Moving with your dog or cat to Switzerland

Mandatory vaccinations

Anti-rabies vaccination is compulsory for all dogs, cats and ferrets entering Switzerland. The animal must have been vaccinated at least 21 days before travel. The vaccination must be valid and recorded in the European passport (for animals coming from the EU) or an official health certificate (third countries).

For animals coming from countries with a high rabies risk (OSAV list), serological titration of anti-rabies antibodies is mandatory. This test must be carried out in an EU-approved laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel. Plan these deadlines carefully.

Identification and passport

Your animal must be identified by a microchip (transponder) complying with the ISO 11784/11785 standard. The tattoo has no longer been accepted as the only identification since 2011. The microchip must be installed before the rabies vaccination and the number must match the one written in the passport.

For animals coming from the EU, the European pet passport is the reference document. For third countries, an official health certificate issued by the official veterinarian of the country of departure is required, accompanied by a TRACES certificate (EU IT system).

• • ISO 11784/11785 microchip required
• • European passport (animals coming from the EU)
• • Certificat sanitaire officiel (third countries)
• • Up-to-date vaccination record
• • Certificat TRACES pour les pays non-EU
• • All documents must match the microchip number

Transport: plane, car, train

By plane, small animals (up to 8 kg with cage) travel in the cabin in a soft transport bag under the seat. Larger animals travel in a ventilated and pressurized hold in an approved IATA cage. Each airline has its own rules and prices: Swiss allows small animals in the cabin (CHF 80-160 depending on the destination), Lufthansa and Air France as well.

By car, no specific transport formalities, but you must pass through a border post with a customs office for document control. By train, animals are accepted on most international trains with an animal ticket.

Registration in Switzerland

Once in Switzerland, you must register your dog with the AMICUS database (compulsory since 2016) and with your municipality of residence. Registration costs CHF 20 to 50. You will also have to pay the annual cantonal dog tax, which varies from CHF 50 to 200 depending on the canton.

Cats must be registered with ANIS (Animal Identity Service) if they have not already done so. Registration is recommended although it is not obligatory in all cantons.

Cantonal regulations on dogs

Please note: dog regulations vary considerably from one canton to another. Some cantons prohibit or regulate the possession of certain breeds deemed dangerous. Geneva bans 12 breeds (including Pitbull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino). Zurich requires a possession license and a dog training course. Valais and Friborg impose behavioral tests.

Other cantons such as Bern impose a compulsory dog ​​training course for all first-time owners, regardless of breed. It is essential to check the regulations of your destination canton BEFORE moving to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

• • Geneva: 12 banned breeds, muzzle mandatory for certain breeds
• • Zurich: possession permit, compulsory course for first-time owners
• • Vaud: no list of prohibited breeds, recommended course
• • Bern: compulsory course for all first-time owners
• • Valais: behavior test for certain breeds
• • Basel-City: authorization required for molossoid type breeds

Total budget for re-renting an animal

The budget varies considerably depending on the origin of the animal, the mode of transport and the necessary vaccinations. Here is an estimate of common costs to help you plan.