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You are here: Home Family & Kids Pets Bringing a pet to Switzerland
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30/11/2011Bringing a pet to Switzerland

Bringing a pet to Switzerland Moving to Switzerland with a pet? Here's what you need to know about pet relocation and the process of moving pets to Switzerland.

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If you plan to take a pet to Switzerland, it's important to check the latest regulations. Make sure that you have the correct papers, not only for Switzerland, but for all the countries you will pass through to reach Switzerland. Be aware that regulations differ depending on the country you are travelling from. Here is the general information you will need when you decide to move to Switzerland with your pet.

Pet immigration rules for Switzerland

Swiss regulations are fairly flexible, due to the small territory and the large number of foreign visitors. A veterinary rabies vaccination certificate is compulsory, stating that the vaccination took place at least 30 days and no longer than one year before crossing the border. The 30-day waiting period need not be observed if there is proof of revaccination.

The certificate must be written in either German, French, Italian or English and contain the following information:


-  Name and address of animal owner
-  Description of the animal (breed, sex, age, color)
-  Confirmation that the animal was submitted to a veterinary examination prior to vaccination and found in good health
-  Date of rabies vaccination, type of vaccine used, name of manufacturer and batch number
-  Signature of the veterinarian.

Certificates issued in languages other than those stipulated must be accompanied by a legal translation.

Pets from the EU

No animal health permit from the Federal Veterinary Office is normally required for pets coming from the EU. The animal must travel with an EU Pet Passport issued by an authorized veterinarian.

The EU Pet Passport contains the following information:

-  Name and address of animal owner
-  Description of the animal (breed, sex, age, color)
-  Number of microchip
-  Date of the rabies vaccination, period of validity of the vaccination, type of vaccine, name of manufacturer and production number
-  Address and signature of the veterinarian

 

Moving pets

Exceptions

Certain animals can be imported without a rabies vaccination certificate:

-  Cats and dogs from rabies-free countries that forbid rabies vaccinations (Australia and New Zealand).
-  Puppies and kittens up to five months of age from European countries (except Turkey and the States of the former Soviet Union) or from the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. A veterinary health certificate stating the animal's age must be produced.
-  Cats and dogs traveling through Switzerland by air or rail without a stopover.

Other animals
Guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, aquarium fish and canaries can be imported without a veterinary certificate. An import permit and veterinary certificate are required for certain domestic animals such as horses, parrots, turtles and ferrets. You can download forms from the FVO site.

Pet insurance

Another important issue is pet insurance. Pet insurance can cover much of the expense of unexpected vet bills in case of an injury or illness, so the things you need to consider when choosing pet insurance are of a major importance:

-  Does the policy cover all chronic, congenital and hereditary conditions?
-  Is there a time limit on treatment per condition?
-  Is there a dollar limit on treatment per condition?
-  Are there flexible coverage options to fit your budget and needs exactly?
-  How well established is the company? How is it rated?

Airline Pet Container Requirements
The rules regarding approved types of containers for cats, dogs, ferrets and birds flying in the cabin and as cargo were created by IATA, and for the most part have been accepted by the world's airlines. You can find the IATA requirements here.

 


Pets in the cabin
On flights of less than ten hours, many airlines will allow small cats or dogs to be taken with the passenger in the cabin (except travel to the UK and Hong Kong). Generally, the airline will only allow one pet per passenger and a maximum of two pets per cabin. The container for the pet must fit under the seat in front of you and must have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation. The Sherpa, Bergan and SturdiBag pet carriers are all airline compliant as long as the carrier is the proper size for your pet.

Keeping your pet in Switzerland
Generally, dogs are allowed on Swiss trains, although the coductor can require that your pet travel in the baggage car if it barks or snarls at the other passengers. You will need a half-fare second-class ticket for your dog, regardless of whether you are travelling first or second class.

Smaller shops are dog-friendly, with the conspicuous exception of food stores. There are usually tie-ups outside and you can also see a water bowl for dogs outside a butcher shop or grocery store.

In public places you must keep your dog on a leash. You are also required to clean up after your dog. Carry plastic bags with you, or use the disposal facilities in many public parks.

Petya Vetseva / Expatica

Sources:
Federal veterinary office (FVO) 
http://europa.eu  
http://ec.europa.eu
http://www.pettravel.com
http://www.petfriendlytravel.com
http://www.switzerland.isyours.com



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