Lexipedia

455.109.1 — AWTO

FDHA Ordinance on Training in Animal Husbandry and Handling of Animals (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.

of 5 September 2008 (Status as of 1 February 2025)

The Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) 1 ,

based on Articles 76 paragraph 3, 190 paragraph 3, 197 paragraph 3, 198 paragraph 3, 198 c paragraph 2 and 202 paragraph 2 of the Animal Welfare Ordinance of 23 April 2008 2 (AniWO), 3

decrees:

Chapter 1 Purpose and Scope

Art. 14

This Ordinance contains the criteria for the recognition of specialist training independent of vocational training for:

  1. persons who keep equids commercially;
  2. persons who are responsible for the care of wild animals or who care for animals commercially;
  3. persons who commercially breed or keep fish intended for consumption or stocking purposes or decapods;
  4. persons who supply more than the number of animals stipulated in Article 101 letter c AniWO;
  5. persons who perform hoof care for cattle or equids;
  6. retail specialists in the pet shop trade who are responsible for the care of the animals;
  7. persons who care for decapods or for fish intended for consumption or stocking purposes or as bait in commercial establishments;
  8. specialised staff involved in animal experiments;
  9. animal transport personnel;
  10. personnel in animal slaughterhouse facilities who handle animals or stun and bleed them; and
  11. trainers of animal keepers.

It contains the criteria for recognition of training with a certificate of competence for:

  1. keeping and caring for pets and wild animals;
  2. handling fish and decapods;
  3. caring for animals at fixed-term events and in advertising; and
  4. dehorning and castrating lambs, goat kids, calves and piglets.

It regulates the form of continuing education and the procedure for carrying out continuing education and training.

It determines the content and form of training to acquire a cantonal licence to use equipment for therapeutic purposes when handling dogs in accordance with Article 76 paragraph 3 AniWO.

It contains the examination requirements for the training of:

  1. persons stipulated in paragraph 1;
  2. persons wishing to acquire a cantonal licence to use equipment for therapeutic purposes when handling dogs in accordance with Article 76 paragraph 3 AniWO.

It does not apply to training with a certificate of competence in handling fish and decapods in accordance with Article 5 a of the Ordinance of 24 November 1993 5 to the Federal Act on Fish.

Chapter 2 Special Training not leading to a Vocational Qualification

Section 1 Care, Breeding and Keeping of Animals6

Art. 27 Learning objectives

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. 8

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. 39 Form and scope

Training comprises a theoretical part, a practical part and a traineeship with one or more organisations in accordance with Article 198 c AniWO.

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.

The traineeship lasts for at least 360 hours. A maximum of 80 hours may be completed in small groups.

Art. 4 Content of the theoretical part

The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects relating to the animals being cared for:

  1. animal welfare legislation and other legislation relevant to the specific area;
  2. handling of animals with due care;
  3. hygiene in enclosures and premises, hygiene of material and persons, and prevention of infectious diseases;
  4. responsibilities, obligations and competencies of the persons caring for the animals;
  5. anatomy and physiology of the animal; and
  6. normal behaviour and needs of the animals as well as signs of anxiety, stress and suffering.

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:10

  1. animal care and the care of sick and injured animals;
  2. feeding, in particular the composition of feed, physiological feed requirements and occupation in the context of feeding;
  3. housing requirements and design of the housing environment to enable species-specific behaviour;
  4. rearing animals and normal development of young animals;
  5. course of a normal birth or egg laying and the most common signs of birthing problems or egg binding;
  6. genetic theory, breeding methods and parentage tests; and
  7. breeding objectives and genetic defects.

The theoretical part of training in accordance with Article 102 paragraph 5 AniWO provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects:

  1. animal care and the care of sick and injured animals;
  2. correct handling of animals;
  3. housing conditions that enable species-specific behaviour;
  4. providing the services with due care;
  5. cleaning and disinfection of rooms, enclosures and equipment.11

At least 10 hours of the theoretical part of training for persons who breed pets or working dogs commercially must deal with the areas described in paragraph 2letters d–g. 12

Art. 4a13 Content of the practical part

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.

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. 514 Traineeship

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 Coturnixjaponica, a maximum of 240 hours may be counted towards the traineeship provided:

  1. the keeper provides evidence that he or she has kept animals of the relevant species for at least three years; and
  2. the competent cantonal enforcement agency has not detected any serious deficiencies during inspections.

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.

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:

  1. the keeper provides evidence that he or she has been a member of a breeding association for the species concerned and has bred at least five litters during this time; and
  2. the competent cantonal enforcement agency has not detected any serious deficiencies in the course of inspections.

In the case of training in accordance with Article 102 paragraph 5 AniWO, the training organisation may specify a number of animals on which hoof care must be carried out during the traineeship. The treatment of these animals, together with its documentation, must account for a minimum of 360 hours. 120 hours of practical work may be carried out independently. All treatments must be documented.

Section 1a Retail Specialists in the Pet Shop Business

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

Training consists of a theoretical part and a traineeship with one or more facilities as described in Article 198 c AniWO. The traineeship relates to specific animal groups, involving at least four of the animal groups listed in Article 5 d paragraph 1. 15

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 5 d .

Art. 5c Content of the theoretical part

The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects:

  1. animal welfare legislation and other legislation relevant to the specific area;
  2. handling of animals with due care;
  3. hygiene in enclosures and of material and persons, and prevention of infectious diseases;
  4. anatomy and physiology of the animal; and
  5. normal behaviour and needs of the animals as well as signs of anxiety, stress and suffering.

It provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects of commonly traded animals:

  1. animal care and the care of sick and injured animals;
  2. feeding, in particular the composition of feed, physiological feed requirements, occupation in the context of feeding;
  3. housing requirements and design of a housing environment to enable species-specific behaviour;
  4. raising animals; and
  5. correct euthanasia of animals being cared for.

Art. 5d Content of the traineeship

The traineeship covers the following animal groups:

  1. dogs, cats and ferrets;
  2. small mammals, particularly rodents, rabbits and tenrecs;
  3. birds, particularly canaries, estrildid finches and parrot-like birds;
  4. freshwater and saltwater fish;
  5. pond fish;
  6. reptiles, particularly lizards, snakes and tortoises, and amphibians, particularly frogs and salamanders.

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

The theoretical part comprises at least 12 hours.

The practical part is provided for specific groups of animals and is learned by accompanying an experienced animal transport operator, comprising:

  1. for poultry transport personnel: at least two working days spent on poultry;
  2. 16 for equid transport personnel: at least two working days spent on equids;
  3. 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;
  4. 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.17

Art. 8 Content of the theoretical part

The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects:

  1. legislation concerning animal welfare, epizootic diseases and road traffic;
  2. normal behaviour and needs of the animals; and
  3. structure and functioning of the animal.

It provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects:

  1. 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;
  2. care of sick and injured animals;
  3. driving style;
  4. requirements on technical equipment such as ramps, vehicles and trailers;
  5. responsibilities, obligations and competencies of members of the management, dispatchers, drivers and animal carers; and
  6. cleaning and disinfection.

Art. 9 Content of the practical part

The practical part is taught with reference to the following specific animal groups:

  1. young bovine animals or bulls;
  2. cows;
  3. pigs;
  4. small ruminants;
  5. poultry;
  6. 18 pets, particularly dogs and cats;
  7. 19 laboratory animals;
  8. 20 wild animals; and
  9. 21 equids.

It must contain practical exercises in the handling of animals in situations such as loading and unloading, herding, driving and care of the animals.

Section 3 Personnel in Slaughterhouse Facilities22

Art. 1023 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. 1124 Form and scope

Training comprises a theoretical part and a practical part. The practical part is taught under instruction while working at one or more slaughterhouse facilities 25 . 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.

Persons with a managerial function and animal welfare officers in accordance with Article 177 a paragraph 3 AniWO must be trained in both areas of activity in accordance with Article 177 paragraph 2 letters a and b AniWO.

The theoretical part comprises at least six hours.

The practical part comprises at least two days for each animal group and at least 12 hours in total.

Art. 12 Content of the theoretical part

The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects:

  1. legislation governing animal welfare, epizootic diseases and food hygiene;
  2. normal behaviour and needs of the animals; and
  3. anatomy and physiology of the animal.

The theoretical part of training in accordance with Article 177 paragraph 2 letter a AniWO provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects:

  1. handling animals in situations such as unloading, herding, housing and care; and
  2. 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.

The theoretical part of training in accordance with Article 177 paragraph 2 letter b AniWO provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects:

  1. use of stunning methods and checking their efficacy;
  2. bleeding;
  3. correct use, cleaning and storage of stunning equipment and cartridges, and checking they operate correctly; and
  4. responsibilities, obligations and competencies of persons assigned to stun and bleed animals in slaughterhouse facilities.

Art. 13 Content of the practical part

The practical part comprises:

  1. 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;
  2. 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

The objective of training in accordance with Article 203 a AniWO must be to give trainers of animal keepers in-depth knowledge of the species-specific needs of animals and their appropriate housing. 26

... 27

After completing their training, trainers must be able to pass on their knowledge clearly and comprehensibly.

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

The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following:

  1. structure of lessons and timetables;
  2. applied learning psychology;
  3. position of animal welfare legislation in the Swiss legal system, tasks of animal welfare authorities and obligations of animal keepers; and
  4. administration of course organisation.

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 Facilities28

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

The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the content described in Article 24 paragraph 1 letters b–d.

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 Experiments29

Art. 22 Learning objectives

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.

Training must teach the 3R principle (replace-reduce-refine), according to which:

  1. animal experiments must be replaced wherever possible by methods that do not involve laboratory animals (replace);
  2. the number of animal experiments must be restricted to the minimum (reduce);
  3. 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

The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects of commonly used laboratory animal species:

  1. principles of the animal welfare legislation and regulations specific to animal experiments;
  2. ethical principles relating to the use of animals for scientific purposes, their dignity and their value;
  3. anatomy and physiology of the animal;
  4. normal behaviour and needs of the animals and signs of anxiety, stress and suffering;
  5. breeding methods, the major strains of laboratory animal and genetic standardisation;
  6. methods of producing genetically modified animals and characterising them;
  7. rearing;
  8. health monitoring and the major diseases in laboratory animals, hygiene in enclosures and premises and of material and persons, and prevention of infectious diseases;
  9. housing animals in barrier systems, here specific pathogen-free and gnotobiotic animals; and
  10. responsibilities, obligations and competencies of the persons caring for the animals;

It provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects of the laboratory animals used:

  1. handling laboratory animals with due care;
  2. care, particularly of sick or operated laboratory animals;
  3. feeding, particularly of sick or operated laboratory animals;
  4. housing requirements and design of a housing environment that enables species-specific behaviour;
  5. abnormal behaviour with respect to signs of sickness, pain, agitation and anxiety;
  6. transport of laboratory animals with due care;
  7. suitable methods of anaesthesia that do not cause any avoidable suffering and checking their efficacy;
  8. correct analgesia;
  9. correct euthanasia; and
  10. the 3R principle and its practical implementation using established examples.

Art. 25 Content of the practical part

The practical part must contain practical exercises covering:

  1. handling of laboratory animals with due care;
  2. observation of behaviour;
  3. determination of weight and sex;
  4. marking laboratory animals;
  5. drawing blood, administration of substances, collection of samples of urine and faeces;
  6. working hygienically;
  7. 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 Directors30

Art. 2631 Learning objectives

The objective of training in accordance with Article 129 b 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. 2732 Form and scope

Training consists of a theoretical part and an experimental objective-focused part, each lasting at least 20 hours.

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:

  1. animal welfare regulations applicable to animal experiments and laboratory animals;
  2. national regulations concerning the registration of medicinal products, biological agents and chemicals, and the principles of corresponding international agreements;
  3. 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;
  4. biometrics and use of statistical methods to plan experiments and analyse and interpret results;
  5. selection of suitable animal species, strains and lines depending on the experimental design;
  6. pain assessment and recording of constraints;
  7. ways of reducing the constraints on laboratory animals, particularly ways of administering analgesics and applying withdrawal criteria;
  8. principles of good laboratory practice;
  9. prevention and recognition of diseases, influence of infectious diseases or drug administration on the experimental results;
  10. gnotobiology;
  11. procedure, stages and possible complications during and after anaesthesia, including the measures necessary to rectify them; and
  12. pharmacological properties of the most common anaesthetic and analgesic agents, their selection in view of the animal species, nature of the intervention and experimental design and species-specific reactions to anaesthetics.

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.

Chapter 3 Training with a Certificate of Competence33

Section 1 Keeping and Caring for Pets and Keeping and Caring for Wild Animals on a Private Basis34

Art. 30 Learning objective

The objective of training in accordance with Article 31 paragraph 4 or 85 paragraph 3 AniWO must be to ensure that animal keepers or the persons responsible for caring for animals are familiar with the principles of appropriate animal husbandry.

Art. 31 Form and scope

Training is given in the form of a course or a traineeship. The course comprises at least five hours of theory, the traineeship at least three weeks of helping to care for the animals in an animal housing facility.

Art. 32 Content

Training provides basic knowledge or practical skills in the area of legal foundations, the species-specific needs of the animals, animal care, feeding, equipment of the housing environment and rearing young animals.

Section 2 ...

Art. 33–3535

Section 3 Handling Fish and Decapods

Art. 3636 Learning objectives

The objective of training in accordance with Article 97 paragraph 3 AniWO must be to ensure that the trained persons know how to handle fish and decapods with due care and avoid unnecessary constraints on them.

Art. 37 Form and scope

Training is given in the form of a course with practical exercises and lasts at least five hours.

Art. 38 Content of the training

Training provides:

  1. basic knowledge of the legal foundations, structure and functioning of the body of fishes and decapods, and water quality monitoring;
  2. in-depth knowledge of housing requirements, particularly where stocking density is high, and of constraints imposed by marking methods;
  3. the ability to catch, mark, keep and kill the animals with due care.

Section 4 Caring for Animals at Fixed-term Events and in Advertising37

Art. 3938 Learning objective

The objective of training in accordance with Article 103 letter d AniWO must be to ensure that the persons responsible for caring for animals during fixed-term events or advertising know how to handle them with due care.

Art. 4039 Form and scope

Training is provided in the form of a course lasting at least three hours or a traineeship during at least three events at one or more facilities as described in Article 198 c AniWO under the guidance of a person with a corresponding certificate of competence.

Art. 41 Content of the training

Training provides basic knowledge of the legal foundations and in-depth knowledge of how to catch and restrain animals, how to transport them with due care, species-appropriate care and housing design, and keeping animal inventories.

Section 5 Dehorning and Castrating Lambs, Goat Kids, Calves and Piglets

Art. 42 Learning objective

The objective of training in accordance with Article 32 AniWO must be to ensure that animal keepers castrate or dehorn young animals correctly, with due care.

Art. 43 Form and scope

Training is provided in the form of a theory course lasting at least three hours, followed by practice under the guidance of a veterinarian on the keeper’s own facility.

Art. 44 Content of the training

Training provides basic knowledge of the legal foundations and anatomy and in-depth knowledge of the stress and pain caused, anaesthesia and surgery.

Practice on the keeper’s own facility must contain exercises in the appropriate preparation of the animal for the intervention, correct dosage and administration of veterinary drugs and the correct performance of the procedure and monitoring of the animal.

Chapter 4 Training in the Use of Equipment for Therapeutic Purposes when Handling Dogs

Art. 44a Learning objective

The objective of training40 in accordance with Article 76 paragraph 3 AniWO must be to ensure that persons who use equipment for therapeutic purposes when handling dogs:

  1. know when therapy with such equipment is appropriate; and
  2. can use this equipment correctly, with due care and with the necessary moderation.

Art. 44b Form and scope

Training consists of a theoretical part and a traineeship.

The theoretical part lasts at least 12 hours and the traineeship at least 20 working days, of which at least five working days each must be spent with two different therapists who are experienced in the use of such equipment and have a cantonal licence.

Art. 44c Content of the theoretical part

The theoretical part provides basic knowledge of the following aspects:

  1. learning theory and behavioural science;
  2. application of ethical principles when handling dogs and evaluation of whether therapeutic methods are compliant with animal welfare requirements.

It provides in-depth knowledge of the following aspects:

  1. relevant provisions of animal welfare legislation;
  2. equipment intended for use and its effects – particularly the effects of electrical current and acoustic signals – on the body.

Art. 44d Content of the traineeship

The traineeship must include practical exercises in:

  1. evaluating the character of a dog;
  2. the way therapists handle a dog;
  3. methods for dog therapy;
  4. selection and performance of therapeutic measures likely to produce a successful outcome.

Art. 45–4841

Chapter 5 Continuing Education42

Art. 49 Purpose of continuing education43

The purpose of continuing education is to update specialist knowledge and practical skills in line with the current state of knowledge.

Art. 50 Form

Training may be provided:

  1. in the form of a course;
  2. in the form of a traineeship;
  3. by participating in congresses or workshops.

Chapter 6 Procedure44

Section 1 Principles of Conducting Training Courses45

Art. 5146 Course documentation

Any person who provides training must issue participants with written documents containing the material learned.

Art. 51a47 Online teaching

The theory part of training may be taught in its entirety via an online teaching platform, provided the participants can be clearly identified.

Teaching by other electronic means, in particular by video conference, may account for a maximum of one quarter of the theory part of training.

Art. 52 Training management

The learning outcome is evaluated and documented after the theoretical part has been completed.

Art. 53 Practical exercises during training

Practical exercises during training are performed under supervision by carrying out the day-to-day work in an animal housing facility. No procedures may be carried out on animals purely for training purposes unless that procedure has been approved as an animal experiment in accordance with Article 141 AniWO.

Section 2 Evidence of Training and Continuing Education48

Art. 5449 Evidence of training or of a course

The confirmation that provides evidence of training in accordance with Article 197 AniWO or of a course in accordance with Article 198 paragraph 2 AniWO must contain at least the following information:

  1. the logo or stamp with the name and address of the organiser;
  2. the surname, first name, date of birth, place or country of origin and place of residence of the person who has completed the course;
  3. the place and date of training and title of training;
  4. the place, date, name and signature of the person responsible for the training.

Art. 55 Evidence of a traineeship

The confirmation that provides evidence of a traineeship in accordance with Article 198 paragraph 2 AniWO must contain at least the following information:50

  1. the name, address, training and practical experience of the person responsible for looking after the trainee;
  2. the details of the stock and form of use of the animal housing facility;
  3. the surname, first name, date of birth, place or country of origin and place of residence of the trainee;
  4. the duration, scope and nature of the activities performed by the trainee;
  5. the place, date, name and signature of the facility manager.

Art. 56 Official confirmation of long-standing experience

The authorities shall confirm the long-standing experience in accordance with Article 193 paragraph 3 AniWO of a person in handling a type of animal by providing the following information:

  1. the surname, first name, date of birth, place or country of origin and place of residence of the person;
  2. information about the stock, form of use, length of time for which the animal housing facility has existed and the person responsible for caring for the animals;
  3. the place, date, stamp, name and signature of the person authorised by the competent authority for this purpose.

Art. 57 Confirmation of continuing education

Confirmation of participation in continuing education must contain at least the following information:

  1. the organiser;
  2. the title and duration of the continuing education, with the place in which it was carried out and the date;
  3. the name of the participant.

Chapter 7 Examination Regulations51

Section 1 Organisation of Examinations

Art. 5852 Conduct of the examinations

The training organisations in accordance with Article 198 a AniWO shall conduct the examinations that complete the specialist training independent of vocational training.

The cantons or the organisations that they engage shall conduct the examinations in accordance with Article 76 paragraph 3 AniWO to gain approval to use equipment for therapeutic purposes when handling dogs.

Art. 59 Examination supervisory board

The organisers of training courses designate the examination supervisory board.

The examination supervisory board shall comprise at least three members who fulfil the requirements on examination experts stipulated in Article 60.

The examination supervisory board is responsible for the proper conduct of the examination in accordance with the examination regulations. 53

Art. 60 Examination experts

The organisers nominate examination experts who fulfil at least the requirements stipulated in Article 203 AniWO for the subjects to be examined.

In addition to the examination expert, at least one further independent person must be present when the examination is held. In the case of the oral examination, these persons must meet the requirements of Article 203 AniWO. 54

The results of and particular observations made during the examination, including objections raised by the candidates, shall be recorded in writing and signed by the inspecting person and the advisor.

Art. 61 Examination decision

The examination experts report the outcome of the examination and their assessment of the success of the examination to the examination supervisory board in writing.

The examination supervisory board decides on the basis of the evaluation whether the examination has been passed.

Art. 62 Registration for examination

Candidates register with the organisation conducting the examination, providing evidence that the prescribed training courses have been attended.

The training organisation conducting the examination decides whether candidates are allowed to sit the examination. 55

Art. 63 Evaluation

The evaluation is expressed in whole and half marks. 6 is the highest mark, 1 the lowest. The pass mark is 4.

The examination at the end of specialised training not leading to a vocational qualification has been passed if the average mark is at least 4; no mark for an individual part of the examination may be below 3. 56 3

The examination at the end of the specialised training not leading to a vocational qualification for animal transport personnel and personnel in slaughterhouse facilities has been passed if the candidate has achieved a mark of at least 4. 57

The examination to gain approval to use equipment for therapeutic purposes when handling dogs in accordance with Article 76 paragraph 3 AniWO has been passed if the average mark is at least 4. 58

... 59

Art. 64 Retaking an examination

A failed examination may be retaken a maximum of two times. It may be retaken no earlier than three months after the most recent failed examination.

Trainers of animal keepers do not need to retake parts of the examination in which they achieved a mark of at least 4.

Art. 65 Examination certificate

A person who has passed the examination receives a certificate from the organisation responsible for the examination, showing that the examination has been completed successfully and containing at least the following information:

  1. the logo with the name and address of the organiser responsible for the examination;
  2. the surname, first name, date of birth, place or country of origin and place of residence of the candidate;
  3. the place and date of examination;
  4. details of the training completed by the examination;
  5. the place, date, name and signature of the examination organiser.

Section 2 Form, Content and Duration of Examinations

Art. 66 Form and duration of the examination

The examination to conclude specialised training not leading to a vocational qualification and the examination for persons who use equipment for therapeutic purposes as described in Article 76 paragraph 3 AniWO may be held in writing or orally.

Animal transport personnel and personnel in slaughterhouse facilities undergo a written or oral examination lasting 30 minutes.

Art. 67 Content of the examination

The examination covers all areas of the material taught during training.

The examination for animal transport personnel and personnel in slaughterhouse facilities must cover at least three different areas of the material taught in the training. Emphasis must be placed on examining the practical aspects and the examination questions must refer to specific tasks.

Art. 68 and 69

Repealed

Chapter 8 Final Provisions60

Art. 70 Repeal of existing law

The Ordinance of 22 August 1986 61 on the VET Diploma for Animal Care Workers (ACWO) is repealed.

Art. 71 Transitional provisions

Training to obtain a certificate of competency in accordance with Article 13 ACWO 62 that is started before 1 October 2008 shall be provided in accordance with the previous law.

… 63

Art. 72 Commencement

This Ordinance comes into force on 1 October 2008.