As with any enforced change, we're likely to hear more from veterinary professionals, as well as pet owners, about the pending Swiss pet housing and care regulations. There will no doubt be friends, and opponents, of the plan.

We've all heard that No Man is an Island, and in accordance with the Swiss Federal Council, on September 1, 2008, no guinea pig or budgie should be either.

The new procedures aren't aimed only at owners of cavies and budgies, but include 175 pages of a set of laws that apply to circuses, farms, and zoos, as well as individuals that own other domesticated pets.

Proponents of the new laws, prospected to be enforced in September 2010, include the animals whose care is in question, as well as those concerned about unemployment rates in Switzerland. There will be manpower required to enforce these laws, as well as trainers needed to educate pet owners.

Though established with the welfare of our animal friends in mind, these pending Swiss pet regulations have been met with a certain dose of skepticism.

Opponents question the potential of these 175 pages to bring order. For instance,

How can minimum enclosure sizes for budgies and guinea pigs be uniformly implemented?

How will a literal ban on dog possession for those who haven't completed a dog ownership course be enforced? What will happen to canines whose owners are out of compliance?

How will the people of Geneva, where tight dog ownership policies are already in force, react to an additional 16 hours of required education?

Farther out of the budgie budget are minimum cage size obligations for large animals, such as elephants and rhinoceroses. Sanitation guidelines relate to zoos and circuses, which the Swiss government reserves the right to insist on.

Farmers are likely to zoo out about the pending enforcement. Some policy is established, like the ban of chicken cages since 1981, but others might come as a shock. Uninterrupted tethering of animals is now out of the question, while hogs get the right to have a shower on summer days and spick and span pens all year round. And horses, like guinea pigs and budgies, will no longer be living alone.

Likewise, breeders are going to have to breed a new attitude in regard to care of animals on their properties.

The most recent Swiss animal rights rules will not go into full effect until September of 2010, and until they do, the Swiss administration wants to highlight their wish to encourage learning, rather than to rule with a strong arm. This, on the other hand, does not point toward a lax attitude on their part, when penalties are called for. If an event, such as a dog bite, requires action, action will be taken.

You might own a seemingly invisible pet, like a budgie or guinea pig, or a run an organization that displays the largest land mammal alive. Either way, be prepared for education, restrictions, and tougher requirements

The best plan of action for any animal owner will undoubtedly be to familiarize him or herself with regulations that apply to their specific animal ownership situation.

Whether you're a lifelong Geneva national or a newcomer to Switzerland, pet ownership education is not an option, it's a requirement.