With SWISS, you can take your pet along on all routes. Right next to you in the cabin or under cabin conditions in the cargo section of the aircraft. Enjoy your flight together with your best friend.
Animal transport by air is subject to laws and regulations that differ substantially from country to country. Present all the original documents required for the transport (import, export and transit papers, health and vaccination certificates) and book the transport of your pet with SWISS in advance. If the animal has not had the required vaccinations, then the owner is responsible for the return flights both of the animal and the owner.
Transport in the cabin
The following pets are allowed in the cabin
- Dogs and cats
- Animals with protection or assistance functions, e.g. guide dogs for persons with impaired vision.
Prerequisites for transport in the cabin
- Clean, healthy, not dangerous, no odour.
- Not pregnant.
- Does not disturb passengers.
- Weighs no more than 8 kg, including travel box.
- Is kept in a clean, leak-proof, escape-proof, scratch-proof, soft container. The pet has enough room in the container. It is not allowed to move about freely on board.
- The container has a maximum combined length, width and height of 115 cm.
- The container remains stowed away under your seat for the duration of the entire fligh
Note: Due to the structure of the seats, it is not possible to stow away the pet under your seat in the First and Business Class sections of the Airbus 330/340. In this case, the container can be placed in the wardrobe, baggage compartment or maybe under a seat in the Economy Class for take-off and landing.
There are no size or weight restrictions for dogs that perform a protective or support function; they will travel in the cabin for no extra charge and without a container.
Transport in the cargo section
In as suitable container, your pet can travel safely in the cargo section of the aircraft. Temperature and air pressure are similar to the situation in the cabin. It is not possible to visit the pet during the flight. At SWISS, you check in together with your pet. SWISS will provide you with all the information you need regarding booking, costs and check-in procedures for your pet.
Prerequisites for transport in the cargo section:
- Clean, healthy, not dangerous, no odour
- Not pregnant
- Travels in a suitable container or transport cage (Pet Pack), has enough food and water for the duration of the trip
Transport as freight
For many destinations, this form of transport offers a cheaper alternative to transport in the cargo section. To SWISS, the safety and comfort of your pet has top priority even in this form of transport. Your pet may travel on the same aircraft as yourself or another one. For more information on the booking, costs and procedures for this service, contact Swiss WorldCargo at phone number +41 44 564 54 54
Swiss WorldCargo 
Guidelines for transport containers
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defined guidelines for your pet’s well-being. In the interest of the animals, SWISS adheres to these definitions for quality, kind and minimum size. Please affix the IATA label “Live Animals” to the container.
Traveling to Switzerland with your dogs and cats
If you fly into Switzerland directly, you will be checked by Customs at the airport. A fee of CHF 88 is charged for this Customs check. If the animals do not meet the entry requirements, they will be confiscated by the Border Veterinary Service and must be returned immediately to their country of origin at the expense of the person bringing the animals into the country. If a return is not possible within 10 days, the animals must be put down.
Please check the website of the Swiss federal veterinary office for complete information.
