Expatriation to Liechtenstein: Travel with Your Pets

Published on October 22, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Liechtenstein with Your Pet

Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but when it comes to bringing along your four-legged companions, the challenge can quickly become complex and intimidating.

Although Liechtenstein is a small country in the heart of Europe, a successful arrival still requires good preparation and knowledge of specific animal regulations.

This article covers the essential steps to ensure a smooth transition for you and your pets, providing practical tips to facilitate this crucial stage of your expatriation.

Discover how to best prepare to make this life change equally enjoyable for your faithful companions.

Administrative and Health Procedures for Importing Animals to Liechtenstein

Administrative Procedures for Importing Pets to Liechtenstein

To import a pet (dog, cat, or ferret) to Liechtenstein, several administrative and health procedures are required to ensure compliance with local and European legislation.

Required Documents:

• Pet passport compliant with European standards, certifying identification and mandatory vaccinations.
• Veterinary health certificate, issued by an official veterinarian from the country of origin. This certificate must be recent (generally less than 10 days before entry).
• ISO 11784/11785 microchip, mandatory for all dogs, cats, and ferrets; the number must appear in all documents.
• For imports from non-EU listed third countries: valid result of the rabies serological test (antibody titration), conducted at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and three months before travel.

Required Document	Detail
Pet Passport	Identification & Vaccines
Health Certificate	Issued by Amt für Lebensmittelkontrolle und Veterinärwesen (ALKVW) – Official Veterinary Service

Health Requirements to Follow:

• Mandatory rabies vaccination, valid upon entry.
• Recommended antiparasitic treatments: internal/external deworming previously documented according to any specific requirements.
• Quarantine: generally not required if all health conditions are met. However, quarantine may apply if irregularities are found during border control.

Summary List of Health Obligations:

• Up-to-date rabies vaccination
• Electronic identification
• Serological test if applicable
• Recommended deworming

Specific Restrictions:

Certain animal species protected by the CITES Convention require a special permit for import. Species listed in CITES Appendix I are among those subject to strict prior authorization—you must demonstrate that you have appropriate facilities for their housing.

Prohibited or Restricted Species:

• Certain dog breeds considered dangerous may be prohibited under local legislation.
• Protected wildlife subject to CITES rules with additional permits required.

Timelines & Practical Tips:

Formalities can take several weeks:

• Allow up to 4 months if a rabies serological test is needed from a non-listed third country
• Local registration within the first days after arrival

Practical Tips:

• Always verify that all documents are complete and translated into an accepted official language (German or English)
• Schedule veterinary appointments well in advance
• Contact the ALKVW veterinary service directly to check for any recent regulatory changes

Tips for Safe Transport of Your Pets

When traveling with a pet to Liechtenstein, it is essential to adhere to strict regulations to ensure health security and the animal’s well-being.

Specific Regulations in Liechtenstein

• Identification: All dogs and cats must be identified by a microchip.
• Rabies vaccination: A valid rabies vaccine is mandatory. The vaccine must be administered after identification, from 12 weeks of age, and take effect at least 21 days before travel. Annual boosters are required.
• Health certificate: For commercial travel or from non-EU listed countries, a bilingual (English/German) health certificate must be issued by an accredited veterinarian within 48 hours before departure. This certificate must then be validated by an official government veterinarian.
• TRACES registration: For commercial movements or from certain third countries, transport must be registered in advance in the TRACES system to ensure traceability.
• Quarantine: Generally, no quarantine is imposed if all health conditions are met. However, for specific cases (animals from non-listed countries or without proof of vaccination), quarantine may apply.

Requirement	Detail
Identification	Mandatory microchip
Vaccination	Rabies (validity > 21 days after injection)
Health Certificate	Issuance

It is recommended to organize your trip well in advance so that all formalities are complete and your pet is ready for transport.

Suitable Means of Transport

Here is a comparison of the different available means of transport:

Transport	Advantages	Disadvantages
Airplane	Fast; suitable for long distances	Possible stress; cabin restrictions
Train	Less stressful; more space	Restrictions by company
Car	More comfortable; frequent stops possible	Long trips can be tiring

To ensure comfort and safety during transport:

• Always choose a crate or carrier suitable for the animal’s size and weight.
• Ensure good ventilation and avoid any risk of escape.

Tips for Choosing a Professional Carrier

When you cannot transport your pet yourself:

• Verify that the carrier has all necessary legal authorizations.
• Request references or customer reviews of their past services.
• Ensure they are familiar with Liechtenstein’s regulations regarding domestic animal entry.

Recommendations on Crates/Carriers

Helping Your Pets Adapt to Their New Environment

Preparing your pet for a new environment in Liechtenstein involves several essential steps to ensure their well-being and a smooth integration.

Key Steps to Acclimate the Animal to Its New Home:

• Gradually introduce the animal to different rooms, starting with a quiet, familiar space with their toys or items carrying your scent.
• Allow the animal to explore at their own pace, without forcing contact with other household members or existing pets.
• Closely monitor all animals’ body language: if signs of stress appear (growling, fleeing), offer them separate spaces and adaptation time.
• Maintain routines (meals, walks) as close as possible to those before the move to reassure the animal.

Tips for Outdoor Walks in Liechtenstein’s Nature:

• Enjoy marked trails and natural areas suitable for leashed dogs, while respecting local wildlife.
• Start with short outings and gradually increase duration to allow the animal to get used to new sounds, smells, and landscapes.

Adapting Wardrobe According to Local Temperatures:

Season	Average Temperature	Clothing Recommendations
Winter	0°C to -5°C	Warm coat for small/large sensitive dogs
Spring/Autumn	5°C to 15°C	Light waterproof if needed
Summer	15°C to 25°C	Protection against heat/sun

It is important to regularly observe the local weather to adapt clothing or necessary protections according to the season.

Integration into the Local Community:

• Frequent public parks allowing pets so they can meet peers under supervision.
• Participate in local canine activities or informal groups during daily walks.

List of Recommendations:

• Calmly introduce your animal to other residents who also have pets; prioritize controlled meetings initially.
• Reinforce any positive interaction with a reward (treat, petting).

Veterinary Search and Law Compliance:

• Quickly identify a local veterinarian upon arrival; some clinics even offer an introductory visit.
• Inquire about:
  • Possible mandatory registration with the municipality
  • Required vaccinations
  • Regulations on keeping (leash mandatory in certain public places)

Non-compliance can result in fines or temporary revocation of walking rights in certain areas.

Vigilance Against Local Parasites/Diseases:

• Ask the veterinarian for advice on suitable dewormers and antiparasitic treatments specific to Liechtenstein (frequent ticks depending on altitude).
• Regularly check coat/paws after each outdoor excursion.

To Remember: The success of integration will largely depend on respecting your pet’s natural pace and meticulous preparation both logistically and emotionally.

Services and Resources for Pets in Liechtenstein

Veterinary and Emergency Services

• Several local veterinarians are present in Liechtenstein, notably under the supervision of the Food and Veterinary Office of the Ministry of Social Affairs (Postplatz 2, Schaan). This service coordinates animal health and veterinary controls throughout the territory.
• Specialized clinics exist for advanced or specific care. For particular needs (specialized surgery, exotic treatments), it is common for pet owners to turn to establishments in neighboring Switzerland.
• The emergency number 144 allows contacting an ambulance or medical helicopter; this service also includes emergency doctors who can handle animals in certain situations. The Landesspital Liechtenstein hospital in Vaduz has a 24/7 emergency service.

Service	Contact / Location	Availability
Local Veterinarian	Food and Veterinary Office, Schaan	By appointment
Medical Emergencies	Number 144	24/7
Animal Hospital	Specialized establishments (nearby Switzerland)	Case-dependent

Boarding and Pet Sitters

• There are several animal boarding facilities and pet sitters, especially around Vaduz and Schaan. These structures welcome dogs, cats, and small pets during your absences or extended days.
• Some boarding facilities also offer personalized services: daily walks, adapted feeding according to the animal’s needs.

Grooming

Canine/feline grooming services are available in various salons in Vaduz, Balzers, or Triesen. They offer hygienic baths, nail trimming, and aesthetic care adapted to breeds.

Specialized Stores

Many stores sell premium food (kibble/clothing/specific accessories) for dogs/cats/birds/small pets.

Some also offer personalized advice to adapt food choices to the animal’s breed/age/physical condition.

• Kibble/clothing
• Litter/hygienic bags
• Toys/non-prescription medications

Suitable Outdoor Spaces

Liechtenstein offers several parks and marked mountain trails allowing owners:

• To easily organize daily walks with their pet,
• To enjoy secured spaces where they can unleash their dog under supervision,
• To quickly access nature from all urban points thanks to the dense pedestrian/cycling network.

The Rhine banks are particularly popular with dog owners; however, be cautious of signs indicating protected areas/sensitive wildlife where leashes remain mandatory.

Legal Requirements

To import or keep a domestic animal in Liechtenstein:

• Valid European passport,
• Electronic identification by microchip,
• Mandatory vaccinations (notably rabies),
• Possible quarantine compliance if from outside EU/Switzerland/Schengen Area.

Keeping imposes:

• Registration with the Food and Veterinary Office,
• Strict compliance with local health standards,
• For certain dogs deemed dangerous: specific declaration or even mandatory training with prior behavioral assessment.

“We found the process very transparent: our cat was quickly registered with the local veterinary authorities thanks to information provided by our health insurer,” testifies Sophie M., a French expatriate living near Triesenberg.

Practical tip: keep a digital copy of the vaccination passport on your phone during frequent cross-border outings with your pet!

Quick List – Practical Tips for Expatriates

• Contact a recommended local veterinary clinic upon arrival
• Inquire about extended hours during holidays/public holidays (some clinics close early)
• Prepare a basic first aid kit adapted to the animal type/breed
• Regularly check evolving regulations concerning local flora/fauna before each walk