Moving to Switzerland with pets – stress-free and animal-friendly DACHSER & KOLB: Consulting, process planning, partner for professional animal transport.
Moving to Switzerland with a dog, cat, or other animals is feasible if the processes are in place — EU pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination, planning of transport, timing, and customs declaration—so that your pet's health and well-being are protected and the border crossing goes smoothly.
DACHSER & KOLB takes care of the operational coordination: document pre-check, route and assessment times, coordination with special transport services, and onboarding after arrival (e.g., AMICUS and cantonal requirements).
The result: less stress, quick acclimatization, and full compliance.
Request a quote for your pet relocation to Switzerland now.
Your pet move to Switzerland with DACHSER & KOLB
Moving to a new country like Switzerland is a big challenge. Coordinated planning and organization of your move is essential, especially if you are taking your pets with you to your new home. DACHSER & KOLB provides you with comprehensive support: from applying for important documents to arranging special animal transport. We offer comprehensive additional services and practical tips to help you avoid potential complications:
- Have your pet's current health certificate issued (not mandatory)
- Vaccinate and microchip your pet in good time
- Keep all veterinary records and certificates
- Allow enough time at border control
Related topics
- Customs regulations in Switzerland → Find out more now
- Emigrating to Switzerland? → All the important information
- Entry requirements for Switzerland → What do you need to bear in mind?
- Moving to Switzerland → What you need to know
What are the requirements for moving to Switzerland with a pet?
Rabies vaccination
Mandatory for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Must be completed at least 21 days before crossing the border. A booster vaccination is considered a first vaccination if it is not given within the validity period of the previous vaccination. Young animals under 12 weeks of age or animals that have not been fully vaccinated are not allowed to enter the country (exceptions are rare).
EU pet passport
A valid EU pet passport issued by a veterinarian with details of the microchip number, rabies vaccination, and pet owner information.
Microchip
The animal must be identified with a microchip (ISO standard 11784/11785), which must have been implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination. A tattoo is only accepted if it was done before July 3, 2011.
What is the procedure for entering Switzerland with an animal?
Early arrangements (6 to 8 weeks before entry)
- Check or insert chip (ISO 11784/11785). Only then vaccinate against rabies.
- Have your vet check/issue an EU pet passport.
- Set your travel date so that there are more than 21 days between vaccination and crossing the border. First vaccination at the earliest from 12 weeks (puppies).
- Register with the local cantonal veterinary office (dogs must also be registered (dog tax, registration in the Swiss AMICUS database)).
Clarify special cases at an early stage
- Puppies under 12 weeks: entry generally not permitted; 12–16 weeks only with strict additional documentation.
- Originating from a rabies risk country: antibody titer + waiting period required.
- Protected/exotic species: check CITES permits.
Registration with Customs & Route and Border Planning
- Pets must be declared upon entry (verbal declaration is usually sufficient, but be honest).
- Entry must be via a staffed border crossing and during customs assessment hours.
- Non-commercial up to a maximum of 5 pets; above this, trade regulations apply.
On the day of travel
- Have the animal + EU pet passport + proof of microchip + valid rabies vaccination physically available.
- For CITES species: carry import/export permits with you.
- Declare the animal personally at customs and present the documents. This applies even if the value is less than CHF 300. The requirement always applies.
Immediately upon arrival
- Dogs: Register with the local authority in AMICUS; the vet will register the dog.
- Check cantonal regulations: leash/muzzle requirements, some breeds may be restricted (e.g., Zurich, Geneva, Valais).
- Keep your address up to date in AMICUS. Dog liability insurance in accordance with cantonal regulations. Optionally, carry a health certificate.
What special regulations apply to puppies entering Switzerland?
- Puppies under 12 weeks of age are not permitted to enter Switzerland.
- Puppies under 16 weeks of age whose rabies vaccination does not yet provide full protection require a declaration that the young animal has had no contact with animals at risk of rabies since birth. Alternatively, they must be accompanied by their mother, who was vaccinated before giving birth.
Origin:
For animals from a so-called rabies risk country, stricter regulations apply, requiring an additional blood test to check antibody levels and a waiting period of three months.
Important: Check with the Swiss embassy or the relevant cantonal veterinary office shortly before moving, as regulations are subject to change at any time.
What regulations apply to your pet in Switzerland?
Dogs
- Some cantons have breed lists or special leash and muzzle requirements (e.g., Zurich, Geneva, Valais).
- Check with the veterinary office in your new canton beforehand.
- Dogs in Switzerland must generally be covered by liability insurance.
Cats and small animals
- The same entry requirements apply to cats as to dogs (microchip + rabies vaccination + EU passport).
- The following applies to small animals (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles, fish):
- No vaccination requirement
- No customs declaration required for small quantities for personal use
What are the most common questions about moving with pets?
What documents do I need for dogs/cats/small animals?
You will need an EU pet passport, microchip, and valid rabies vaccination, which is only possible for puppies aged 12 weeks or older. This must have been carried out at least 21 days prior to entry.
How many animals can I take with me to Switzerland?
You may bring a maximum of five pets with you.
Do I have to register my pet with customs?
Yes, you must declare your animal at customs: Enter via a staffed border crossing during assessment hours, presenting your animal and documentation.
What should I do after arriving in Switzerland (dog)?
Check AMICUS registration and any cantonal requirements (training, leash requirements, breed lists).
Does CITES apply to my animal?
Import/export permits are required for protected species; some are prohibited. Clarify in advance with the BLV/BAZG.
Moving back to the EU/Germany – what to consider?
EU rules: microchip prior to vaccination, valid rabies vaccination, maximum of 5 pets, document check at the EU border.
Why is a professional moving company worthwhile?
Moving on your own can quickly become a burden—physically, in terms of time, and financially. With an experienced moving company, you not only save time and stress, but also benefit from efficient planning, insured services, trained staff, and customized offers.
Are you planning to move with pets?
Do you want to move with your pets but still need a suitable moving company? Then let us calculate your individual price for your move in seconds. We will then get back to you and do our best to accommodate all your wishes.
Donna Draganov
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - ROAD
