Frequently asked questions: Animals travelling

The cost of transporting your pet depends on your destination and the size of the animal. If you want to carry your pet on a flight, please notify the ​​Service Centre as early as possible.

Dogs and cats can be carried in the cabin if the necessary prerequisites are fulfilled. Other animals are not permitted.

Travelling in a suitable pet carrier, your pet will travel safely in the aircraft hold.

Your pet can also be transported as cargo without you accompanying it. Some countries actually require animals to be carried in the cargo hold.

The safety and comfort of your pet is always our top priority, no matter how it travels. Your pet will either travel on the same aircraft as you or on a different one. Contact ​Swiss WorldCargo in good time at +41 44 564 5454 for further information on the booking, costs, and procedures for this service.

The international aviation authority IATA has laid down regulations for transport containers. SWISS strictly adheres to these rules for reasons of animal welfare. They define the conditions, appearance, and minimum size for transport containers.

If you fly directly into Switzerland, you will be checked by Customs at the airport. If the animal does not meet the entry requirements, it will be confiscated by the Border Veterinary Service and must be immediately returned to the country of origin. This will be at the expense of the person who brought the animal into the country.

Please check the website of the ​Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office for further information.