Importing Your Pet to Switzerland

Switzerland is not an EU member state but participates in the EU Pet Travel Scheme for movement between Switzerland and EU/EFTA countries. For pets coming from EU/EFTA countries, an EU Pet Passport is accepted. For pets from other origins, a health certificate endorsed by the FSVO (Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office) equivalent is required.

No mandatory quarantine for compliant pets. Zürich Airport (ZRH) is the main international arrival point with Swiss customs and FSVO inspection facilities.

Switzerland’s requirements closely mirror EU rules: microchip, current rabies vaccination, valid health certificate. For pets from non-EU/EFTA countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia), the process is similar to entering the EU, with destination-specific variations.

Switzerland and EU pet rules

Because Switzerland participates in the EU pet scheme bilaterally, a pet arriving in Switzerland from an EU country with a valid EU Pet Passport has a smooth entry. Pets from the UK (post-Brexit) require an AHC endorsed by APHA, just as they would for entering an EU country.

Pets from countries not on the EU/Switzerland approved list require a rabies titre test and a 3-month waiting period after the successful test. The FSVO website has the current approved country list.

Zürich customs process