Removals to Switzerland: Moving to Switzerland With Pets

Removals to Switzerland, even with pets, can be made so much easier with the help of a professional removal firm like Hamiltons. Hamiltons can help with all aspects of removals to Switzerland including the careful transportation of pets and horses. We provide a full range of removals to Switzerland for both domestic and commercial customers from both the UK, Europe and most international destinations and will tailor our service to suit your individual requirements.

Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service, or contact us to discuss your move.

Read on for more information on taking your pet to Switzerland with you.

Removals to Switzerland: Deciding to Take Your Pet

A pet is a big part of the family so when embarking upon removals to Switzerland many people choose to take their pet with them when they move abroad. Taking a pet abroad can take a bit of preparation and forward planning, but providing he or she is in good health, there is no reason your pet cannot be taken with you to your new home.

One factor that might affect the decision to take a pet abroad is the age of the animal and this does need to be taken into consideration. Pets aged up to 8 years old can often be insured for a move overseas but for older animals this may be more of a problem and you would need to seek an individual quote from an insurance company.

Removals to Switzerland: Taking Your Pet - The Process

Moving a pet abroad can take a lot of planning and preparation but with certain steps you can make the process as easy and as stress free for the animal as possible.

Each country has its own rules and regulations on the immigration of animals and some countries do not allow certain types of animals into their country at all. It is always wise to consult the official consulate before making arrangements to relocate a pet to a foreign country.

Here is a step-by-step guide for the process of preparing for removals to Switzerland, which includes a pet.

1. The only form of identification that the Swiss authorities recognise is a microchip, which must be implanted either before or on the day of a rabies vaccination. The microchip must be ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. If the microchip is not either of these then the animal must have its own scanner, which is fixed onto its cargo crate.
    
2. Pets need to be fully vaccinated with all injections up to date. For dogs this means Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis, (DHLPP) and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival. For cats they require Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and Rabies within the last 12 months and a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.
    
3. Pets must have visited a qualified vet prior to transportation to receive an EU Vet Health Certificate (Form ED#: 998). Once issued this certificate is valid for 10 days until the date the animal is checked at customs.
    
4. The following documentation must be sent to your local USDA for their approval and to be stamped: Microchip Implantation Record, Rabies Certificate, vets Letter and EU Vet Health Certificate.
    
5. All animals also require an International Health Certificate, which your vet should have and must be filled in within 10 days of your intended removals to Switzerland.
    
6. All of the above original documentation must travel with the pet in question.
    
7. The other documentation needed to clear customs for removals to Switzerland customers is a copy of the owner’s passport, a note from the owner’s employer if relocating for work reasons and a copy of the owner’s flight itinerary if not traveling with your pet.

Pets can now have their own passports and these guidelines primarily deal with cats and dogs so if you need to relocate a different type of animal during your removals to Switzerland then it is wise to check with the Swiss embassy online and your vet for quarantine laws.

Moving Pets to Switzerland: About Out Service

Hamiltons National and International Removals deal with all aspects of pet export and import. All areas of quarantine, paperwork and injections are dealt with swiftly to make sure your pets are moved in comfort and with the minimum of distress caused to the animal. Also by dealing with all the paperwork and customs this allows you to get on with your move abroad. Hamiltons will make sure that your pets are transported in the appropriate aircraft, which has a fully pressurised and heated hold. If you are not travelling with your pets then Hamiltons will arrange for the animal to be collected or placed in quarantine for the necessary length of time.

If you wish to transport horses to Switzerland then Hamiltons have equine experts who will travel with the animals all the way. Horses are fed and provided with water every 3 to 4 hours and unloaded to exercise every 6 to 8 hours. The safety and comfort of the horses is our top priority and we only use safe and reliable transportation for the journey

Removals to Switzerland - click here for full information on our removals to Switzerland service, or contact us to discuss your move.