Is my dog already insured in my personal liability?

Often yes, if pets are included in the policy. Check the sum insured. It must be at least as high as your canton requires.

Am I liable even if I did nothing wrong?

In principle yes. As an animal keeper you are liable unless you prove that you kept and supervised your animal with all due care. That rarely succeeds.

When is pet health insurance worth it?

If an operation costing a few thousand francs would put a financial strain on you. Take it out while your animal is young and healthy. Existing illnesses are usually excluded.

One more question

Does liability insurance pay if my dog destroys my own belongings?

No. Liability insurance only pays damage to others. You pay damage to your own belongings yourself.

This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.