The import provisions apply both to commercial imports of dogs, cats and ferrets (involving a transfer of ownership) and to entries into Switzerland with a total of more than five dogs, cats and ferrets (without transfer of ownership). They do not, however, apply to private journeys with dogs, cats and ferrets with own pet animals. 

(particular conditions apply to imports of animals in “confined establishments”)

The following conditions must be fulfilled before these animals can be imported:

• Rabies vaccination
• The animals must have been vaccinated at least 21 days before they enter the country. If a booster vaccination is given while the initial vaccination is still valid, the waiting period does not apply. Initial vaccination will only be recognised if the animal was at least 12 weeks old when vaccination was performed.
• Young animals: young animals up to the age of 12 weeks may be imported into Switzerland without being vaccinated if they are accompanying their mother and are still dependent on her, or if they travel with a confirmation from the owner that they have not been in contact with wild animals since they were born. Young animals between 12 and 16 weeks of age may also be imported with a confirmation of this kind if they have already been vaccinated against rabies but the 21-day waiting period has not yet elapsed (see “declaration for young animals” below under “Administration and information”). 
• The import and transit of puppies less than 56 days old is forbidden for animal welfare reasons unless they are travelling with their mother (or a wet-nurse).

• Identification
• The animals must be microchipped (in compliance with ISO standard 11784 or 11785). Dogs permanently imported into Switzerland must be registered in the national dog database by a veterinarian within 10 days of entering the country. 

• European pet passport
• The animals must be accompanied by a correctly completed pet passport. Passports issued after 29 December 2014 must be in the new format.

It is forbidden to import dogs  with docked ears and/or tails (see below under "More information"). The veterinary examination (no earlier than 48 hours before departure) must be confirmed in the official (TRACES) certificate. 

The veterinary officer in the country of origin must send an electronic TRACES notification. The cantonal authority must record the establishment of destination in Switzerland in the TRACES electronic system before the first import takes place.
Depending on the particular category of live animals or products, the applicable certificate is the TRACES version of the appropriate model provided for in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/403 (Articles 6-7 / 12-13 and Annex I). The original certificate must accompany the consignment in paper form – or also in electronic form as soon as this is technically implemented (see below “Legal framework”). 

Certain animal species are additionally subject to species conservation regulations. Please check the conservation status in the CITES species list (see below “Further information”). 

Please note that it is not possible to import all categories of animals and goods into Switzerland at all border crossing points. Please contact the customs authorities for any questions regarding customs regulations and procedures.

An animal welfare license from the Cantonal Veterinary Office is required for the keeping of wild animal species and if animals are being imported for one of the following purposes: trading, advertising, animal shows, zoos, circuses, and/or animal experiments. 

Dogs imported definitively must be registered within 10 days by a veterinarian in the central dog database. The owners must be previously recorded in the municipal resident control directories. In some cantons, keeping dogs of certain “listed breeds” is prohibited or subject to special requirements. Please contact the competent cantonal veterinary office in advance if your dog belongs to a potentially listed breed.

Special permits to import dogs or cats that do not comply with the import provisions are only issued in rare cases, e.g. if the animals cannot be vaccinated against rabies for medical reasons (stated in a veterinary certificate) (see below under "Import application").