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Pet Movement
Legislation

Country of Destination

Pet Movement Legislation

Country of Departure

Pet Transport from Switzerland to the USA
– Requirements & Documents

Bringing a Pet from Switzerland to the United States

Switzerland is classified by the CDC as a rabies-controlled country. Therefore, pets arriving from Switzerland do not need to undergo titer testing or quarantine before entry into the USA.

  • Dogs must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
  • A microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
  • The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 28 days prior to travel.
  • Proof of vaccination is mandatory — a Pet Passport issued in Switzerland is accepted if completed properly in English, or a separate veterinary certificate can be provided.
  • Fill out the CDC Dog Import Form before travel (dogs only).
  • 👉 Instructions for completing the CDC Dog Import Form can be found here.

Microchipping

For Dogs and Cats: A microchip is required and must meet ISO 11784/11785 standards. It must be implanted prior to the rabies vaccination.


Rabies Vaccination (Dogs)

All dogs entering the USA from Switzerland must have a valid rabies vaccination.

  • The dog must be at least six months old when entering the USA.
  • The rabies vaccine must be administered a minimum of 28 days before arrival.

Rabies Vaccination for Cats

While not required by federal law in the United States, rabies vaccination for cats is legally required in several U.S. states and municipalities. Because these local rules frequently change, tracking every jurisdiction's regulations is challenging.

To avoid unnecessary delays or complications, we strongly recommend vaccinating your cat against rabies prior to departure.


Fit-to-Fly Certificate

Highly recommended. This certificate should include details of internal parasite treatment performed within 24 to 120 hours before arrival. It helps prevent delays due to conflicting customs interpretations.

🛑 Important: If Your Dog Recently Arrived in Switzerland from a High-Risk Country

If your dog has been in Switzerland for less than six months prior to traveling to the USA, the CDC may still require it to meet the entry rules for the previous country it came from — especially if that country is classified as high-risk for rabies.

Check the requirements based on your dog’s previous country of residence here.

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