Housing and Logistics
Bring your pet into Switzerland
Dogs, cats and ferrets need microchip identification, a valid rabies vaccination and a pet passport or an official veterinary certificate to enter. The vaccination must be given after the microchip, and there is a 21-day waiting period between the first vaccination and entry. From countries with an elevated rabies risk an antibody test is also required, with the blood sample taken at least three months before entry. The import must be declared at a staffed customs office. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (federal) is the responsible authority; dogs with cropped ears or docked tails may not be imported.
Who this applies to. This guide applies if bringing pets is yes.
Checklist
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Have a microchip implanted
Must happen before the rabies vaccination; identification applied later makes the vaccination invalid for entry.
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Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before entry
The 21-day waiting period runs from the first vaccination and is recorded in the pet passport.
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Obtain a pet passport or veterinary certificate
Issued by your vet; for countries outside the EU the official veterinary certificate applies.
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For an elevated rabies risk: carry out an antibody test
Blood sample at least 3 months before entry; the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (federal) maintains the list of countries.
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Declare the import at a staffed customs office
Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (federal); without commercial intent at most 5 animals may be brought along.
Costs
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Customs duty free of charge
A pet that has been owned by the relocating person for more than six months crosses the border duty-free as removal goods.
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Veterinary costs before import CHF 70–90 · one-time
For the microchip, its insertion and registration by the veterinary practice. The rabies vaccination, the pet passport and any antibody test are not included.
No total: the items depend on conditions and on your situation. A total without your answers would be too high or too low depending on the case — the cost calculation in your plan uses them.
Frequently asked questions
Who does this guide apply to?
This guide applies if bringing pets is yes.
What does it cost?
Customs duty: free of charge. Veterinary costs before import: CHF 70–90 (one-time).
What do I need to do?
Have a microchip implanted; Rabies vaccination at least 21 days before entry; Obtain a pet passport or veterinary certificate; For an elevated rabies risk: carry out an antibody test; Declare the import at a staffed customs office.
As of: 08.10.2026