Pet Transport Switzerland to Brazil: SWISS Nonstop and a Straightforward MAPA Process
If you are relocating a pet from Switzerland to Brazil, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. Allow around 4-8 weeks. The requirements are modest compared with stricter destinations. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Switzerland to Brazil
typically takes around 4-8 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Switzerland to Brazil import process
01
Before any rabies vaccination is given.
Confirm or implant ISO microchip
Responsible: Swiss veterinarian
02
If first-time, allow the mandatory 30-day wait before travel. A current booster does not restart this clock.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Swiss veterinarian
03
Between 1 and 15 days before arrival in Brazil.
Antiparasitic treatment (dogs only)
Responsible: Swiss veterinarian
04
At least 3 to 4 weeks before travel, earlier in July and August.
Book SWISS Cargo or an alternative carrier
Responsible: Owner or agent
05
Within 10 days of arrival in Brazil. Allow a week for cantonal endorsement appointments.
Obtain the FSVO or cantonal-endorsed CVI
Responsible: Swiss veterinarian and cantonal office
06
On arrival, at the cargo terminal.
MAPA inspection on arrival at GRU
Responsible: MAPA
Requirements
Brazil entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required, inactivated vaccine. For a first-time vaccination, MAPA requires a 30-day wait before the pet is eligible for entry.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Brazil does not ask for a FAVN titre test from pets arriving from Switzerland.
Quarantine
No mandatory quarantine for dogs and cats with complete, correct documentation on arrival.
Import permit
Not required for personal pets travelling with their owner.
Health certificate
CVI (Certificado Veterinario Internacional) in MAPA format, issued by the origin vet and endorsed by the FSVO or cantonal office. Valid 10 days from the endorsement date.
Leaving Switzerland
Export requirements
Export permit
Not required for personal pet dogs and cats. The FSVO-endorsed health certificate is the export document.
Health certificate
Official health certificate issued by an FSVO-authorised veterinarian and endorsed by the cantonal veterinary office or the FSVO directly. New certificate templates under the Animal Health Law framework apply from 22 April 2026, though the previous templates remain acceptable until 31 March 2027.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Vaccinations and vet consultation: CHF 100 to CHF 280
CVI issuance and cantonal or FSVO endorsement: CHF 60 to CHF 180
Antiparasitic treatment: CHF 25 to CHF 90
IATA-compliant travel crate: CHF 110 to CHF 480
SWISS Cargo fees, Zurich to Sao Paulo: CHF 750 to CHF 2,400
Pet transport agent fee: CHF 400 to CHF 1,100
Total typical range: CHF 1,045-4,530 over a 4 to 8 week window
Critical points
The 10-day CVI validity runs from the endorsement date, not the vet visit. Book the cantonal appointment so it lands close to your SWISS departure.
SWISS operates only six flights a week on this route. Cargo space fills quickly around the southern hemisphere summer (December to February), when demand from Swiss residents relocating to Brazil peaks.
Dogs need antiparasitic treatment recorded on the certificate 1 to 15 days before arrival. Cats are currently exempt from this specific requirement.
A first-time rabies vaccination triggers a genuine 30-day wait before MAPA will admit the pet. There is no way to shorten this.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
SWISS International Air Lines
The only carrier flying nonstop between Zurich (ZRH) and Sao Paulo Guarulhos (GRU). Six flights a week on a Boeing 777, roughly 11 hours 45 minutes. SWISS Cargo handles live animal bookings for this sector.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
ZRH via Frankfurt (FRA) to GRU. A short first leg followed by Lufthansa's established Latin America freight network.
Cargo Only
LATAM Cargo
ZRH via Madrid or another European hub to GRU. LATAM's South American network gives flexibility on the final leg into Brazil.
Cargo Only
Air France Cargo
ZRH via Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to GRU. A useful alternative if SWISS direct capacity is full on your travel date.
Cargo Only
How Brazil handles incoming pets
Brazil keeps its import requirements relatively light, which makes preparing easier. Even so, the basics still need to be right and in the correct order.
What experienced owners do
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. There is no mandatory quarantine for dogs and cats from Switzerland provided the microchip, rabies vaccination, antiparasitic treatment record (for dogs) and FSVO-endorsed CVI are all in order. MAPA carries out a documentary and health inspection at Guarulhos, not a quarantine hold.
No. Brazil does not require a FAVN titre test from Swiss-origin pets. This is a genuine difference from destinations such as the UK or Japan, where a titre test and long waiting period apply. A current rabies vaccination and the standard 30-day wait for first-time vaccinations is all MAPA asks for.
Six a week, on a Boeing 777, at just under 12 hours flight time. It is the only nonstop service on this city pair, so book cargo space as soon as your travel date is fixed, particularly for departures in the Swiss summer holiday period.
No import permit is required for a personal pet travelling with its owner. The CVI, endorsed by the FSVO or cantonal office within 10 days of arrival, is the document MAPA checks on entry.
MAPA can refuse entry or hold the pet at the owner’s cost until a compliant certificate is produced. Work backwards from your SWISS departure date: book the cantonal endorsement appointment so it falls within the 10-day window that ends on your Brazil arrival date.
Mostly the same. Both need the ISO microchip, current rabies vaccination and endorsed CVI. The one difference is the antiparasitic treatment against ticks and fleas, which Brazil currently requires for dogs only, not cats.
Airline guides
SWISS International Air Lines
Lufthansa Cargo
LATAM Cargo
Air France Cargo
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.