From 1 January 2026, Switzerland’s national dog database, Amicus, will no longer issue physical PetCards for dogs. Instead, dog owners will use a digital ePetCard, available through the animundo application.
This change is part of a nationwide transition to fully digital dog registration and identification records.
What Is Changing
Up to now, dog owners registered on the Amicus database received a physical PetCard as proof of registration. As of January 2026:
Physical PetCards will no longer be issued
A digital ePetCard will replace the physical card
The ePetCard will be accessible via the animundo application
The digital ePetCard contains the same core registration information previously provided on the physical card, but is stored and displayed electronically.
Existing physical PetCards issued before this date remain valid and are not automatically cancelled.
What Dog Owners Need to Know
Dog owners in Switzerland will need access to the animundo app to view and present their dog’s registration details when required. The system allows owners to link their Amicus registration to the app and manage their dog’s identity digitally.
This shift reflects a broader move toward modern, app-based administration of pet identity, replacing physical documentation with digital access.
Official Registration and Information
Dog owners can access official information and registration guidance directly through the animundo platform:
This is the application used to view the digital ePetCard and manage dog registration records linked to the Amicus database.
Why This Matters
National dog databases are central to identification, traceability, ownership responsibility, and enforcement. Moving from physical cards to digital records simplifies access to information and aligns pet administration with how people already manage official documentation in everyday life.
As with any digital system, the accuracy of owner details remains essential. Owners are responsible for ensuring their registration information stays up to date.
The Wider Context
Switzerland’s move to digital PetCards reflects a wider European trend toward digital-first pet identity systems. Microchipping already provides the permanent identifier; digital platforms now provide the interface through which ownership and registration are accessed.
This update marks another step in how dog ownership is administered, monitored, and understood in a modern regulatory environment.
The Canine Report
by Philip Alain