Cats in Switzerland: rules and travel

There is no national cat registration; AMICUS covers dogs only.[1]

A chip is not compulsory for cats nationally. The National Council rejected a motion for compulsory cat chipping 108 to 80 on 6 May 2025. Some cantons have taken up the issue, and a chip is needed to bring a cat into Switzerland.[2]

No national cat tax was found; the dog tax has no equivalent for cats.[1]

The pet needs a microchip (applied before the rabies vaccination), a valid rabies vaccination (first dose from 12 weeks, effective 21 days later) and normally a recognised pet passport. Maximum 5 pets per private vehicle. Entry checks are compulsory at the red customs exit.[3]

Rules depend on whether the country is a rabies risk country on the BLV list. Basic requirements are a microchip before the rabies vaccination, a valid vaccination and a vet certificate from the exporting authority (or a Swiss or EU passport if the pet already meets the rules). Risk countries need a rabies antibody test, longer waits, and the pet must be at least 7 months old; direct flights also need a BLV import permit.[3]

Required for pets from rabies risk countries, tested at a recognised laboratory; pets from such countries must be at least 7 months old.[3]

The BLV page lists no quarantine; animals with missing documents can be refused at the border.[3]