What are the legal requirements for terrarium animals in Switzerland?
The Swiss Animal Welfare Act and the Animal Welfare Ordinance regulate the keeping of terrarium animals. The minimum enclosure sizes in relation to the number of animals kept (by body size) and special requirements for infrastructure, climate, feeding and care.
Keeping giant snakes, giant tortoises, large iguanas (over 1 metre long when fully grown), all chameleons and venomous snakes requires a licence. In order to obtain this, a certificate of competence must first be obtained. The licence is issued by the cantonal veterinary office.
The Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection Act protects all native reptiles and amphibians.
It is forbidden to collect and keep protected animals - this also applies to the keeping of tadpoles.
The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora regulates the trade of live animals and products across national borders. Animals listed in the WA require CITES papers.
