Booking restrictions & embargo

Guidelines and limitations to ensure animal welfare and compliance

Animals not permitted for transport

This table outlines categories of animals and commodities that are not permitted for air transport under SWISS Live Animals policy.

Endangered species

CITES Appendix I species* are prohibited unless part of approved zoo-to-zoo transfers (WAZA, EAZA, VDZ). CITES Appendix II species** are prohibited from trading for commercial purposes.

Certain species

We do not accept monkeys***, “teacup” dogs, frogs/toads (for consumption), ivory (raw and cut or carved), shark fins, bats, whales/dolphins, or wild-caught animals. We also do not accept ungulates, cloven-hooved animals (e.g., pigs, cows, sheep, deer, hippos, horses, or donkeys).

Research animals

Live animals for experimentation or exploitation are not permitted (except mice/rats and laboratory fish medaka/zebrafish).

Health concerns

Animals with infectious diseases or substances are not allowed.

Age restrictions

Puppies and kittens under 90 days of age cannot be transported.

Animals sent in mail

No live animals are accepted in mail shipments.

Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dog breeds

For the safety of these snub-nosed breeds and their crossbreeds, we can accept these breeds only with a specific, successfully passed BOAS certificate of grade 0 or 1 and on certain routes. Please contact your local Swiss WorldCargo office for more information.

Strong (fighting) dog breeds

Fighting breeds must be transported in containers made of fiberglass, metal, welded wire mesh, or solid wood. All wooden materials must comply with IPPC standards.
Rigid plastic containers are not accepted. These guidelines follow the IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) Container Requirement 1 (CR1). Exception is granted for puppies of age from 3 months up to 6 months (90 days – 180 days of age).

* Endangered species listed under CITES Appendix I in LAR chapter 6 will only be accepted if it is a Zoo to Zoo shipment and if both shipper and consignee are members of the organization WAZA or any of its Association member organizations, or other qualified zoological gardens and recognized wildlife protection centre, intended for conservation or breeding purposes. These shipments are subject to approval by Swiss WorldCargo. Please get in touch with your local Swiss WorldCargo Office.

** Trading for commercial purposes, with endangered species listed under CITES Appendix II in LAR chapter 6, will not be accepted for carriage. This affects shipments of live animals as well as animal products.

*** Monkey species (primates, monkeys or apes) will only be accepted if it is a zoo to zoo shipment and if both shipper and consignee are members of the organization WAZA or any of its Association member organizations and are subject to approval by Swiss WorldCargo. Please get in touch with your local Swiss WorldCargo Office.
For the transportation of primates into or through Switzerland, an import or transit permit of the Federal Veterinary Office, Berne is required.

Animals, other than those mentioned in the general embargo list, are accepted for carriage on Swiss International Air Lines if the country of origin and the country of destination is party to CITES (LAR 11.3).

Winter embargo – Restrictions for cold-sensitive species

To ensure animal safety and prevent exposure to cold temperatures, Swiss WorldCargo enforces a seasonal embargo between 1 November and 31  March. During this period, we do not accept live tropical and cold-sensitive species for interline transfers or general transport.

The following animal groups are affected:

  • Live tropical fish
  • Birds
  • Reptiles
  • Amphibians
  • Insects

Exemptions:

Exemptions for live tropical fish may apply. Please contact your local Swiss WorldCargo office for assistance.

Animals that are more resilient to cold, such as dogs and cats, are not subject to this restriction.

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Temperature & heat restrictions – Limitations for hot-weather risks

To maintain animal safety and reduce the risk of heat stress, it is Swiss WorldCargo’s policy to apply transport restrictions when outside temperatures exceed 27°C.
This policy applies to:
  • Pets (dogs, cats, etc.)
  • Small mammals (e.g. rabbits)
  • Zoo animals vulnerable to high temperatures

Swiss WorldCargo reserves the right to rebook shipments to a different time of day or to another day when temperatures are more suitable for safe handling and transport.

Contact our live animals experts for more information.

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