Switzerland is a member of the Pet Travel Scheme which allows pet cats and dogs from any of the countries covered by the scheme to enter Switzerland without quarantine provided they meet specified anti-rabies, blood sampling and anti-worm/anti-tick hygiene requirements.

The animal must travel with a veterinary certificate stating that it has been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days and not longer than one year before crossing the border is required. The certificate may be written in German, French, Italian or English (for other languages an officially attested translation must be submitted).

The certificate must contain the following information:

• Animal's owner (name and address);
• Description of the animal: breed, sex, age, colour, means of identification (microchip or tattoo);
• Confirmation that the animal was submitted to a veterinary examination prior to vaccination and found in good health;
• Date of the rabies vaccination, lot number and name of the manufacturer;
• Address and signature of the veterinarian.

Dogs and domestic cats originating from the EU/EEA can be brought into Switzerland without an import licence, but must be inspected by a veterinary officer when entering the country if not accompanied by their owners.

Puppies and kittens up to five months old from European countries (except Turkey and the former States of the Soviet Union) or from the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand may be imported without a rabies vaccination certificate. However, a veterinary health certificate stating the animal's age must be available.

Other animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, canaries, aquarium fish and rabbits can be brought into Switzerland (less than 3 at a time) without the need for an import licence or inspection.

For animals coming from countries requiring import licence, the animals will have a veterinary border inspection and documentation must be shown.

• The animals must be identified by tattoo or microchip (model isonorm ISO 11784 or annex A of ISO 11785; animals with other microchips must travel with a compatible chip scanner for use by the border vets).

• The animals must have proof of vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the regulations. A blood sample must be taken from the animal not prior to 30 days after vaccination and more than three months before planned importation.

Documents needed (in original form):

• certificate of vaccination
• health certificate
• permit