Dog Walking in Zurich: what to know
Zurich walkers often combine a lakeside stretch with the nearest forest. Tell your walker about lead rules your dog is used to, and how it handles trams and crowds.
Where to walk dogs in Zurich
- Zürichberg forest — Forest paths above the city with plenty of space for long walks.
- Üetliberg — Zurich’s local mountain, with trails reached by train or on foot.
- Lake promenades — Long lakeside paths; keep dogs on a lead where it is busy and follow the signs on bathing areas.
- Allmend Brunau — Open space along the Sihl in the south of the city.
Weather and seasons in Zurich
Zurich has cold winters with snow and gritted paths, and warm summers with occasional heatwaves and thunderstorms. The lake and the forested hills keep summer walks pleasant in the mornings and evenings.
Planning around the seasons
In winter, rinse grit and salt off paws and use a coat for small or short-haired dogs; frozen lake edges are not safe for dogs.
In spring and early summer, keep dogs on a lead in and near the forests during the wildlife breeding season, as cantonal rules and local signs require.
Before you book
Walkers can offer extras such as photo updates, a report card, pick-up from home or an extra 30 minutes — you see what each walker offers before booking.
Keep your pet's vaccinations and any local registration up to date and carry the records — providers may ask to see them before the first booking.
Dog Walking in Zurich — FAQ
Is dog walking available in Zurich?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including Zurich. Because it's a marketplace, the dog walkers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address — the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does dog walking cost in Zurich?
Dog walkers in Zurich set their own prices, so you see each provider's rate in the app before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
How are providers vetted?
Every provider submits a government ID and a selfie, passes a knowledge test with a 70% pass mark and uploads service-specific documents — home photos for sitting and boarding, driving licence and vehicle registration for pet taxi, certificates for grooming and training — before the OnlyPaw team approves them.
Do dogs need to be on a lead in Zurich’s forests?
During the spring and early-summer wildlife breeding season, dogs must be kept on a lead in and near the forests. Follow cantonal rules and local signs at other times too.
What if I need to cancel?
Each provider uses one of three cancellation policies. Under the default moderate policy you get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start, 50% if you cancel at least 2 hours before, and nothing in the last 2 hours. The flexible policy refunds in full up to 2 hours before the start; the strict policy refunds in full from 48 hours and 50% from 24 hours before.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
