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.

Pets must be imported via a manned customs office during the clearance times for tourist traffic.

Taxes

Animals purchased abroad and imported into Switzerland are duty-free but are subject to 7,7% 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.