Two aspect of this article have been examined;
Rail
National Rail Travel
Regional Rail Travel
Urban Rail Travel
Transnational Rail Travel
Visiting Switzerland
National Rail Travel
With a national card for disabled persons (based on a medical certificate, only for residents): a VI person may take an accompanying person and/or a guide dog on the same railway-ticket.
Regional Rail Travel
With a national card for disabled persons (based on a medical certificate, only for residents): a VI person may take an accompanying person and/or a guide dog on the same railway- or bus-ticket.
Urban Rail Travel
With a national card for disabled persons (based on a medical certificate, only for residents): a VI person may take an accompanying person and/or a guide dog on the same tram- or bus-ticket.
Only for visually impaired persons (based on the same medical certificate, only for residents): A Special card for urban trams and buses with an “annual ticket” (at different annual fares) for these cities (because there only exist ticket machines for buying tickets).
Transnational Rail Travel
Only for visually impaired persons and (since 2003) also for persons in a wheelchair [based on a international agreement on railway scale of charges for 23 European countries, called (in French) “Tarif commun voyageurs TCV”]: Second international railway-ticket (for an accompany person or a guide dog) into and through these countries with a reduction of 100 % (= free of charge) for the same route and the same class as the disabled person.
Visiting Switzerland
In Switzerland (as in all other European countries): No foreign card for disabled persons will be recognised for any benefit for special fares (Exception: see “Transnational Rail Travel”).
Guide Dogs
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How many guide dog users are there in your country? The number of guide dogs varies on a day to day basis as new dogs enter service and others are withdrawn. Please provide an estimate figure.
On 31st Mai 2010, there were approximately 350 owners of guide dogs.
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What regulations, if any, govern guide dogs access to:
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Public buildings (administration, hospitals, schools, etc.)
In Switzerland there is a right of access for guide dogs is to say that regardless of the building or place, guide dogs have access.
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Cultural and sports facilities (cinemas, theatres, museums, libraries, stadiums etc.)
In Switzerland there is a right of access for guide dogs is to say that regardless of the building or place, guide dogs have access.
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Leisure facilities (restaurants, hotels, holiday centres, beaches, etc.)
In Switzerland there is a right of access for guide dogs is to say that regardless of the building or place, guide dogs have access.
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Retail facilities (supermarkets, department stores, shops, etc.)
In Switzerland there is a right of access for guide dogs is to say that regardless of the building or place, guide dogs have access.
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Public transport
In Switzerland there is a right of access for guide dogs is to say that regardless of the building or place, guide dogs have access.
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trains
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underground
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buses
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taxis
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planes
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ships
They have unrestricted access to all above, backed up by law.
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What are the regulations for the import and export of dogs into/from your country, including quarantine and vaccination procedures?
Regulation depends on the age of the dog (if it is vaccinated against rabies or not) and the country from which comes. Only registered importers can import professional animal system ("TRACE"). Imported animals for professional use are examined in the country of origin by an official veterinarian.
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Are exceptions made for guide dogs?
There is no preferential treatment for guide dogs for the purpose of all these approaches to assure health issues in the country (because of rabies, for example) and to control that there is no abuse.
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Are the regulations such as to restrict spontaneous voyages?
No, just that papers (passports for pets) are properly filled out and the vaccines up to date. There are obviously differences between each destination.
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How much time is needed to fulfil the requirements?
It is necessary to pepare at least two months in advance before departure in order for the vaccine against rabies if not already obtained, takes effect. (The approval of the Official Federal Veterinarian is required if the dog goes to a country victim of urban rabies)
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For the first time
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For subsequent visits with the same dog
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Is there a certification process for the training and provision of guide dogs? If yes, please provide basic details, in particular on the difference between mandatory and optional certifications.
Schools are under contract with the Federal Social Insurance Office which regulates the requirements in relation to the training of guide dogs. Each guide dog is subject to review at the end of training before being delivered to a customer and every couple undergoes training in the presence of an expert in AI after the introductory period. Internal reviews are regulated by the schools.
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Is there an allowance or other financial aid to help guide dog users with the upkeep of their animals (food, veterinary, etc.)?
Disability insurance contributes to the cost of food and veterinary care. This corresponds to CHF 80. - Per month for food, CHF 30. - Per month is paid on a fee (even when a consultation is not necessary) for veterinary care. If this cares annually exceeds 360 CHF- (or 12x30.-), the insured can recover what they had to pay upon presentation of vouchers. In addition, the AI offers a 10 000 CHF initial package for when the school introduces a trained dog to a person with visual disabilities for the first time. This includes breeding and training dogs, the course to teach the person to work with his dog but also periodic inspections during the early stages. When the dog is training, the AI pays 350. CHF- Per month as rental to school trainer. The average duration of use of a dog is 8 years. This is a federal benefit available all over Switzerland.