Microchip

All pets entering Switzerland must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip. This must be implanted before the rabies vaccination and must appear on all documentation. If your pet has a non-ISO chip, you’ll either need to bring your own microchip reader or have a compliant chip implanted before travel.

Vaccinations

Rabies Vaccination

Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies after the microchip is implanted and at least 21 days before travel. The rabies vaccine must:

• Be administered when the pet is at least 12 weeks old

• Be a killed/inactivated vaccine (as required by EU regulations)

• Be valid at the time of travel (boosters must be kept up to date)

👉 If the rabies vaccine was given before the microchip was implanted, it will not be valid for entry.

Other Vaccinations

Although other immunizations are not officially required for import to Switzerland, it is recommended that cats and dogs are vaccinated for the following. Do note that if your pet will be boarding, these vaccinations will be required.

Dogs: DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus), Bordetella (Kennel Cough), Leptospirosis, CIV (Canine Influenza Virus)
Cats: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia), Feline Leukemia

Blood Tests

Switzerland does not require additional blood tests to import pets.

EU Health Certificate

Pets must travel with a Switzerland-specific version of the EU Health Certificate, completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This certificate must then be endorsed by the USDA and accompany your pet to Switzerland.

The certificate confirms:

• Valid microchip and rabies vaccination

• General health status and fitness for travel

• Destination address in Switzerland

Travel Requirements

Pets must enter Switzerland through a designated Border Inspection Post (BIP), such as:

• Zurich (ZRH)

• Geneva (GVA)

• Basel (BSL)

Most pets travel as manifest cargo, but some airlines allow small pets to fly in-cabin depending on their policies and your pet’s size.

Your pet’s crate must be:

• IATA-compliant

• Properly labeled and ventilated

• Clean, secure, and appropriately sized

Starwood will help coordinate routing, cargo arrangements, and customs clearance.

How to Transport Your Dog or Cat to Switzerland
Everything you need to know about pet travel to Switzerland

Quarantine

There is no quarantine for pets entering Switzerland from the U.S. as long as all import requirements are met. If there are issues with microchip scanning or documentation, your pet may be denied entry or temporarily quarantined for review.

Breed Restrictions

Switzerland allows most breeds of dogs and cats, but some individual cantons (regions) may have restrictions on “dangerous” breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, or American Staffordshire Terriers.

👉 Check with local authorities in your canton of residence for specific regulations before moving.

Age Requirements

Pets must be at least 15 weeks old at the time of entry. This allows for the required rabies vaccine to be administered after 12 weeks of age and for the 21-day waiting period to be completed.

Additional Considerations

• Documentation must be original, not copies or digital versions.

• You’ll need to declare your pet at Swiss customs upon arrival.

• If traveling with more than five pets, additional rules apply, and you may need to follow commercial import procedures.

Pet Travel vs. Human Travel to Switzerland
Key differences and important details for smooth travel for you and your pet

Ready to Move Your Pet to Switzerland?

From alpine hikes to lakeside strolls, Switzerland is a pet’s dream destination. But the paperwork and timing must be precise. Starwood’s relocation experts will ensure your pet’s journey is stress-free—from USDA paperwork to customs clearance on arrival.

Incoming Pet? We’re Ready for Touchdown!

Whether your pet is returning to the United States or arriving for the first time from Switzerland, navigating U.S. import requirements can feel overwhelming. From CDC guidelines to customs clearance, even small details can cause delays if not handled properly.
Our team ensures everything is prepared correctly—so your pet arrives safely, smoothly, and without unnecessary stress.

What’s the Process? 

Once you submit your quote request and confirm your booking, you’ll be paired with a dedicated relocation specialist who will manage every detail of your pet’s journey from Switzerland.

They will:

• Coordinate all required documentation and compliance with Swiss and destination country regulations

• Assist with vet appointments, paperwork validation, and timeline planning

• Arrange flights, routing, and kennel preparation

• Provide real-time updates on travel day and during transit

Upon arrival, we manage the customs clearance process and ensure a smooth handoff for final delivery.

Important Notes:

• This quote includes import handling and customs clearance for entry into the United States
• Export requirements from Switzerland (including veterinary documentation and government approvals) must be completed prior to departure—we guide you through this process
• Pets traveling from Switzerland (a low-risk rabies country) benefit from fewer restrictions, but all documentation must still be accurate and complete
• If additional permits are required based on travel history, we’ll advise you accordingly