Dogs, cats, domestic animals

The provisions are based on the information issued by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO.

Are you going on holiday with a cat or dog? Have you bought a pet abroad, or are you relocating to Switzerland with a cat or dog? Or are you looking for information on EU requirements, rabies, parasites or air transport? If so, we recommend the following links:

Crossing the border with dogs, cats or ferrets

Petit pense-bête pour grandes vacances avec chien et chat

Additional information can be found on the website of the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office FSVO - Topics - Travelling with pets.

Foreign provisions must be clarified directly in the relevant country, at its embassy or at the foreign customs office.

Taxes

Animals purchased abroad and imported into Switzerland are duty-free but are subject to 8.0% VAT on the value of the goods. You can help speed up customs clearance by showing a receipt for the goods.

Docked dogs; importation prohibited

The importation of docked dogs is prohibited. Consequently, docked dogs are refused entry at the border.

Exceptions:

Owners living abroad may bring their docked dogs into Switzerland for holidays or other short stays. They have to declare the dog to Customs when entering Switzerland and pay a deposit (the procedure is based mutatis mutandis on the provisions entitled "Deposit for personal goods worth more than CHF 5,000". .
People who relocate to Switzerland may also import their docked dogs. However, this is possible only if the conditions for the duty-free importation of household effects are fulfilled. See Moving (household effects) and form no. 18.44.

Transport

Whether by car, plane or train, this must be conducted in an animal-friendly manner. The provisions of the Federal Act on the Protection of Animals or of IATA must be strictly adhered to.