Moving with Pets: A Complete Guide for Switzerland

Moving with pets in Switzerland

A move can be a source of significant stress for your pets. A change of environment, unfamiliar noises, disrupted routines — our four-legged (or finned) companions are particularly sensitive to these upheavals. If you are planning a residential move, it is essential to anticipate your animals’ specific needs.

This guide covers all common species kept in Switzerland — dogs, cats, small pets (NAC), fish — with the relevant Swiss regulations, safe transport advice and techniques for settling into the new home. Remember to consult our moving checklist so you do not miss any step.

Swiss regulations for animals

Dogs: legal obligations

Switzerland has strict regulations regarding dogs. When moving, here are your obligations:

Registration and identification

• All dogs must be fitted with a microchip (mandatory since 2006)
• Registration in the national AMICUS database (amicus.ch)
• When moving: update your address in AMICUS within 10 days. For all administrative formalities, see our guide to changing your address in Switzerland
• Register with your new municipality of residence

Annual dog tax

The dog tax varies considerably from one municipality to another:

Breeds subject to authorisation: certain cantons (Zurich, Fribourg, Valais, Geneva, etc.) maintain lists of breeds considered potentially dangerous. Check the regulations of the new canton before moving. A keeping permit may be required, with conditions (behaviour test, muzzle in public places).

Liability insurance: strongly recommended (mandatory in certain cantons such as Zurich). Cost: approximately 50 to 150 CHF/year depending on the breed and coverage.

Cats: few formal obligations

• No mandatory registration in Switzerland (no compulsory national register)
• Microchip recommended but not legally required
• Check the house rules of the new property: some buildings prohibit or limit cat ownership
• Liability insurance: generally covered by your personal liability insurance

Small pets (NAC)

Switzerland has particularly protective legislation on animal welfare (TSchG — Federal Act on Animal Protection):

Safe transport on moving day

Dogs

• Travel with your dog in your own vehicle (not in the removal truck)
• Use an approved safety harness or a secured transport crate
• Bring fresh water and plan regular breaks (every 2 hours for long journeys)
• Never leave your dog alone in the car, especially in warm weather
• Keep the vaccination record and pet passport within easy reach
• Walk your dog before departure so it is calm during the journey

Cats

• A secure transport carrier is essential (closed, ventilated, comfortable)
• Place a cloth with familiar scent inside the carrier
• Do not let the cat loose in the car (accident risk)
• Partially cover the carrier with a cloth to reduce visual stress
• Avoid feeding the cat 2-3 hours before the journey (risk of nausea)
• Bring a travel litter tray for long journeys
• Never give a sedative without a veterinary prescription

Small pets

• Hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits: transport carrier with bedding, hay and water. Protect from draughts and extreme temperatures
• Birds: covered transport cage, maintain a stable temperature (18-24°C)
• Reptiles: insulated box with heat/cold pack as appropriate for the species. Transport quickly and directly
• Ferrets: secure transport carrier, travel litter tray

Fish

Transporting fish requires special preparation:

1. 24 hours before: stop feeding the fish (reduces water pollution during transport)
2. On the day: place the fish in transport bags filled one-third with water and two-thirds with air (or oxygen for long journeys)
3. Insulate the bags thermally in a cool box or insulated carton
4. Transport aggressive species separately
5. The aquarium: empty it completely, keep some of the existing water and the substrate damp to preserve beneficial bacteria
6. Set up the aquarium first in the new home and acclimatise the fish gradually

Maximum recommended transport time:

• Tropical fish: 6 to 8 hours maximum
• Cold-water fish: 12 hours maximum
• Beyond this: risk of stress, ammonia build-up and loss

Settling into the new home

Dogs

Dogs generally adapt well to a new home, especially if their owner is present and calm.

The first few days:

• Set up their belongings (bed, bowls, toys) as soon as you arrive
• Explore the neighbourhood together: regular walks to establish new landmarks
• Maintain routines: mealtimes, walks, playtime
• Increase quality time: more cuddles, games, attention
• Do not leave them alone for too long in the first few days (risk of separation anxiety)

Signs of stress: excessive barking, destructive behaviour, house soiling, compulsive licking, loss of appetite. If these signs persist for more than 2 weeks, consult your vet.

Cats

Cats are territorial animals that bond with their environment more than with their owners. A move is therefore particularly unsettling for them.

Before the move:

• Start diffusing calming pheromones (Feliway) 2 weeks before the move

The first few days:

• Initial confinement: set the cat up in a single room with its belongings (litter tray, bowls, scratching post, hiding spot). Let it acclimatise gradually
• Open other rooms one at a time, over several days
• Do not let it outside for at least 3 to 4 weeks for outdoor cats (risk of returning to the old home)
• Keep windows closed or fitted with safety nets
• Keep the litter tray in the same place once chosen
• Place scent markers: rub a cloth on the cat’s cheeks and wipe it on furniture at cat height

Outdoor cats — resuming outings:

• After 3-4 weeks of indoor acclimatisation, let them out just before a meal (motivation to return)
• First outings should be short and supervised
• Fit a collar with tag (address and phone number) in addition to the microchip
• Inform the neighbours of your arrival and your cat

Small pets

• Rodents: set up the cage in a quiet spot, away from draughts and noise. Do not change the bedding for the first few days to preserve familiar scents
• Birds: partially cover the cage to create a safe zone. Maintain the usual light/dark rhythm
• Reptiles: check the terrarium has reached the correct temperatures before returning the animal. Monitor humidity levels
• Fish: carry out a gradual acclimatisation (drip method) when returning them to the aquarium

Finding a new vet

As soon as you arrive, identify a local veterinary practice:

• Check the directory of the Swiss Veterinary Association (GST/SVS) at gstsvs.ch
• Ask for recommendations from neighbours or local online groups
• Transfer your animal’s medical records (vaccinations, ongoing treatments, history)
• Book a check-up appointment within the month following the move
• Identify the nearest emergency veterinary services (night and weekend cover)

International moves with animals

If you are leaving Switzerland or arriving with animals, additional formalities apply. See our dedicated page on international moving for logistical details.

To EU/EEA countries

• Pet passport (issued by a vet): mandatory for dogs, cats and ferrets
• Rabies vaccination up to date (at least 21 days before travel)
• Microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785
• No quarantine required

To the United Kingdom (post-Brexit)

• Health certificate issued by an official vet (less than 10 days before travel)
• Rabies vaccination up to date
• Tapeworm treatment between 24 and 120 hours before arrival (dogs only)
• Microchip mandatory

To non-EU countries

Requirements vary considerably. Contact the embassy of the destination country at least 3 to 6 months before the move. Some countries require:

• Rabies antibody titre test (blood test, results in 4-6 weeks)
• Quarantine on arrival (Australia: 10 days, Japan: up to 180 days)
• CITES certificate for protected species
• A specific import permit

To Switzerland (arriving from abroad)

• Dogs and cats: EU pet passport or health certificate, rabies vaccination, microchip
• Dogs: customs declaration, AMICUS registration, registration with the municipality
• Small pets: check import restrictions (certain species are prohibited in Switzerland)
• Tropical fish: in principle no formalities for small quantities for personal use

Air transport with animals

Airlines departing from Switzerland: Swiss accepts animals in the cabin (small breeds) and in the hold. Check the specific conditions of each airline. Certain brachycephalic breeds (bulldog, pug) are refused in the hold due to respiratory risks.

Budget for moving with pets

For a personalised estimate including pet transport, request a free quote.

Frequently asked questions