so i have been busy with importing my cat (fully grown, pedigree) from south africa to here.
he is arriving in July, and i thought to share the procedure that I needed to do in order to comply with swiss laws.
bear in mind that the cat is flying solo (not with a passenger)
FSVO permit took the longest, but its a very simple process when you know what to do...
For the accompanied entry into Switzerland from a rabies risk country, the animal (dog, cat or ferret) requires the following:
· Microchip
The microchip must conform to ISO standard 11784 and must be readable with a reader as specified in ISO standard 11785, i.e. a so-called euro chip, which contains only numbers and no asterisks (*). Otherwise, you must make sure you carry a suitable reader with you.
· Valid rabies vaccination
A rabies vaccination can only be recognized as valid if the microchip was implanted before the vaccination. The rabies vaccination is not valid if it is carried out before the animal has reached the age of 12 weeks.
· Blood analysis
A blood sample must be taken from the animal no sooner than 30 days after the rabies vaccination (but within the validity period of the vaccination). This sample must undergo analysis for rabies antibodies. This analysis must be carried out in a laboratory approved by the EU. A list of approved laboratories can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/live...pproval_en.htm
The blood analysis is followed by a further waiting period of 3 months until entry into Switzerland is possible, provided the result is at least 0.5 IU/mL.
· Veterinary certificate and declaration of ownership
Must be issued by the official veterinarian responsible or the authorities responsible in the country of origin. The model veterinary certificate and declaration of ownership can be found via the following link: http://www.blv.admin.ch/themen/04670...x.html?lang=en
· FSVO import permit
To enter Switzerland via a Swiss airport, a permit issued by the FSVO is required. To obtain a permit, you must send the following documents to the FSVO before your departure: a copy of the laboratory report on the blood analysis, microchip certificate with date of implantation, certificate of rabies vaccinations and the application form (obtainable at http://www.blv.admin.ch/themen/04670...x.html?lang=en ). The permit costs CHF40. This fee is collected by customs upon entry.
We draw your attention to the fact that, if the animal does not fly with the owner in the passenger cabin, but is carried in the hold, it is absolutely essential to make sure the animal is checked in as “AVI in Hold” or “Excess baggage” . This makes it clear for all parties involved (airline, border veterinarians and customs) that the animal is accompanied by the owner, which simplifies entry.