Pet Transport Brazil to Switzerland: 2026 Guide
Switzerland is not an EU member state, but its pet import rules closely mirror those of the EU for animals arriving from third countries. Pets from Brazil need an FAVN titre test, a 90-day wait from the blood draw date, and a MAPA-endorsed health certificate. …
The Brazil to Switzerland import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Accredited Brazilian vet
Responsible: Accredited Brazilian vet
Responsible: Accredited Brazilian vet, recognised laboratory
Responsible: Owner to track
Responsible: MAPA-authorised vet
Responsible: Pet transport agent or owner
What your pet needs to enter Switzerland
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Switzerland is not in the EU but applies equivalent pet import rules for third countries. The titre test and 90-day wait are both mandatory.
The 90-day wait runs from the blood draw date. Count carefully.
Cantonal breed restrictions in Switzerland vary significantly. Confirm your dog's breed is permitted in your specific canton before booking.
Brazil is not on Switzerland's approved third-country list, so there is no simplified route.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
How does Switzerland handle pets arriving from Brazil?
Switzerland applies its own pet import legislation under the Animal Diseases Act and associated ordinances, but the requirements for animals from non-listed third countries align closely with EU standards. Brazil is not on Switzerland’s approved list, so the full titre test route is mandatory.
Your pet needs an ISO microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination. After vaccination, wait 30 days, then draw blood for the FAVN titre test. Once the result confirms a minimum of 0.5 IU/ml, the 90-day wait begins from the blood draw date. After the 90 days, your vet issues the Swiss health certificate (based on the EU Annex IV template) within 10 days of travel, and MAPA endorses it before departure.
Swiss customs at Zurich (ZRH) or Geneva (GVA) will check the microchip, vaccination records, titre test result, and health certificate. If everything aligns, your pet will be released with no quarantine. However, Switzerland processes these checks strictly. Any discrepancy in dates or missing endorsements can hold up the process.
One notable point about Switzerland is the cantonal system for breed restrictions. While there is no single national breed ban, individual cantons (regions) have their own laws on dangerous or restricted breeds. Some cantons are quite restrictive. Before starting the process, confirm that your dog’s breed is permitted in the specific Swiss canton where you are moving.
What does the preparation process look like from Brazil?
The process starts with a visit to an accredited Brazilian vet for microchipping and vaccination. If your pet is already microchipped and vaccinated, check whether the vaccination is current and whether a titre test has ever been done. If not, you are starting from scratch and need around 20-24 weeks.
The blood draw for the titre test is the start of the most important countdown. From that date, 90 days must pass before travel. The titre test laboratory typically returns results in 10-20 working days. Some Brazilian labs have agreements with EU-recognised testing facilities; your vet or transport agent can advise which labs are accepted by Swiss authorities.
MAPA endorsement of the health certificate takes a few working days. Book the health certificate appointment with your vet close to your travel date (within 10 days) but leave enough time for MAPA to process the endorsement before the flight. A common mistake is booking the health certificate appointment too late, leaving no time for MAPA processing.
Cargo from GRU to Swiss airports typically routes through Frankfurt, Munich, or another European hub. LATAM operates GRU to European gateways; Swiss WorldCargo handles the Swiss leg from hub to Zurich or Geneva. Lufthansa Cargo via Frankfurt is a reliable alternative.
Are there any differences between shipping to Zurich versus Geneva?
Both Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA) are viable entry points. Zurich is the main international hub and has more frequent cargo connections, particularly from the Lufthansa and Swiss WorldCargo network. Geneva is well served but has fewer direct cargo options from Brazilian routing hubs.
Swiss customs at both airports follow the same procedures and requirements. There is no material difference in the inspection process at either airport. Choose based on your destination canton: if you are heading to German-speaking cantons (Zurich, Bern, Basel), Zurich makes logistical sense. If you are moving to Geneva, the Vaud region, or nearby French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva is the more direct option.
On arrival, your transport agent or collection service receives the pet from the cargo facility. Swiss customs release is typically straightforward if documentation is complete. Budget some time for the customs inspection: it is not a lengthy process when papers are in order, but cargo facilities have their own administrative timelines.