Hi all!
I have been here 4 months and no luck on the job front so...
I am a qualified Vet nurse and am thinking of starting a small dog walking business in my local area. Not anything fancy just going to put up a few leaflets etc advertising. I don't expect to earn lots - half the reason I am doing it is simply to avoid getting cabin fever whilst waiting for my other half to return home from work. Firstly am I allowed to do it? I can work on the permit I have (B) and prob, even if I am lucky, wont be earning much more than 200chf a month but I don't want to break any laws etc and am happy (of course) to pay relevant taxes on my earnings. Any advise or knowledge on this front would be great. I did read the sticky and cant find direct answers to my questions etc so I hope my post doesnt upset the mods .
Thanks,
Dani
Well I wish I could help, on the questions, but I am just after your services Be sure and post something in the pets corner if you decide to do this with your rates and areas you are in Would you also consider pets sitting? Hope it works out for you, and by my opinion it all sounds perfectly fine and legal, although no facts to back up my opinion.
Thanks! I am in Deitingen which is canton Solothurn. Thats half my problem, most of you lovely people are Zurich way and are too far for me. But I will add a post anyway!
You would need to pass your dog permit at least showing you're capable of handling a dog. This law was brought in to stop people who didn't have a clue about dogs owning Rottweillers and the such like. That's the official bit, the unofficial bit is, all the dog kennels and handlers wanted a nice little cartel to screw up poor mortels for more money.
HI Dani,
I just finished reading 23 pages on the form for permits and visa. So this is what I understand,
You can work while if you have a B permit,
You can open your own business but "This is Switzerland" you need permits and forms for that.
I suggest posting your questions on the visa/permit form. They are really good at answering any and all questions.
Good Luck, I know where you are coming from. I am the "trailing spouse" here in Zurich, and I would love to walk dogs. I really miss mine.
Cheers
Lauren
Your B permit allows you to work... but dogwalking is now a regulated activity under the animal welfare law (TSchV.)
To walk dogs as a commercial activity - that means getting paid, no matter how little or how much - one needs to have certain educational qualifications and to be registered with the cantonal Veterinäramt.
The usual qualification necessary is a Tierpfleger diploma if one cares for 19 or more dogs - this is a 3 year course. If one cares for fewer than 19 dogs, a Tierpfleger Light diploma - this is a shorter course, ca 40 hours IIRC plus a Praktikum, or the SKN - depending on your business model - is the usual route.
However, as you are already a vet nurse I would think that your qualifications would more than meet the requirements. You should contact the BVet ( http://www.bvet.admin.ch ) for more information. You could also contact the cantonal veterinary office in Solothurn:
http://www.so.ch/departemente/volksw...aerdienst.html
You will need some kind of liability insurance, as a commercial dog walker the owner's insurance might not cover you or cover damage done by a dog in your care. Your insurer should be able to advise you.
This is a great idea - there is so much demand for dog care services, but few providers have the qualifications now necessary and/or are willing work legally - putting the dog owner at risk. Once you are properly set up, I'm sure you will find you are booked solid very quickly.
(Don't underestimate your earning potential... )
Best of luck with your venture!
Thanks Meloncollie! I will call them asap (they're closed for lunch now). I hope its not too complicated. But for me it would be perfect as I could still do my 2 hours of school every day whilst still earning and getting out of the house. Thanks again, you have been so helpful (if I knew how to 'thank' a post I would!)