Your pet’s safe trip

Moving to Switzerland with your dog or cat? Known for its alpine beauty, high standard of living, and pet-friendly culture, Switzerland is a wonderful place for animals—but the import process must be handled carefully to avoid delays or quarantine. Thankfully, for U.S.-based pet parents, it’s relatively straightforward if you follow all the rules.

Below is a general overview of what’s required when transporting pets to Switzerland from the United States.

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.

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

Tapeworm & Tick Treatment

Not required for dogs entering Switzerland from the United States (unlike certain other EU countries such as the UK or Ireland).

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.

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.

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.