Regulations for the transportation of your animal

When in Rome...

The rules and regulations for travelling by air with animals differ from country to country. It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure all necessary documents have been issued and authorities contacted. 

Limited transportation / embargo

All destinations: The maximum number of animals allowed to be transported per person is two (regardless of whether the animals travel in the cabin or in hold). Dogs and cats may travel only once they have reached the age of 12 weeks. For flights from / to USA animals must have reached the age of 6 months. The embargoes listed below refer to travel starting from Zurich (Switzerland). If you start your journey in another country, these guidelines may differ. In this case, please inform yourself about the applicable regulations at an early stage.

• Costa Rica – For the transport of animals you need a stamp of the official authority "SENASA". Futhermore, the Veterinary Health Certificate must be filled out in advance. In San José, someone from SENASA is available at the airport every day, in Liberia only from Monday to Friday.
• England (Newquay) – An embargo on all types of animal transportation is in place.
• Iceland – There is an embargo on the transport of animals of any kind (exception: on flights from Reykjavik/Keflavik to Zurich and from Akureyri to Zurich, animals may be carried in the cargo hold). Further information on importing live animals can be found on the MAST website.
  
• Ireland – An embargo on all types of animal transportation is in place (exception: on flights from Cork to Zurich, it is possible to take animals in the cabin).
• Maldives– An embargo on all types of animal transportation is in place.
• Marsa Alam (Egypt) – An embargo on all types of animal transportation is in place.
• Mauritius – Animals to Mauritius may only be transported as cargo.
• Oman – Strict transport restrictions apply. Please consult www.customs.gov.om for more information. Futhermore, the Veterinary Health Certificate must be filled out in advance. 
• Scotland (Edinburgh) – All animals to Edinburgh must be booked as cargo through Extrordinair.
• Seychelles (Mahé) – An embargo on all types of animal transportation is in place.
• South Africa (Cape Town) – Animals to Cape Town may only be transported as cargo.
• Sri Lanka (Colombo) - For the transportation of cats and dogs a "Pre-Clearance Approval" is required. - Instructions
• USA (Denver, Las Vegas and Tampa) - Due to new restrictions on the entry of dogs into the USA, their transport is not possible from 01 August 2024 until further notice. Transporting animals as air freight is still possible, please contact a pet carrier. The transport of assistance dogs is still possible in compliance with the new regulations. Further information on the new CDC regulations can be found at here.

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Travelling in the Cabin

Only dogs and cats weighing up to a maximum of 8 kg including the pet carrier may travel in the cabin. If your pet is travelling in the cabin, it must do so in a waterproof soft container (maximum dimensions 55 x 40 x 23 cm) with adequate circulation.

The container must be closed whilst on board and your pet's head must stay within the pet container. The animal is not allowed to leave the container during your stay on board. The container must be stowed under your seat for the duration of the flight. The nature of the seats on the Airbus 340 makes this impossible in Business Class. The crew will put the transport container in the wardrobe, in an overhead locker, or under an Economy Class seat for takeoff and landing. Please note that a passenger travelling with an animal may never, for safety reasons, be seated in a bulkhead or emergency exit seat. If you want to take your pet in the cabin with you, it is essential that you book this in advance, up to 4 days before your departure, through our service center via +41848333593.

Due to an IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulation for the transport of live animals, a confirmation is needed as from February 1, 2023 that the animal meets the requirements mentioned. Please present two copies of the fully completed and signed form at the check-in desk. This applies to all cats and dogs (including service dogs) transported in the cabin.

Transportation of Animals in the Passenger Cabin

Service Dogs

Since 01 March 2021, only trained service dogs are accepted for cabin transportation on Edelweiss flights.

Emotional support dogs are no longer classified as service dogs. We will therefore no longer accept new bookings of emotional support dogs as of this date. They may still travel as pets, in either a suitable container for transportation in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on the size and weight, against a fee.

Service Dog

The Right Pet Carrier

Do take the greatest possible care when purchasing the suitable transport carrier for your pet. Remember that you are taking your pet out of its normal environment, and that might cause it to feel stressed. Tip: It is a good idea to try and get your pet accustomed to its carrier before you travel.

Transport Carrier in the Hold

You as the owner of the animal are responsible for paying to rent or purchase the suitable pet carrier. Transport boxes are available from the Swissport Supervisor desk in Zurich or from any good pet shop. No more than two animals, that are of comparable size and weighing 14kg or less each, may be transported in the same kennel. They must be able to stand, lie down and move in the crate.We recommend checking in at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.

Transportation of Fighting Dogs

We classify the following breeds of dog as fighting dogs, including crossbreeds: American Bulldog, American Bully (fundamentally prohibited due to potential snub-nosed characteristic), Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd), Dogo Argentino, Karabash (Kangal Dog, Anatolian Shepherd), Rottweiler

They may only fly in the hold and in a designated transport container that meets the criteria below. This does not apply to fighting dogs aged between three and six months.

• The box may not have any plastic elements.
• The box must be made exclusively out of: wood, metal, synthetic materials, welded wire mesh and wire mesh.
• The door must have a secure lock that cannot be opened by accident. The lock must be made exclusively out of: heavy-duty wire mesh, metal or reinforced wood.
• The frame, sides, base, topside and door of the transport container must meet additional requirements. Please consult the ‘Transport container for fighting dogs’ diagram below:

Regulations for snub-nosed animals

Snub-nosed breeds of dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to temperatures and transport stress. Your pet could suffer health problems or even die during the journey. For this reason, SWISS excludes these breeds from carriage in the hold.

This restriction also applies to crossbreeds of the breeds listed above.