Planning to move to Switzerland's capital with your pet? Bern is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city with a wonderful quality of life for both humans and animals. We provide professional door-to-door pet transport from anywhere in the UK to Bern via the Eurotunnel.
Pet Transport to Switzerland's Capital
Bern is the de facto capital of Switzerland (officially a "federal city"), home to the Swiss parliament and numerous international organisations. Its medieval old town, surrounded by the Aare River, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many British diplomats, professionals, and retirees call Bern home - along with their beloved pets.
Our Service Includes
- Door-to-door transport - From your UK home to your Bern address
- Climate-controlled vehicle - Comfortable in summer heat or winter cold
- Experienced pet handlers - Trained, insured, and animal-loving
- Regular comfort breaks - Every 2-3 hours for exercise and water
- Real-time journey updates - Via WhatsApp or phone
- Document verification - We check everything before departure
The Journey: UK to Bern
Your pet's journey to the Swiss capital:
- UK collection - From your home, any location
- Folkestone - Pet Reception for document verification
- Eurotunnel - 35-minute Channel crossing
- Through France - Via Reims and Besancon
- Swiss border - Entry procedures
- Bern delivery - To your exact address
Total journey time from London is approximately 9-11 hours including stops. Bern is centrally located in Switzerland, easily accessible from the French border.
Pet Entry Requirements for Switzerland
Documentation Needed
- Microchip - ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit chip
- Rabies vaccination - Valid, minimum 21 days old
- Animal Health Certificate - Issued by UK Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel
Bern Canton Dog Regulations
Bern Canton has comprehensive dog ownership rules:
- Registration - All dogs must be registered with cantonal authorities
- Dog tax - Annual payment required
- Competence certificate - May be required for first-time owners or certain breeds
- Liability insurance - Recommended for all dog owners
- Leash laws - Required in certain public areas
The Bear Pits
Bern is famous for its bears (the city's symbol). The BearPark along the Aare River houses real bears. While charming, keep your dog leashed in this area - the bears can be agitated by barking dogs!
Bern: A Paradise for Pets
Bern offers exceptional conditions for pet owners:
Green Spaces and Walking
- Aare River - Scenic riverside walks and dog-swimming spots
- Gurten - Bern's local mountain with hiking trails
- Rosengarten - Beautiful rose garden with city views
- Elfenau Park - English-style park perfect for dogs
- Bremgartenwald - Large forest area for off-leash walking
Pet-Friendly Features
- Dogs allowed on public transport (with ticket)
- Many dog-friendly restaurants and cafes
- Excellent veterinary hospitals
- Multiple pet shops and services
- Strong animal welfare culture
Living in Bern with a Pet
What to expect as a pet owner in Bern:
Advantages
- Compact, walkable city - Everything accessible on foot
- Clean and safe - Low crime, clean streets
- Access to nature - Mountains, forests, and lakes nearby
- Pet-loving culture - Swiss take animal welfare seriously
- Quality veterinary care - University veterinary hospital in Bern
Considerations
- High costs - Vet care, food, and services are expensive
- Strict regulations - Dog ownership involves paperwork and fees
- Language - Bern is German-speaking (Bernese German dialect)
- Winter - Cold winters require preparation for outdoor pets
Planning Your Pet's Journey to Bern
The 9-11 hour journey from the UK to Bern is longer than most of our European routes, so a bit of planning goes a long way.
Who should drive themselves, and who shouldn't
If you already have a suitable vehicle, are a confident long-distance driver, and want full control over the schedule, driving yourself via Eurotunnel is a legitimate option — you keep your pet with you throughout and it's the cheapest route if the car is already sorted. The catch is that at 9-11 hours it's a genuinely long day behind the wheel, on top of managing every piece of documentation yourself. Professional door-to-door transport removes all of that: a DEFRA Type 2 authorised handler verifies your paperwork before you leave the UK and takes care of the whole route in a climate-controlled vehicle, with scheduled comfort breaks every 2-3 hours built in.
Best time of year to book
Summer (June–August) is Bern's busiest relocation season, coinciding with the general rise in Eurotunnel demand — book several weeks ahead if you can, especially if your move date is fixed. Winter travel (November–March) usually means quieter tunnel slots, but the route through eastern France and into the Swiss plateau can be affected by snow and ice, so build in extra time rather than cutting the schedule fine.
Multi-pet moves
If you're relocating more than one pet, each animal needs its own Animal Health Certificate and microchip record — there's no combined document, even for pets from the same household.
Getting the timing right end to end
Because the AHC is only valid if issued within 10 days of travel, and the rabies vaccination needs 21 days to take effect before that, the practical order is usually: confirm your Bern move date, count back 21+ days to check your rabies vaccination is valid (or get it done if not), then book your Official Vet appointment for the AHC in the final 10-day window before departure.
Other Swiss Destinations
We transport pets to all Swiss cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What language do they speak in Bern?
German is the official language, though locals speak Bernese German (Bärndütsch), a distinctive Swiss German dialect. English is spoken in international organisations and by many professionals.
Can my dog swim in the Aare River?
Yes! The Aare is famous for river swimming in summer. There are several spots where dogs can swim too, though check local rules. The current is strong, so only confident swimming dogs should enter.
Is Bern expensive for pet owners?
Yes. Switzerland has very high costs of living. Expect to pay significantly more for vet visits, grooming, and pet supplies compared to the UK. Quality is excellent, however.
What about apartments - are they pet-friendly?
Many Swiss apartments allow pets, though you must get landlord permission. Some buildings have restrictions. Finding pet-friendly housing is generally easier than in other European cities.
Book Bern Pet Transport
Ready to move your pet to Switzerland's beautiful capital? Contact us for a free quote.
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