Mandatory Certificate of Competence
Regardless of whether your dog comes from an animal rescue organization or from a breeder: Since 1 July 2026, there has been a nationwide mandatory course for first-time dog owners consisting of a 4-hour theory section and a 2-hour practical section. Here you will find all the latest information about it!
With this regulation, the City of Vienna aims to ensure that the decision to get a dog is made consciously and responsibly. The 4-hour Certificate of Competence course provides you with sound basic knowledge for responsible, species-appropriate and happy dog ownership in the long term. You will learn to better understand your dog’s needs and thereby create a solid foundation for a relaxed life together – both at home and in everyday urban life.
Who is required to complete the Certificate of Competence course?
If you live in Austria and are keeping a dog here for the first time, the Certificate of Competence is mandatory. The exception applies to people who have already registered a dog in Austria within the past two years and can provide proof of this. Accepted proof is a confirmation from the relevant Vienna authority (Municipal Department 6 – MA 6) showing that the dog licence fee / dog tax was paid during the relevant period.
Contents of the theoretical Certificate of Competence course
Dogs differ greatly in breed, temperament and personality – and consequently have different needs and requirements. The Certificate of Competence course prepares you comprehensively for this responsibility. You will gain practical knowledge on all important aspects of dog ownership, from basic needs to legal requirements that are often underestimated in everyday life. From an animal welfare perspective, the Certificate of Competence is an important step in preparing future dog owners well for their new responsibility.
In the theoretical course, you will learn about:
an overview of the legal requirements governing dog ownership;
the time commitment, responsibility and consequences of owning a dog, including information to consider before acquiring a dog (such as irresponsible sources of origin, unethical breeding practices and their consequences);
species-appropriate dog ownership, including knowledge of keeping dogs, nutrition, grooming, health, costs, development from puppy to adult dog, and the dog as a social being (interaction with caregivers and other dogs);
potential hazards and how to prevent them when interacting with dogs (recognizing signs of stress, fear and appeasement, body language, common misunderstandings between humans and dogs), as well as dogs’ need for rest and appropriate activities;
animal-welfare-compliant dog training, including learning behaviour, positive reinforcement, training aids and behavioural problems;
rules of conduct in alpine pasture and grazing areas to help prevent conflicts between dogs and grazing livestock, as well as emergency measures.
The Certificate of Competence course is also suitable for you if you already have a dog or are considering adopting one. Even if you are not legally required to complete it, the course provides a valuable foundation for a good start to life together with your dog.
After successfully completing the course, you will receive an official confirmation, which must be uploaded to the Austrian Pet Database.
Wednesday, 07.10.2026 ENGLISH
Tuesday, 10.11.2026 ENGLISH
Time:
16:00-20:00
Place:
Flexraum B
Krakauer Str. 19
1020 Wien
Investment:
60 Euro per person
Children under 16 years join for free
Registration: see form below
Next Dates for the mandatory theoretical certificate of competence (Sachkundenachweis) in English
Please note: The current cancellation policy applies
Agreed dates for the Certificate of Competence course can be cancelled free of charge by email or WhatsApp up to 72 hours before the scheduled appointment.
For cancellations made less than 72 hours before the appointment or in the event of a no-show (including a forgotten appointment), the full course fee will be charged.
I reserve the right to cancel appointments at short notice for important reasons. In such cases, no fee will of course be charged.
Practical Part of the Certificate of Competence
The practical session must be completed within 12 months of taking ownership of the dog. The dog must be at least 6 months old when the practical session is completed.
The practical dog training sessions cover the following topics:
Animal-welfare-compliant training;
Understanding canine body language;
Animal-welfare-compliant handling of the dog and the use of appropriate equipment (such as a collar, harness, leash and muzzle); and
Managing everyday environmental and stressful situations (such as encounters with other dogs, cyclists and children).
I offer the practical sessions as individual one-on-one training, divided into two sessions with a gap of one to two weeks between them. So, we meet twice for one hour each.
Price: 2 × €70 (= €140 total)
Discounted price for participants of my theoretical Certificate of Competence course: €120
Travel fee
10–15 minutes driving time: free of charge
16–30 minutes: €10
31–60 minutes: €15
(The travel time is calculated from the 3rd district of Vienna.)
Appointments are arranged individually.
You will receive your official confirmation of participation after the second session!
The legal basis for the Certificate of Competence requirement, effective since 1 July 2026, is the amendments to the 2nd Animal Husbandry Regulation and the Animal Welfare Special Husbandry Regulation.
Here you can find the full regulations and FAQs.
Click on the photo to get to the official website of the Certificate of Competence!
GOOD TO KNOW:
Complete the theoretical Certificate of Competence course with me and enjoy a special discount on the practical sessions!
Registration Theoretical Part
Registration practical part
Appointments are arranged individually
The theoretical part takes place without dogs!
Please note: The Certificate of Competence course must be completed in the federal state where the dog is registered.
Prodog | Alina Mosonyi, BA
Tierschutzqualifizerte Hundetrainerin
Kontakt
+43 680 3133462
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