Dogs, cats and ferrets

Special regulations apply to travel with dogs, cats and ferrets because these pets can be affected by rabies. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent rabies being introduced to Switzerland. 

Since there are a great many travel regulations under veterinary law, you are recommended to use the entry check dogs/cats.

Hund und Katze sitzen im offenen Koffer

The information on these pages is intended solely for individuals with pets who do not intend to sell or give their animals to other people or institutions.

The necessary documents can be found under "More information".

Leaving Switzerland

Before they can travel, dogs, cats and ferrets need at least a pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. The exact requirements are determined by the country to which you are travelling. The conditions for re-entry must be met if you wish to return to Switzerland.  

(Re-)entering Switzerland

General provisions

  • A maximum of five animals can be brought into the country under the "pet regulations" (see: How is 'pet' defined?). The entry of more than five animals falls under “import for commercial purposes” (see Import).
    Exception: You can apply to the FSVO for a licence if you wish to bring more than five dogs, cats or ferrets into Switzerland from a third country (i.e. a country that is not an EU Member State, as well as other European countries and territories with a recognized pet passport) on a temporary basis to take part in competitions or similar events (see "More information").
  • It is forbidden to bring dogs with docked ears and/or tails into the country (see "More information").
    The current protective measures always apply.

(Re-)entering from the EU

The following is a summary of the regulations that apply when entering Switzerland from the EU with dogs, cats or ferrets.

Entering from a third country

The regulations for entering Switzerland from a third country differ according to the rabies risk in the country you are coming from (cf. list of countries under "More information").

In all cases it is vital for animals first to be marked correctly, then to be vaccinated against rabies and to be accompanied by the documents required in the specific case. More extensive requirements apply if the animal is entering from a country in which there is a risk of rabies (blood test, longer waiting times, import licence, etc.). Before you travel outside the country with an animal from Switzerland, make sure that the conditions for re-entry are fulfilled. You are otherwise likely to be refused entry at the border. The information we provide online under “Crossing the border with dogs, cats or ferrets” lists all the entry requirements and the necessary documents. Please refer to this information in all cases.

Entry is only permitted via the appropriately authorised points of entry and is therefore only possible by direct air transport via Basel, Geneva or Zurich airports.

More Information

Last modification 28.11.2024

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