Bringing Your Pet to Zurich, Step by Step
Relocating a pet to Zurich involves navigating Switzerland’s pet travel requirements, which mirror the EU’s rules, from microchipping and rabies vaccination to the right health certificate. Starwood Pet Travel handles every step of this process for you. We coordinate with airlines, ground handlers, and Swiss border officials to make sure your dog or cat arrives safely and on schedule.
Whether you’re moving to Zurich for work, relocating your family, or planning an extended stay in Switzerland, our team manages the logistics so you can focus on the move itself.
Airports Serving Zurich
Recommended
CPH
Scandinavia's largest airport and SAS's main hub
- Distance from city center5 miles (8 km)
- Live animal cargo facilityYes, a designated Traveller's Point of Entry for pets
- Direct flights from US hubsYes, from multiple major hubs
- Best forMost pet relocations to Copenhagen
BLL
Billund, in central Jutland
- Distance from city center160 miles (260 km)
- Live animal cargo facilityYes, a designated Traveller's Point of Entry for pets
- Direct flights from US hubsNo
- Best forRelocations to western Denmark
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Why airport choice matters
Zurich Airport sits just north of the city and has nonstop service from several US hubs, so most pets can land close to their new home without a European connection. Geneva is a much longer drive and offers fewer US routes. Starwood routes most Zurich relocations directly into ZRH, choosing a nonstop flight whenever the airline and schedule allow, or a connection through a major European hub when that’s the safer option for your pet.
Traveling to or from Zurich with Pets
What Are the Requirements to Bring My Pet to Zurich?
Switzerland isn’t an EU member, but it follows the same pet travel rules and uses the same EU health certificates. Getting the steps in the right order is what lets pets enter without quarantine. For full country-level requirements, see our Switzerland Pet Relocation Guide.
It starts with a microchip that meets ISO 11784/11785 standards. The chip must be implanted and scanned before the rabies vaccination, or the vaccine won’t count. Your pet then needs a rabies vaccination, followed by a wait of at least 21 days. Some vaccine manufacturers require 30 days. For pets vaccinated in the US, a first rabies shot is treated as valid for only one year, even if it’s a three-year vaccine. Pets traveling from the United States don’t need a rabies antibody blood test.
The final piece is the health certificate. A USDA-accredited veterinarian issues it, and the USDA endorses it. For Switzerland, the USDA must ink-sign and emboss the certificate, so the original paper document has to travel with your pet. New non-commercial certificates took effect October 1, 2026, and new commercial certificates take effect October 17, 2026.
Switzerland also bans the import of dogs with cropped ears or docked tails. There’s an exception for dogs brought in as part of a household move, but owners should confirm the paperwork with our team well before booking.
Commercial vs. non-commercial pet travel to Zurich
Your pet can travel under a non-commercial certificate if both of these apply:
- You’re on the same flight, or someone you authorize travels with your pet within five days of your own trip.
- You’re moving five or fewer pets.
A commercial certificate is required if no owner or authorized person can travel with the pet, if you’re moving six or more pets, or if the pet is changing owners.
Here’s the reassuring part: when these steps are completed correctly and in sequence, quarantine is not required. Pets that arrive with missing or incorrect paperwork can be quarantined or refused entry at the owner’s expense. This is exactly why timing and sequencing matter, and it’s where working with a pet relocation specialist makes the most difference.
Which Airport Should I Fly My Pet Into, and What Happens on Arrival?
Zurich Airport (ZRH) is the right choice for nearly every Zurich relocation. It sits about 5.5 miles north of the city center. Geneva Airport (GVA) is roughly a three-hour drive away and only makes sense for moves to western Switzerland.
On arrival, your pet’s microchip and health certificate are checked. Pets flying as cargo must also clear customs before they can be collected. Starwood coordinates clearance through our handling partners, so your pet moves from the aircraft to your new home as quickly as possible.
What Airlines Fly Pets to Zurich, and How Should I Choose a Route?
SWISS, Switzerland’s national airline, is based at Zurich. American and Delta also fly nonstop to Zurich from several US hubs. Not every airline accepts pets as cargo.
The right route depends on your departure city, travel dates, your pet’s breed and size, and seasonal temperature restrictions. Snub-nosed breeds, for example, face extra airline limits. Starwood compares the options and books the safest, most direct routing available for your pet.
If you have a bully or guarding breed, check with our team before anything else. The Canton of Zurich bans owning, breeding, or bringing into the canton any dog on its “Rassetypenliste II.” That includes moving to Zurich with one:
- American Bull Terrier
- American Bully
- American Bully XXL
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Pocket Bully
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Bandog
- Basicdog
- Bull Terrier
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler (since January 1, 2025)
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Swiss Blue Bully
- Swiss Champagner Bully
The canton notes that this list isn’t exhaustive.
Since June 1, 2025, Zurich also requires every dog to complete a practical training course of at least six lessons. Owners who have never had a dog, or haven’t had one in more than ten years, must also pass a theory course.
How Long Does the Process Take, and What Does It Cost?
For pets coming from the US, the minimum timeline is about 21 to 30 days after the rabies vaccination, depending on the vaccine. We recommend starting two to three months before your move. That leaves time for vet appointments, USDA endorsement, airline bookings, and seasonal restrictions.
Cost depends on your pet's size, departure city, and routing. Use our cost calculator to get an estimate.
Why Choose Starwood for Pet Travel to Zurich?
Starwood Pet Travel is an IATA-certified international pet relocation company and part of IVC Evidensia. Moving a pet to Switzerland comes with specific challenges:
- New health certificates
- Original ink USDA endorsement
- Swiss import rules on cropped and docked dogs
- One of Europe’s strictest cantonal breed bans
Our team handles all of it, from vet coordination and USDA paperwork to airline booking, customs clearance, and delivery to your door.
Whether you’re moving to Zurich for work, relocating your family, or planning an extended stay in Switzerland, we manage the logistics so you can focus on the move itself.
Ready to start your pet's journey to Zurich? Request a free quote.
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