Importing and exporting pets in Switzerland: different requirements for travel and sale
The requirements for private travel with a dog, cat or ferret differ from those for transporting an animal when ownership changes.
The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen (BLV), provides guidance on travelling with small pets that covers entering Switzerland, leaving the country and transiting through it. It applies to the non-commercial transport of dogs, cats and ferrets by private individuals. (BLV – Travelling with pets)
Sale and change of ownership
If transporting the animal involves a sale or change of ownership, stricter commercial requirements apply. Such transport should therefore not be treated simply as private travel with a pet. (BLV – Export of animals and animal products to the EU)
What else do pet owners need to check?
Selecting the appropriate official guidance is a useful starting point for preparations. Three questions should be clarified:
What type of animal is being transported?
Is the animal being taken to Switzerland, taken out of Switzerland, or merely transported through the country?
Does the transport involve a sale or change of ownership?
The two BLV guidance documents should be used according to the nature of the travel or transport.
Sources
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In Brief
The Swiss BLV (Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office) guidance applies to the non-commercial entry, exit and transit of dogs, cats and ferrets. If the transport involves a sale or change of ownership, stricter commercial requirements apply.
Key Takeaways
- The BLV guidance applies to the non-commercial transport of dogs, cats and ferrets.
- The rules cover entry into Switzerland, departure from the country and transit through it.
- Stricter commercial requirements apply to transport involving a sale or change of ownership.
- When preparing, clarify the type of animal, the route and whether a sale or change of ownership is involved.
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