Travelling, Transporting, Buying and Selling Animals in Switzerland

Anyone travelling with animals or planning to buy or sell an animal in Switzerland must comply with a range of regulations. Whether dogs, cats, horses, or livestock – each animal category is subject to specific rules regarding transport, registration, and documentation. At the same time, many animal owners ask themselves how to move their animals safely and with minimal stress through Switzerland, whether during a holiday, a relocation, or when transporting an animal to a new owner.

To ensure animal welfare, legal certainty, and a smooth journey, it is essential to familiarise yourself in advance with Swiss regulations. These include required documents, transport requirements, reporting obligations, and possible restrictions. Proper preparation not only ensures a relaxed journey but also helps avoid unpleasant surprises on the road or at the border.

Entry into Switzerland with Pets (Dogs, Cats, Ferrets)

Key Documents and Regulations

• Identification: Animals must be identified by microchip. Tattoos are only valid if applied before 3 July 2011.
• Vaccination: A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory and becomes effective 21 days after basic immunisation. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old. Animals under 12 weeks may only enter together with their mother.
• EU Pet Passport: The EU pet passport must be carried and include all relevant animal data and rabies vaccination details.
• Physical alterations: Dogs with docked ears or tails are prohibited from entry.
• Other pets: Small animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, or aquarium fish can generally be imported without special documents or inspections.
• Maximum number: A maximum of 5 animals may be imported per person.
• Species protection: Before travelling, check current import restrictions issued by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).
• Means of transport: Check specific animal transport rules for your chosen mode of transport in advance.

Rules During Your Stay

• Bathing lakes: Especially during peak season, dogs may only be allowed at certain times or in designated areas.
• Leash and muzzle requirements: Many regions require dogs to be kept on a leash. Carrying waste bags is mandatory. Some municipalities and public transport systems also require muzzles.
• Road safety: Animals must be secured during transport using a travel crate or safety harness.
• Accommodation: Check in advance which accommodations allow animals and whether additional costs or restrictions apply.

Toll Regulations

When travelling by car in Switzerland, you must comply with toll regulations. Toll charges may apply in the form of a vignette, the heavy vehicle levy, or special toll routes. Switzerland does not have distance-based tolls. Further details can be found in our guide to toll regulations in Switzerland.

Entry into Switzerland with Horses

Required Documents and Transport

• Health certificate: Issued by an official veterinarian in the country of origin, accompanied by an electronic TRACES notification.
• Horse passport: Mandatory for entry.
• Transport: Transport should be as gentle as possible, with good ventilation, non-slip flooring, sufficient space, and secure tethering.

Customs Regulations

• Temporary import: For competitions, holidays, or other temporary stays.
• Carnet ATA: An international customs document allowing flexible border crossings.
• Temporary use customs declaration (ZAVV): An alternative to the Carnet ATA with secured duties.
• Permanent import: Required if the horse will remain permanently in Switzerland.
• Customs offices: Not all customs offices are authorised for animal transport; opening hours may differ.

Vignette for Horse Trailers

If you travel with a car and trailer, toll requirements depend on the trailer’s weight. A digital vignette for Switzerland is required for both the towing vehicle and trailers up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. For heavier trailers, the heavy vehicle levy applies. More information is available in our guide to vehicle classes in Switzerland.

Staying in Switzerland with Horses

Travelling with horses in Switzerland is very popular and well supported. Thanks to its diverse landscapes from pre-Alpine regions and wide valleys to high alpine terrain there are numerous riding opportunities and services available, including guest stables, trekking stations, guided riding tours, family riding holidays, and hotels specialising in guests with horses.

To ensure a smooth stay, proper preparation is essential. This includes organising horse accommodation (box, paddock, or open stable), checking feed availability, pasture access, and additional facilities such as tack rooms or wash areas. Always carry the equine passport and verify whether vaccinations or health checks are required.

Before departure, plan the transport route carefully, including rest stops, trailer checks, and toll regulations. You can conveniently purchase the digital vignette for Switzerland online in advance.

On site, familiarise yourself with local riding rules, protected nature areas, and permitted trails. Weather conditions can change quickly in alpine regions, so tours should be planned realistically, taking the horse’s fitness and sure-footedness into account.

Buying and Selling Animals in Switzerland

Buying or selling animals in Switzerland is strictly regulated due to the high importance placed on animal welfare. The legal basis is provided by the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG) and the Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV).

Private Sale vs. Commercial Trade

Sales are considered commercial if animals are sold regularly, with profit intent, or in an organised manner. In such cases, authorisation from the cantonal veterinary office is required.

Penalties for Illegal Animal Trade

• Animal cruelty: Imprisonment of up to 3 years or fines.
• Illegal trade: Fines of up to CHF 20,000.
• CITES violations: Imprisonment of up to 5 years.

FAQ

What is especially important when travelling in alpine regions with dogs or horses?

Alpine terrain requires realistic route planning, suitable equipment, and respect for protected areas and wildlife zones. The animal’s fitness and sure-footedness must match the route.

Which documents must be checked when buying a pet?

At minimum: a pet passport, microchip or tattoo verification, vaccination records, and proof of origin. Reputable sellers also provide a written sales contract.

The DMC Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey!

We wish you and your animals a safe and pleasant journey through Switzerland. Please remember to inform yourself about toll regulations in advance and feel free to use our route planner to prepare your trip.