Animal relocation in Switzerland

Move with your four-legged friends with complete peace of mind. We manage veterinary and customs formalities.

The importation of pets into Switzerland is subject to strict regulations, particularly regarding vaccinations, identification and documentation. Requirements vary depending on the species, country of origin and type of transport. Certain breeds of dogs are also prohibited or subject to authorization in certain cantons.

Our service covers all procedures: vaccination verification, European passport preparation, transport coordination and customs formalities.

Swiss regulations for the importation of pets

The importation of pets into Switzerland is governed by the Federal Office for Food Safety and Veterinary Affairs (FSVO) and the Epizootics Ordinance (OFE). Requirements vary depending on the animal species, country of origin and the health status of the country of origin.

Dogs, cats and ferrets are the most commonly imported animals. For animals coming from the EU, formalities are simplified thanks to the European pet passport. For third countries, additional requirements apply, including a rabies antibody titer test.

Requirement	From the EU	From a third country (category 1)	From a third country (category 2)
Electronic chip	Mandatory (ISO 11784)	Mandatory	Mandatory
Rabies vaccination	Yes, up to date	Yes, up to date	Yes, up to date
Anti-rabies antibody titration	Not required	Not required	Mandatory (≥ 0.5 IU/ml)
European passport / health certificate	EU passport	Veterinary certificate	Veterinary certificate
Waiting time after vaccination	21 days minimum	21 days minimum	3 months after titration
Customs declaration	No (5 animals max.)	Oui	Oui

Preparation steps before departure

Preparing for your pet's relocation must begin at least 4 months before departure, especially if you come from a third country requiring antibody titration. Here is the recommended schedule for a hassle-free transfer.

• 4 months before: microchip verification and anti-rabies vaccination (if not up to date)
• 3 months before: antibody titer test (category 2 country) in an EU approved laboratory
• 1 month before: veterinary visit for the international health certificate (USDA if USA)
• 10 days before: obtaining the official health certificate (valid for 10 days)
• Day of departure: transport in an IATA compliant crate, original documents in hand luggage
• On arrival: customs declaration (form 18.44), registration with the AMICUS database (dogs)

Air transport: regulations and costs

Pet transportation by air is regulated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Animals weighing less than 8 kg (including crate) can generally travel in the cabin, while larger animals travel in a pressurized and air-conditioned hold.

Costs vary greatly depending on the airline, the size of the animal and the distance. Some companies limit brachycephalic (flat-nosed) breeds due to increased respiratory risks.

Item	Estimated cost	Note
Cabin transportation	CHF 100 – 300	Small animal < 8 kg (crate included)
Transport in the hold	CHF 200 – 800	Depending on size and destination
IATA transport crate	CHF 80 – 350	Mandatory, depending on the size of the animal
Veterinary certificate	CHF 50 – 150	Official veterinarian of the country of origin
Antibody titration test	CHF 100 – 200	Approved laboratory
Animal support service	CHF 500 – 2,000	Animal transport professional

Specific regulations for dogs in Switzerland

Switzerland has strict legislation regarding dogs. Each dog must be registered in the national AMICUS database within 10 days of importation or acquisition. Registration is carried out by a Swiss veterinarian and costs around CHF 75.

Some cantons impose additional obligations for new dog owners, such as a compulsory dog skills course. Furthermore, the importation of certain breeds is prohibited in certain cantons (Pitbull, Staffordshire Terrier in particular in Geneva and in the canton of Vaud).

• AMICUS registration required within 10 days (approximately CHF 75)
• Annual dog tax: CHF 50 – 250 depending on the municipality
• Personal liability insurance mandatory in most cantons
• Leash required in urban areas and on public transport
• Breeds prohibited or subject to authorization depending on the cantons (check local legislation)

Our animal relocation service

We take care of the entire process of rehoming your pets, from document verification to registration in Switzerland. Our expertise allows us to effectively navigate complex regulations and avoid delays or refusals at the border.

We work with certified animal transporters and licensed veterinarians to ensure your pet's well-being throughout the journey. Each relocation is subject to a personalized plan taking into account the species, breed, state of health and country of origin.

What's Included

Checking vaccination status (rabies, boosters) and updating if necessary
Preparation or verification of the European animal passport
Coordination of transport (cabin, hold, specialized carrier)
Customs import formalities
Verification of cantonal breed regulations
Finding a veterinarian in your new city

Steps and Timeline

Veterinary check-up

We check that your animals are up to date with their vaccinations, identified by microchip and have the required documents.

Travel documents

We prepare or verify the European passport and health certificates required by Switzerland.

Transportation

We organize transport: in the cabin for small animals, in a ventilated hold or by specialized carrier for larger animals.

Arrival and formalities

Upon arrival, we handle customs formalities and help you find a veterinarian and register your pet if necessary.

Common Mistakes

Do not check the cantonal regulations on dog breeds (some are prohibited)
Forgetting the rabies vaccination booster within the required time frame
Not having a valid health certificate (less than 10 days before travel)
Underestimating the stress of travel for the animal and not allowing an adaptation period
Ignore the customs clearance tax for animals imported from outside the EU

Useful Guides

Guide Moving with Your Pet to Switzerland Guide Daily Life in Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccinations are required to import a dog or cat into Switzerland?

Anti-rabies vaccination is obligatory. The animal must have been vaccinated for at least 21 days and the vaccination must be valid. For animals coming from countries with a high rabies risk, serological titration may be required. The animal must also be identified by microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard).

Are certain dog breeds prohibited in Switzerland?

Regulations vary by canton. Geneva bans 12 breeds considered dangerous (Pitbull, Rottweiler, etc.). Zurich requires a keeping permit for certain breeds. Other cantons do not have specific restrictions. We check the regulations of your destination canton.

How much does it cost to re-rent an animal?

Costs depend on the size of the animal, country of origin and mode of transport. Count CHF 500 to 1,500 for a cat or small dog from Europe, and CHF 2,000 to 5,000 from Asia or America (specialized transport with IATA cage). Veterinary and customs fees are added.

Does my pet need to be quarantined upon arrival?

No, there is no quarantine for dogs and cats coming from EU countries, provided the documents are in order. For animals coming from countries at risk of rabies, quarantine may be imposed in the absence of valid serological titration. NACs (ferrets, rodents, reptiles) have specific regulations.

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