Hi - this may have been asked before but I couldn't find the exact response.
Here is the situation: We moved Dec 31 and used a pet moving company to bring our dog through Swiss customs. So all was fine there. However, our relocation agent told us the 10 day vet visit was not necessary since this was done. Is this true? Also, she told responsibility for registering our dog with the local authorities since she said it can be done online. But I have yet to get proof its been done.
If we were supposed to bring him to the vet right away, and/or if he was not registered properly in Zurich any idea what happens next?
We imported our dog when we moved to Zurich in 2011. Assuming your dog cleared the vetenary station at the customers office (basically a check of the certified paperwork from your US vet that all necessary Swiss vaccination requirements had been met prior to importing), you are fine. If that is not the case, then a visit to the vet it recommended. That said, your dog would not have gained entry if such paperwork had not been checked at customs.
You will need to register your dog. Your dog must also be tagged/chipped. You may also be required to take a Canton approved course on responsible dog ownership.
We have an awesome dog care/walking service in Zurich. They could advise you on the dog ownership course. PM me and I'll send along their details.
Do you have the pet passport with the chip ID number? If yes you can register your dog at the local Gemeinde / Commune office.
Then you should visit the local vet and get the dog put onto the Swiss data base.
As a dog owner there are many things you must to do,
Federal Dog Control Legislation
Thanks both. I do have all of the necessary vet records with microchip noted but do not have a pet passport. Looks like I will be taking him to the vet.
Thanks!
The trip to the vet is to register them with ANIS database. If your dog mover gave you an ANIS confirmation, then you are set there. The second part, you can get to form to register the dog with the local police online (to mail in) and then they send you a hefty bill for your dog taxes. Here is for Zurich:
https://www.stadt-zuerich.ch/pd/de/i...lle/taxi0.html
I havent found the form in english, but it if you need a translator there are plenty around
If your dog is registered with ANIS, you will receive a confirmation letter from them with your account and pin numbers. (My recent mutt was registered on 3 January, I just received the confirmation letter today, FWIW.)
If you don't have this letter, call ANIS ( www.anis.ch ) give them the chip number, and ask the status of your dog's registration. They are very helpful folks and will advise you what to do next.
It would be odd that the transport company did the ANIS registration - first time registration is supposed to be done by a vet. But who knows, we've seen all sorts...
If in doubt, if you have further problems, see your vet, he/she will take care of the bureaucracy for you. (Cost of ANIS registration is 20-40, usually rolled into an initial consultation visit - total usually under 100.) You'll want to get to know a vet anyway, an introductory visit is always recommended.
Don't stress about the 10 day thing - just follow up on the registration both, ANIS and at the Gemeinde/Polizei. And make sure you understand which training classes (federal, cantonal) you are required to do.
And enjoy your Swiss adventure - always more fun shared with a four footed friend!
ETA:
If you don't yet have a passport, your vet will give you one. There is a new format from 1 Jan 2015, do make sure you get the new version.