Moving your pet from Switzerland to Denmark?

The Switzerland–Denmark route requires quarantine on arrival, so planning well ahead matters. In plain terms, this is a very_low route, meaning the requirements are relatively straightforward compared to many international moves.

Most owners start the process around 1-4 weeks before the flight date. That window is not arbitrary — it accounts for vaccination waiting periods, titre test processing, and document endorsement.

Here is how the preparation unfolds from start to travel day:

Costs vary considerably depending on your pet's size, the airline, and whether you use a pet relocation agent. The main factors to price up are:

• Cabin pet fee (approximately CHF 50-90)
• Cargo fee for larger pets (CHF 150-400)
• IATA-approved carrier

Microchip: Required (ISO 11784/11785).

Rabies vaccination: Required. Valid at time of travel. 21-day wait after primary vaccination.

Titre test: Not required.

Health certificate: Swiss pet passport or standard health certificate accepted. FVST governs compliance.

Import permit: Not required.

Quarantine: No quarantine.

Export permit: {'required': False}

Export health certificate: Swiss pet passport or FSVO-format certificate accepted by Denmark under bilateral agreement. EU-aligned process.

Several airlines serve routes between Switzerland and Denmark, each with different policies on pets in cabin versus cargo hold:

A Swiss pet passport or a standard veterinary health certificate showing microchip details and a valid rabies vaccination is accepted in Denmark. Switzerland is treated similarly to EU countries for pet travel purposes under bilateral veterinary agreements.

There is no titre test requirement, no quarantine period, and no import permit. The 21-day wait after a primary rabies vaccination applies – if your pet has been vaccinated before and the vaccination is still current, you can travel.

On arrival at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), an official may inspect your pet’s documentation. The check is typically quick.

Before anything else, confirm your dog is not on Denmark’s prohibited breed list. Denmark’s Dog Act (Hundeloven) bans 13 breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Ovcharka, Tornjak, and Sarplaninac.

The ban applies regardless of where the dog was born or where you live. Moving from Switzerland does not create any exemption.

Mixed-breed dogs that resemble a banned breed may also be subject to assessment. If there is any doubt, consult a Danish veterinarian or legal adviser before booking.

Both SWISS and SAS offer direct Zurich to Copenhagen service. For a small pet, both accept cabin travel (under approximately 8kg including carrier). For a larger dog, cargo is available on both.

SWISS is the home carrier from Zurich and has an established pet booking process. SAS brings familiarity at the Copenhagen end – their staff know the FVST requirements and will have seen many pet arrivals at CPH.

Either airline is a solid choice. Compare schedules and prices and book pet space at the time of your own ticket purchase, as cabin pet slots are limited.

• Pet Transport Denmark to Switzerland