Anyone traveling with animals or planning to buy or sell an animal must observe a number of regulations in Switzerland. Whether dog, cat, horse, or livestock—each species has its own requirements regarding transport, registration, and documentation. At the same time, many pet owners wonder how to move their four-legged companions safely and without stress through Switzerland—whether on vacation, during a move, or when transporting them to a new owner.
To ensure animal welfare, legal certainty, and a smooth journey, it is important to familiarize yourself with Swiss regulations in advance. These include, for example, the required documents, transport requirements, reporting obligations, and possible restrictions. Good preparation not only makes traveling more relaxed, but also protects you from unpleasant surprises on the road or at the border.
If you want to travel to Switzerland, you must observe the toll regulations. Tolls can be collected in different forms, including the vignette requirement, the heavy vehicle charge (LSVA), and special toll roads. There is no distance-based toll in Switzerland. Further information about toll regulations in Switzerland can be found in our guide.
If you travel with a passenger car and a trailer, toll regulations vary depending on the trailer’s weight. A vignette for your towing vehicle (car) and a vignette for your trailer are mandatory if your trailer does not exceed 3.5 t GVW. Even if your towing vehicle weighs more than 3.5 t GVW and is therefore subject to the heavy vehicle charge, you still need a vignette for trailers up to 3.5 t GVW. If your trailer also exceeds 3.5 t GVW, it will likewise be subject to the heavy vehicle charge. You can find more information in our article on vehicle classes.
Staying in Switzerland with horses is very feasible and highly popular. Thanks to the diverse landscapes—from the Pre-Alps and wide valleys to alpine regions—there are numerous riding opportunities and correspondingly many offers: riding farms with guest stalls, long-distance riding stations, guided trekking tours, family riding holidays, and hotels or guesthouses specialized in hosting guests with horses. In many areas, riding trails are well signposted, and longer routes with overnight options can be planned.
To ensure a smooth holiday with your horse, it is worth organizing a few things well in advance. First, clarify the horse’s accommodation: whether a box stall, open stable, or paddock is available, what feed is offered, and whether sufficient grazing is possible. A secure tack room or wash area may also be important—depending on how intensively you plan to ride.
Equally important: documents and health records. The equine passport must always be carried, and it is sensible to check in advance whether the accommodation requires certain vaccinations or preventive measures.
Before departure, you should also think through your transport planning. This includes enough breaks for the horse, a route that is as stress-free as possible, and checking the trailer before setting off. It also helps to look at toll and route regulations. Through our service, you can easily and stress-free buy the digital vignette for Switzerland online—ideal if you’re traveling with a horse trailer or transporter.
On site, it’s good to know where the veterinarian, farrier, or emergency contacts are located. You should also familiarize yourself with local riding rules, nature conservation areas, and permitted riding trails in advance to avoid surprises.
There are clear rules for riding in nature: many paths may be used, but restricted zones, wildlife quiet areas, and agricultural land must be respected. Being considerate of hikers, cyclists, and grazing livestock is essential. Alpine terrain also requires extra attention: weather can change quickly, trails can be steep or rocky, and not every route is suitable for every horse. Therefore, plan tours realistically, assess your horse’s fitness and sure-footedness, and bring appropriate equipment. Overall, Switzerland offers many opportunities for riding holidays or long-distance riding—especially if you follow local rules and prepare well.
In short: good preparation, suitable accommodation, and observing regional regulations ensure that both rider and horse enjoy a relaxed and safe holiday.
If you want to sell animals in Switzerland, there are generally many options—but at the same time, legal requirements are quite strict because animal welfare has a high priority. The most important legal basis is the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG) and the Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV). They regulate how animals may be kept, transported, offered, and handed over.
First, you should clarify whether your sale is still “private” or already considered commercial. It is typically regarded as commercial if you sell animals regularly, generate income from it, or appear as a trader. In that case, you need a permit from the cantonal veterinary office and, in some cases, an officially recognized certificate of competence or training. This also applies to online trade and listings.
Animals may only be sold if they are healthy and have been kept in an animal-friendly manner. Buyers have the right not to take over sick or poorly cared-for animals. You should also clearly document the origin (e.g., breeding/origin certificates, vaccination status, treatment records). Minimum requirements for keeping and care result directly from the TSchV.
For dogs, it is forbidden to sell them without a microchip. The chip must be implanted no later than within the first three months of life—and in any case before rehoming—and the dog must be registered in the national AMICUS database. When handing the dog over, the transfer must be properly documented in the system. For cats and other pets, depending on the species there may also be identification or registration requirements (partly via ANIS/Identitas), but an obligation like for dogs does not always exist—so it’s worth checking the cantonal information sheet.
If you offer animals publicly (e.g., on websites, social media, or classifieds), you must provide certain information transparently for dogs—such as your full contact details, the dog’s country of origin, and breeding information. This is intended to prevent illegal or disreputable trade.
Important: Vertebrates may not simply be sold to minors. Persons under 16 need the explicit consent of their legal guardians.
If animals come from abroad, additional rules apply. Especially for dogs, legislation has recently been tightened to curb puppy trading—among other things regarding minimum age and traceability. So if you import animals to resell them in Switzerland, you must be particularly careful in checking whether this is permitted and which proofs are required.
Transport to the buyer must comply with animal welfare standards: enough space, protection from heat/cold, safe crates/trailers, sufficient water, and breaks on longer journeys. At handover, you should take your time, not pass the animal over hastily, and ensure that the new housing is suitable. This is also part of the duty of care under animal welfare law.
As anywhere else, when buying an animal in Switzerland it is crucial to inform yourself thoroughly beforehand and to think the decision through carefully. Pay close attention to the animal’s origin, its health condition, and of course compliance with legal requirements such as vaccinations and microchipping. In addition, buying an animal should be well considered in terms of responsibility and the costs of keeping and caring for it. Animals cannot choose where they go, and it is your duty as the new owner to provide them with the best possible life.
Illegal animal trading in Switzerland may fall under the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG), animal disease legislation, and—regarding protected species—the CITES/Species Protection Act (BGCITES). Accordingly, penalties vary.
If illegal trading is linked to animal cruelty (e.g., neglect, cruel transport, selling sick animals without care, or ignoring basic husbandry requirements), Art. 26 TSchG applies:
If, for example, animals are sold commercially without a permit, rules on handover/registration/import are violated, or animals are “placed on the market” under prohibited conditions, Art. 27 TSchG applies:
Penalties are also предусмотрmente for other violations of animal welfare rules (Art. 28 TSchG):
If it involves protected wild animals/exotic species or their products (e.g., reptiles, parrots, corals, ivory, etc.) without proper CITES documents, BGCITES applies.
Regardless of the penalty framework, authorities may, among other things:
We wish you and your animals a pleasant trip to Switzerland. Don’t forget to inform yourself about the country’s toll regulations. More information about tolls can be found in our guide. If you would like to learn more about border crossings or about vehicle classes in Switzerland, feel free to check our guide as well. You can also use our route planner to plan your trip better and see relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we’re happy to help. Contact us via our e-mail.
