What landlords mean by pet-friendly
- Cats: usually accepted unless explicitly forbidden
- Dogs: nearly always require written consent. Size and breed matter (Listenhunde face additional cantonal restrictions)
- Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): typically allowed without disclosure
- Reptiles, exotic pets: usually require consent + proof of Tierschutzverordnung compliance
- Aquariums above 200 L: may need consent (water damage liability)
Where to search
The simplest path is aptari: one open feed of listings from across the market (aptari, Homegate, ImmoScout24 and Flatfox). Set *Pets* in your Tenant Passport once and the Match Score pushes pet-friendly listings to the top. If you search portal by portal instead, use:
- Homegate: Ausstattung → Haustiere erlaubt
- ImmoScout24: Weitere Suchfilter → Haustier
- Flatfox: tag *pets allowed*
Cost premium
- Cleaning surcharge CHF 30-80/mo embedded in rent
- Higher deposit up to the three-month cap
- Specific exit clean for upholstery, parquet
What to declare
- Species, breed, weight, age
- Behavioural history + previous landlord references
- Liability insurance covering pet damage (see Haftpflicht)
- Vet vaccination record for dogs
Concealing pets can be grounds for early termination of your lease.
Cantonal dog rules
- Dog tax CHF 100-200/year
- Listenhunde (Rottweiler, Pitbull etc): cantonal permit required
- Mandatory liability insurance in most cantons
Direct-landlord listings
Flatfox and private classifieds often more flexible than corporate Verwaltungen.