Animal Welfare Training Ordinance (AWTO)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Section 1 Care, Breeding and Keeping of Animals
Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3781).
Art. 2 Learning objectives
1 The practical part of training in accordance with Article 31 paragraph 5, 85 paragraph 2, 97 paragraph 2, 102 paragraph 2 or 4 or 103 letter e AniWO must contain practical exercises in handling the animals, care, observation of behaviour, setting up enclosures and hygiene. 2 The objective of training in accordance with Article 102 paragraph 5 AniWO must be to ensure that persons who perform hoof care for cattle or equids know how to handle the animals with due care.
Art. 2 — Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627). Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22).
Art. 3 Form and scope
1 Training comprises a theoretical part, a practical part and a traineeship with one or more organisations in accordance with Article 198c AniWO. 2 The theoretical part and the practical part together comprise at least 40 hours, of which the theoretical part accounts for at least 20 hours and the practical part at least 10 hours. 3 The traineeship lasts for at least 360 hours. A maximum of 80 hours may be completed in small groups.
Art. 3 — Amended by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22).
Art. 4 Content of the theoretical part
1 The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects relating to the animals being cared for: a. animal welfare legislation and other legislation relevant to the specific area; b. handling of animals with due care; c. hygiene in enclosures and premises, hygiene of material and persons, and prevention of infectious diseases; d. responsibilities, obligations and competencies of the persons caring for the animals; e. anatomy and physiology of the animal; and f. normal behaviour and needs of the animals as well as signs of anxiety, stress and suffering. 2 The theoretical part of training in accordance with Article 31 paragraph 5, 85 paragraph 2, 97 paragraph 2, 102 paragraph 2 or 4 or 103 letter e AniWO provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects relating to the animals being cared for: a. animal care and the care of sick and injured animals; b. feeding, in particular the composition of feed, physiological feed requirements and occupation in the context of feed
Para. 2 — Amended by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22). Para. 3 let. e — Inserted by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3781). Para. 4 — Inserted by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22).
Art. 4a Content of the practical part
1 The practical part of training in accordance with Article 31 paragraph 5, 85 paragraph 2, 97 paragraph 2, 102 paragraph 2 or 4 or 103 letter e AniWO must contain practical exercises in handling the animals, care, observation of behaviour, setting up enclosures and hygiene. 2 The practical part of training in accordance with Article 102 paragraph 5 AniWO must contain practical exercises in handling the animals, care, hygiene and carrying out the procedures on the animal associated with the services.
Art. 4a — Inserted by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22).
Art. 5 Traineeship
1 In the case of training in accordance with Article 31 paragraph 5 AniWO and training in accordance with Article 85 paragraph 2 AniWO for the commercial keeping of quails of the species Coturnix japonica, a maximum of 240 hours may be counted towards the traineeship provided: a. the keeper provides evidence that he or she has kept animals of the relevant species for at least three years; and b. the competent cantonal enforcement agency has not detected any serious deficiencies during inspections. 2 In the case of training in accordance with Article 102 paragraph 2 AniWO, a minimum of 240 hours of the traineeship must be completed in an animal shelter with a licence in accordance with Article 101 letter a AniWO. A maximum of 80 hours may be completed in a small animal practice. 3 In the case of training in accordance with Article 102 paragraph 4 AniWO, a maximum of 240 hours may be counted towards the traineeship if: a. the keeper provides evidence that he or she has been a member of a
Art. 5 — Amended by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22).
Section 1a Retail Specialists in the Pet Shop Busi
Inserted by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627).
Art. 5a Learning objectives
The objective of training in accordance with Article 103 letter b AniWO must be to ensure that retail specialists house the animals according to their needs and keep them healthy, pass on their knowledge to customers in a suitable form and know what is important for breeding and keeping healthy animals responsibly.
Art. 5b Form and scope
1 Training consists of a theoretical part and a traineeship with one or more facilities as described in Article 198c AniWO. The traineeship relates to specific animal groups, involving at least four of the animal groups listed in Article 5d paragraph 1. 2 The theoretical part comprises at least 90 hours, the traineeship at least 40 working days, of which at least ten working days must be devoted to each of four different animal groups listed in Article 5d.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22).
Art. 5c Content of the theoretical part
1 The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects: a. animal welfare legislation and other legislation relevant to the specific area; b. handling of animals with due care; c. hygiene in enclosures and of material and persons, and prevention of infectious diseases; d. anatomy and physiology of the animal; and e. normal behaviour and needs of the animals as well as signs of anxiety, stress and suffering. 2 It provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects of commonly traded animals: a. animal care and the care of sick and injured animals; b. feeding, in particular the composition of feed, physiological feed requirements, occupation in the context of feeding; c. housing requirements and design of a housing environment to enable species-specific behaviour; d. raising animals; and e. correct euthanasia of animals being cared for.
Art. 5d Content of the traineeship
1 The traineeship covers the following animal groups: a. dogs, cats and ferrets; b. small mammals, particularly rodents, rabbits and tenrecs; c. birds, particularly canaries, estrildid finches and parrot-like birds; d. freshwater and saltwater fish; e. pond fish; f. reptiles, particularly lizards, snakes and tortoises, and amphibians, particularly frogs and salamanders. 2 It must contain practical exercises in the handling of animals, care, observation of behaviour, setting up enclosures, hygiene and transport of animals.
Section 2 Animal Transport Personnel
Art. 6 Learning objectives
The objective of training in accordance with Article 150 AniWO must be to ensure that animal transport personnel handle animals with due care and provide the correct care.
Art. 7 Form and scope
1 The theoretical part comprises at least 12 hours. 2 The practical part is provided for specific groups of animals and is learned by accompanying an experienced animal transport operator, comprising: a. for poultry transport personnel: at least two working days spent on poultry; abis. for equid transport personnel: at least two working days spent on equids; b. for animal transport personnel who transport pets, laboratory animals or wild animals: at least two working days spent on regularly transported animal species in these animal groups; c. in all other cases at least five working days, of which at least one day must be spent on each of the animal groups listed in Article 9 paragraph 1 letters a–d.
Para. 2 let. abis — Inserted by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22). Para. 2 let. c — Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3781).
Art. 8 Content of the theoretical part
1 The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects: a. legislation concerning animal welfare, epizootic diseases and road traffic; b. normal behaviour and needs of the animals; and c. structure and functioning of the animal. 2 It provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects: a. handling animals in situations such as loading and unloading, herding, stress-reducing housing during transport with special reference to climatic conditions during transport and group composition; b. care of sick and injured animals; c. driving style; d. requirements on technical equipment such as ramps, vehicles and trailers; e. responsibilities, obligations and competencies of members of the management, dispatchers, drivers and animal carers; and f. cleaning and disinfection.
Art. 9 Content of the practical part
1 The practical part is taught with reference to the following specific animal groups: a. young bovine animals or bulls; b. cows; c. pigs; d. small ruminants; e. poultry; f. pets, particularly dogs and cats; g. laboratory animals; h. wild animals; and i. equids. 2 It must contain practical exercises in the handling of animals in situations such as loading and unloading, herding, driving and care of the animals.
Para. 1 let. f — Inserted by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3781). Para. 1 let. g — Inserted by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3781). Para. 1 let. h — Inserted by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3781). Para. 1 let. i — Inserted by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22).
Section 3 Personnel in Slaughterhouse Facilities
Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627).
Art. 10 Learning objectives
The objective of training in accordance with Article 177 paragraph 2 AniWO must be to ensure that personnel in slaughterhouse facilities handle animals with due care and stun and bleed them correctly.
Art. 10 — Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627).
Art. 11 Form and scope
1 Training comprises a theoretical part and a practical part. The practical part is taught under instruction while working at one or more slaughterhouse facilities. It relates to specific tasks, involving at least one of the animal groups listed in Article 9 paragraph 1. Persons who perform activities with more than one animal group must receive practical training with at least two of the animal groups listed in Article 9 paragraph 1. 2 Persons with a managerial function and animal welfare officers in accordance with Article 177a paragraph 3 AniWO must be trained in both areas of activity in accordance with Article 177 paragraph 2 letters a and b AniWO. 3 The theoretical part comprises at least six hours. 4 The practical part comprises at least two days for each animal group and at least 12 hours in total.
Art. 11 — Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 23 Oct. 2013, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3781). Para. 1 — Term in accordance with No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627). This modification has been made throughout the text.
Art. 12 Content of the theoretical part
1 The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects: a. legislation governing animal welfare, epizootic diseases and food hygiene; b. normal behaviour and needs of the animals; and c. anatomy and physiology of the animal. 2 The theoretical part of training in accordance with Article 177 paragraph 2 letter a AniWO provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects: a. handling animals in situations such as unloading, herding, housing and care; and b. responsibilities, obligations and competencies of persons assigned to unload and herd the animals, house them in compliance with animal welfare requirements and care for them in slaughterhouse facilities. 3 The theoretical part of training in accordance with Article 177 paragraph 2 letter b AniWO provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects: a. use of stunning methods and checking their efficacy; b. bleeding; c. correct use, cleaning and storage of stunning equipment and cartridges, and checking they operate c
Art. 13 Content of the practical part
The practical part comprises: a. for training in accordance with Article 177 paragraph 2 letter a AniWO: practical exercises in handling animals in situations such as unloading, herding, housing and care; b. for training in accordance with Article 177 paragraph 2 letter b AniWO: practical exercises in the use of stunning methods and cleaning and checking stunning equipment.
Section 4 Trainers of Animal Keepers
Art. 14 Learning objectives
1 The objective of training in accordance with Article 203a AniWO must be to give trainers of animal keepers in-depth knowledge of the species-specific needs of animals and their appropriate housing. 2 ... 3 After completing their training, trainers must be able to pass on their knowledge clearly and comprehensibly.
Para. 1 — Amended by No I of the FDHA O of 20 Dec. 2024, in force since 1 Feb. 2025 (AS 2025 22). Para. 2 — Repealed by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 23 Nov. 2016, with effect from 1 Jan. 2017 (AS 2016 4873).
Art. 15 Scope
Training comprises at least 140 hours in total, of which the theoretical part accounts for at least 50 and no more than 70 hours.
Art. 16 Content of the theoretical part
1 The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following: a. structure of lessons and timetables; b. applied learning psychology; c. position of animal welfare legislation in the Swiss legal system, tasks of animal welfare authorities and obligations of animal keepers; and d. administration of course organisation. 2 It provides in-depth knowledge of the aspects covered in the respective training in accordance with Articles 197 and 198 AniWO.
Art. 17 Content of the practical part
The practical part provides practical skills in the areas covered by Article 16.
Section 5 Heads of Laboratory Animal Facilities
Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627).
Art. 18 Learning objectives
The objective of training in accordance with Article 115 AniWO must be to ensure that the head of a laboratory animal facility ensures that the laboratory animals are housed and cared for correctly, that they are handled with due care and that laboratory animals are bred or produced responsibly.
Art. 19 Scope
Training comprises at least 40 hours in total, of which the theoretical part accounts for at least 30 hours.
Art. 20 Content of the theoretical part
1 The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the content described in Article 24 paragraph 1 letters b–d. 2 It provides in-depth knowledge of the content described in Article 24 paragraphs 1 letters e–j and 2 letters a–f and i, and in Article 28 letters a, f and g.
Art. 21 Content of the practical part
The practical part teaches the content described in Article 25 letters a–f and the practical implementation of the requirements applicable to an existing laboratory animal facility.
Section 6 Persons who Conduct Experiments
Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627).
Art. 22 Learning objectives
1 The objective of training in accordance with Article 134 AniWO must be to ensure that persons who conduct experiments handle laboratory animals responsibly and with due care. 2 Training must teach the 3R principle (replace-reduce-refine), according to which: a. animal experiments must be replaced wherever possible by methods that do not involve laboratory animals (replace); b. the number of animal experiments must be restricted to the minimum (reduce); c. the constraints on the laboratory animals must be kept as small as possible (refine).
Art. 23 Scope
The theoretical and practical parts each comprise at least 20 hours.
Art. 24 Content of the theoretical part
1 The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects of commonly used laboratory animal species: a. principles of the animal welfare legislation and regulations specific to animal experiments; b. ethical principles relating to the use of animals for scientific purposes, their dignity and their value; c. anatomy and physiology of the animal; d. normal behaviour and needs of the animals and signs of anxiety, stress and suffering; e. breeding methods, the major strains of laboratory animal and genetic standardisation; f. methods of producing genetically modified animals and characterising them; g. rearing; h. health monitoring and the major diseases in laboratory animals, hygiene in enclosures and premises and of material and persons, and prevention of infectious diseases; i. housing animals in barrier systems, here specific pathogen-free and gnotobiotic animals; and j. responsibilities, obligations and competencies of the persons caring for the animals; 2 It provides
Art. 25 Content of the practical part
The practical part must contain practical exercises covering: a. handling of laboratory animals with due care; b. observation of behaviour; c. determination of weight and sex; d. marking laboratory animals; e. drawing blood, administration of substances, collection of samples of urine and faeces; f. working hygienically; g. recognition of the different stages of general anaesthesia and monitoring them, and administration of analgesics and checking analgesia.
Section 7 Animal Welfare Officers and Study Direct
Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627).
Art. 26 Learning objectives
The objective of training in accordance with Article 129b paragraph 1 or 132 paragraph 1 AniWO must be to ensure that animal welfare officers and study directors plan and direct animal experiments correctly and apply the 3R principle.
Art. 26 — Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627).
Art. 27 Form and scope
Training consists of a theoretical part and an experimental objective-focused part, each lasting at least 20 hours.
Art. 27 — Amended by No I of the FDHA Ordinance of 10 Jan. 2018, in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 627).
Art. 28 Content of the theoretical part
The theoretical part expands the teaching content described in Article 24 and provides knowledge of the following aspects: a. animal welfare regulations applicable to animal experiments and laboratory animals; b. national regulations concerning the registration of medicinal products, biological agents and chemicals, and the principles of corresponding international agreements; c. research in and analysis of scientific publications with respect to planning experiments and reviewing possible alternative methods, knowledge of the major sources regarding alternative methods; d. biometrics and use of statistical methods to plan experiments and analyse and interpret results; e. selection of suitable animal species, strains and lines depending on the experimental design; f. pain assessment and recording of constraints; g. ways of reducing the constraints on laboratory animals, particularly ways of administering analgesics and applying withdrawal criteria; h. principles of good laboratory prac
Art. 29 Content of the experimental objective-focused part
The experimental objective-focused part provides in a suitable form the method- and species-specific knowledge required to ensure that the intended animal experiments are conducted correctly.