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.
Homes, buildings and access
Most people rent apartments with house rules (Hausordnung) that often cover pets, shared laundry rooms and stairwells. Tell your provider about door codes, lifts and neighbours.
Local rules worth knowing
In Switzerland dogs must be microchipped and registered in the national dog database (AMICUS), and Zurich charges an annual dog fee. Owners must pick up after their dogs, and lead rules apply in many places — including forests during the spring breeding season.
Getting around Zurich with a pet
Dogs can travel on Zurich trams, buses and SBB trains; small dogs in a carrier usually travel free, while larger dogs need a ticket. A pet taxi is handy for the vet, the groomer or the airport.
Pet care in Zurich — FAQ
Does OnlyPaw work in Zurich?
Yes. OnlyPaw is available worldwide, including Zurich. Because it's a marketplace, the providers you can book depend on who has been approved near your address — the app shows who's available before you pay.
How much does pet care cost in Zurich?
Providers 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.
Can my dog ride trams and trains in Zurich?
Yes. Small dogs in a carrier usually travel free, while larger dogs need their own ticket. Check the current ZVV and SBB rules, or book a pet taxi in the OnlyPaw app.
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.
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.
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.
