Is Switzerland a good place to travel or relocate to with your cats and/or dogs?

Here are reviews and details to help you see if Switzerland is dog friendly or a good place to move with a cat.

Official Swiss government website on importing pets

Official government website on pets coming from the US to Switzerland

Note: Even though Switzerland is in Europe it is not part of the EU. It is part of the Schengen Zone. The significance of this is the Swiss and EU pet import requirements are very similar, they are not identical.  If you are flying into Switzerland from another country, the requirements will be enforced differently than driving in through a neighboring EU country.

Swiss Entry Requirements for Pets from Non-high Rabies Country 

Medical Requirements to Bring a Dog or Cat to Switzerland: 

Ensure your pet’s anti-rabies vaccination is valid before traveling. Switzerland prefers the 1-year and will accept the 3-year rabies vaccination as long as it isn’t the primary vaccine. (the EU typically requires a 1-year rabies vaccination.)

If it’s your pet’s initial rabies vaccination or if the prior one has expired, wait 21 days after administering the vaccine before arriving.

Documentation Required and How to Get it:

For travel from other EU countries, the EU Pet Passport is sufficient. It does not need to be endorsed by the government.

For pets traveling from the US, a USDA Endorsement Office must endorse the certificate at least 10 days before entering the European Union.

Airlines may occasionally request a veterinarian’s certificate verifying that your pet is fit for travel.

Entry Requirements for Bringing a Dog or Cat from High Rabies Country to Switzerland

Also known as “unlisted countries”

Medical Requirements: 

Before traveling, ensure your pet has a valid anti-rabies vaccination. Switzerland accepts both 1-year and 3-year (after the primary) rabies vaccinations.

Additionally, your pet needs a rabies antibody titration test performed at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and no more than three months before entering Switzerland.

If it’s your pet’s initial rabies vaccination or if the prior one has expired, wait 21 days after administering the vaccine before performing the rabies antibody titration test.

 Documentation Required and How to Get it: 

An official government health certificate from a veterinarian in your home country is required to travel with your pet. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of entering Switzerland.

Notify the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) of your pet’s arrival in advance, providing necessary information such as the microchip number, flight details, and arrival date and time.

You can only arrive in one of the 3 main airports

Airlines may occasionally require an additional document from your vet to confirm that your pet is healthy enough to travel.

Additional Considerations

Microchip Requirements: 

Microchips adhering to ISO standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 should be implanted before or at the time of the rabies vaccine.

Quarantine Requirements (if any):

Not applicable, except in exceptional circumstances

Breed Restrictions:

Switzerland does not have a federal ban on specific dog breeds. However, some cantons (states) within Switzerland have restrictions or bans on certain breeds. It is essential to check the regulations in the canton you plan to visit or live in.

Number of pet restrictions: 

A maximum of 5 pets per person is allowed without a special import permit. If you wish to import more than 5 pets, a special import permit from the Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is required.

Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US?

No, Switzerland is not considered a high risk

Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?

No, Switzerland is not considered a high risk

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Are you flying into Switzerland with a dog or cat?

Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide

Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety

This information was last updated April 2023. 
If you notice any errors or updates, please let us know by contacting us here.