Travelling to Switzerland with your pet

If you leave from Italy or another EU country, your travel document is the EU pet passport, issued by the ASL or an authorised vet. It must show the microchip number and a valid rabies vaccination.

There is no systematic veterinary check at the border for pets coming from the EU, but always carry the passport: customs may ask for it.

If the animal travels with someone else, the owner must travel within 5 days before or after and attach a written authorisation to the passport.

To enter Switzerland the animal needs an ISO-standard microchip (or a readable tattoo applied before 3 July 2011).

The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination: if the vaccine was given earlier, it is not valid and must be repeated. Check that the number on the passport or certificate matches the one read on the animal.

Dogs, cats and ferrets need a valid rabies vaccination:

• it can be given from 12 weeks of age, after the microchip;
• a first vaccination is valid 21 days after it is given;
• boosters given before the previous vaccine expires are valid immediately.

If the animal cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, you need a special permit from the FSVO (form 07/23), granted only when duly justified.

Switzerland is among the countries that accept, for non-commercial trips, young animals up to 16 weeks that have not yet completed their rabies vaccination.

In this case you must fill in the EU owner declaration for young animals, stating that the animal has had no contact with wild animals at risk of rabies. The young animal still needs a microchip and passport.

Remember that Italy does not accept unprotected young animals: for the trip home the animal will need a rabies vaccination valid for at least 21 days.

Switzerland bans the import of dogs with docked ears and/or tails, whatever the country of origin.

If your dog has had one of these procedures, even for medical reasons or abroad, contact the FSVO before you leave to find out whether and under what conditions it can enter: you could be turned back at the border.

Before travelling, also check any cantonal restrictions on certain breeds considered dangerous.

In a private vehicle you can bring no more than 5 dogs, cats and ferrets in total. Above that number the rules for commercial imports apply.

The exception is travel to competitions, shows or sporting events (or training for them): the import must be temporary, you need proof of registration and the animals must be at least 6 months old; from a non-EU country an FSVO permit is also needed.

For protected species (for example wild cats, wolf hybrids, parrots) CITES rules also apply. Most small pets, such as rabbits and rodents, enter without a certificate unless protective measures are in force.