At a glance
- Typical timeline: 1-2 weeks from start to arrival
- Complexity: Low — plan well ahead
- Quarantine: No quarantine for pets arriving from EU countries with a valid EU Pet Passport. OSAV or cantonal veterinary authority may inspect at Zurich (ZRH).
Switzerland is not an EU member state, but for pet travel purposes it might as well be. The Switzerland-EU Bilateral Veterinary Agreement means Switzerland accepts EU Pet Passports for pets arriving from EU countries, and applies EU Regulation 576/2013 standards.
For a Greece-to-Switzerland move, your EU Pet Passport is all you need. No titre test, no import permit, no quarantine. The rules are equivalent to an intra-EU journey.
SWISS operates direct ATH-ZRH flights, making this a clean route for pets in the cabin.
The Journey, Step by Step
What Switzerland Requires
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be recorded in the EU Pet Passport.
Rabies Vaccination
Required. Must be current and recorded in the EU Pet Passport. Switzerland follows EU Regulation 576/2013 standards via bilateral agreement.
Titre Test
Not required for pets travelling from EU member states to Switzerland.
Quarantine
No quarantine for pets arriving from EU countries with a valid EU Pet Passport. OSAV or cantonal veterinary authority may inspect at Zurich (ZRH).
Import Permit
Not required for EU-to-Switzerland pet movements under the bilateral agreement.
Health Certificate
EU Pet Passport issued by an authorised vet in Greece is the required document.
What to Budget For
- Airline cabin fee (varies by carrier)
- IATA-compliant soft carrier
- Veterinary fee if vaccinations need renewal
Before You Leave Greece
Show export requirements from Greece
Export permit: Not required for personal pets.
Health certificate: EU Pet Passport is accepted for travel from EU member states to Switzerland under the bilateral veterinary agreement between Switzerland and the EU. No additional health certificate is required.
Things to Know Before You Book
Switzerland and EU pet rules: the short version
Switzerland maintains a bilateral veterinary agreement with the EU that aligns Swiss pet import rules with EU standards. In practical terms, this means your Greek-issued EU Pet Passport is accepted at Zurich, Geneva, or Basel just as it would be at any EU border.
The requirements are the same as for intra-EU travel: a valid EU Pet Passport with a current rabies vaccination and a readable microchip. OSAV (the Swiss federal veterinary office) or cantonal veterinary authorities may check the passport on arrival, but for a compliant arrival, this is brief. No quarantine. No titre test.
This is a noticeably easier route than, say, moving from Switzerland to a non-EU destination. The bilateral agreement takes care of most of the complexity.
Flying your pet from Athens to Zurich
SWISS is the obvious carrier. They fly direct ATH-ZRH and accept small pets (up to 8kg including carrier) in the cabin on European routes. For a move to Switzerland, it is the cleanest option: one flight, no connections, and the airline knows its home country’s entry rules.
The flight from Athens to Zurich is approximately 3 hours – a comfortable cabin trip for most cats and small dogs.
Aegean Airlines and easyJet also serve ATH-ZRH. Aegean is a solid alternative from a Greek airport perspective. For larger dogs travelling cargo, Lufthansa via Frankfurt provides a reliable connection.
The carrier (for cabin travel) must fit under the seat in front of you. Confirm dimensions with your airline before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start your journey
Get Your Free Quote
Enter your pet's details and route
Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.