Pet Import Regulations in Switzerland

Foreign assignees can bring their pets to Switzerland as long as they will be able to meet several conditions as well as provide relevant documents. Regulations depend on every country of origin so it’s best to check with the Swiss embassy for their current pet import rules.

All animals coming into Switzerland need to be identified by a microchip (ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785), no other method of identification will be recognised. In the absence of the specifically required chip, the pet has to come with its scanner. All animals should have complete vaccinations.

For dogs, required are shots for distemper, hepatitis, parvo, leptospirosis, DHLPP and rabies to be obtained from 4-12 weeks before arrival in Switzerland.

For cats, required vaccines are Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and Rabies to be also taken within 4-12 weeks before arrival.

Regulations for relocating pets to Switzerland also include completion of an EU Vet Health Certificate which is the standard form to be filled out by a local government-accredited veterinarian no earlier than four months prior to arrival in Switzerland. A letter from the Veterinarian is also required along with an International Health Certificate to be filled out by the same accredited vet within ten days from departure.

In some cases, regulations for international pet relocation may allow cats and dogs to be imported without any permits as long as they come from an EU country or anywhere considered rabies-free. These animals will also not be quarantined. However, pets coming from areas where rabies is a known animal health risk will be quarantined by Swiss authorities.

Some animals may be allowed to enter without a veterinary certificate including rats, mice and pet fish while wild animals must come with a special import permit from the Cantonal Veterinary Office. Hiring a pet relocation service in Switzerland will be a good move for any expat who wishes to make the process simpler and easier. 

Only a maximum of five animals are allowed per person (from non-EU states) and puppies younger than 56 days should be accompanied by their mother. The local customs are strict when it comes to the purpose of importing a pet which means that an expat is not allowed to sell or deliver the animal for any financial gain once it enters Switzerland. All dogs should also be identifiable by a microchip that is registered under Animal Identity Service (ANIS) and must have a code/number that is unique to Switzerland. Paperwork is also important, and some of them are: 

• Updated Pet Passport for all dogs, cats and ferrets coming from EU countries
• Rabies Vaccination Certificate issued at least 30 days prior to import
• Duly accomplished Annex IV Form for Switzerland within 10 days of arrival for those coming from non-EU states

Requests for permits must be submitted to the Federal Veterinary Office (FVO) three to four weeks in advance. Dangerous animals such as poisonous snakes, tigers, bears and trap-door spiders also require an import permit from the FVO.

For more information, visit this website.