Sachkundenachweis English October 05 2026

All the information about the theory and practical Sachkundenachweis in Vienna
When: 05.10.2026
from 4pm to 8pm
Where: Sportcenter Donaucity
Arbeiterstrandbadstraße 128, 1220 Wien
Costs: 60€

Register now

I’m Ines, psychologist and your lecturer for the Vienna Sachkundenachweis. I’ve been working as a positive, animal-welfare-qualified dog trainer in Vienna for several years. I’ll support you and your dog in achieving a harmonious everyday life using modern, scientifically-based methods.

I’m Ines, psychologist and your lecturer for the Vienna Sachkundenachweis. I’ve been working as a positive, animal-welfare-qualified dog trainer in Vienna for several years. I’ll support you and your dog in achieving a harmonious everyday life using modern, scientifically-based methods.

Frequently asked questions about the Viennese Sachkundenachweis

Anyone wishing to keep a dog for the first time must complete the Sachkundenachweis.

The Sachkundenachweis is not required only if…

  • you already own a dog and this can be proven by registration in a database in accordance with §24a TSchG.
  • you have owned a dog for at least two years within the last two years and this can be proven by registration in a database in accordance with §24a TSchG.
  • you have kept a dog for at least two years within the last seven years, and this can be verified by a registration in a database in accordance with §24a TSchG, AND you can provide evidence that you have successfully completed a training course covering specific knowledge of keeping and handling dogs.

BUT further training never does any harm, does it?
Anyone who is not required to obtain the new Sachkundenachweis is also welcome to take part at any time, simply out of interest.

Anyone registered as an owner in the pet database is required to complete the dog ownership certificate. However, it is recommended that people living in the same household who look after the dog also complete the certificate in order to acquire important skills in handling the dog.

The theory part of the certificate of competence lasts 4 hours.
The practical part lasts 2 hours.

No, you cannot bring your dog with you to the theory part of the course.
It is also generally expected that you complete the theory part before the dog moves in.

No, it is not permitted to complete the certificate of competence online.
Sessions are held regularly in Vienna.

Yes, certified dog trainer Ines from inesdogx also runs regular training courses (theory and practical) in English in Vienna.
You can register for the English course here.

The theoretical part of the certificate of competence must be completed BEFORE the dog is brought home.

The practical sessions may only be undertaken once the dog is over 6 months old and must be completed within 12 months of the dog moving in.

You can find a list of all approved providers of the certificate of competence in Vienna here.
You can also look out for the ‘animal welfare-qualified dog trainer’ logo.
You can find the latest dates for inesdogx at the bottom of this page.
Further general information about the certificate of competence is also available at www.tierwissen.at.

Practical sessions can be undertaken either as one-to-one sessions or as group sessions.
One-to-one sessions can be arranged at any time to suit your needs and are flexible in terms of location and time.
Dates for group sessions are announced regularly.

The theory part costs €60.
The price of the practical part varies depending on whether you undertake individual or group training sessions.

No, the certificate of competence is valid throughout Austria and remains valid even after you move to another federal state.

Yes, in that case, you have to complete the certificate of competence. Certificates from abroad are not recognised.

Yes, if you have two dogs, you must complete the training sessions with each dog.

The practical sessions must be completed by the owner registered in the pet database, together with the dog. However, it is recommended that other family members take part as well.

Do you have any questions?