Pet Sitting in Switzerland—The Ultimate Guide for Expats

Moving to Switzerland with a dog or cat is a big step. The good news: Switzerland is one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe. The challenge: Pet sitting and dog care are much more structured, formal, and professional here than in many other countries.

This guide is specifically aimed at expats and explains in simple terms what really matters when it comes to pet care in Switzerland and why holistic care concepts like Züripets® are leading the way across Europe.

Why Pet Sitting Is Different in Switzerland

Switzerland has very high standards of animal welfare. Pets are protected by law, and their care is subject to clear legal requirements. These framework conditions have a direct impact on the quality, organization, and accountability of their care.

Pet sitting in Switzerland generally takes three clearly distinct forms:
– as commercial pet care (Züripets®) licensed by the veterinary office,
– as a private side job, often arranged through online platforms,
– and as an animal shelter, whose primary mission, however, lies in animal welfare and the housing of found, surrendered, or confiscated animals, rather than in the individualized, client-specific care of private pets.

Matching platforms are generally pure marketplaces. They facilitate connections but do not assume any operational responsibility for support services. Often, they lack official approvals, uniform quality standards, designated contact persons, clear liability provisions, or reliable emergency plans. For expats, this means an increased risk—both legally and organizationally.

Animal shelters play yet another role. Their legal mandate is primarily animal welfare, particularly the care of found, surrendered, or confiscated animals. They are not geared toward providing individualized, client-specific care for private pets and cannot guarantee either consistent one-on-one care or services tailored to the daily lives of expats. Animal shelters (which exclusively house animals in cages) are therefore no substitute for professional pet sitting.

Commercial pet care services approved by the veterinary office, such as Züripets® , are subject to strict regulations. They must demonstrate expertise, document care plans, maintain insurance coverage, and define clear emergency and escalation procedures. For expats, these structures provide reliability, transparency, and legal certainty.

Types of Pet Sitting Available in Switzerland

Home Care

With in-home pet care, a qualified caregiver comes to your home once or several times a day. This option is particularly well-suited for cats, older dogs, or sensitive pets that need their familiar surroundings.

Typical services include feeding, cleaning, playtime and activity time, administering medication, and brief updates with photos or reports.

Daycare and Vacation Care for Dogs

Dogs are cared for during the day or overnight at a professional facility. This option is ideal for working expats, frequent travelers, or people with irregular work schedules.

High-quality facilities offer structured daily routines, small groups, secure outdoor areas, quiet zones, and continuous supervision—in premium programs 365 days a year and, in some cases, around the clock.

Premium and Luxury Care

In Switzerland, high-quality pet care is a well-established industry. Many providers deliberately focus on exclusivity, limited availability, and personalized care rather than mass market offerings.

This includes personalized care plans, a very low pet-to-caregiver ratio, veterinary care, the highest hygiene and safety standards, and quiet, hotel-like accommodations. Expats with demanding jobs, frequent business trips, or an international lifestyle particularly appreciate this type of care.

Züripets® as a Holistic Care Concept

While many providers offer individual services, Züripets® takes a consistently holistic approach. Here, pet sitting is not viewed as an isolated service, but rather as an integrated care system.

These include
—daycare, holiday care, veterinary services, physical therapy, dog training, and grooming—all under one roof, with no kenneling
- Care provided 365 days a year with qualified caregivers on-site 24/7
- Structured group management with opportunities for individual time
- Individualized care instead of mass operations
- Clear emergency, safety, and veterinary protocols
- The highest hygiene and quality standards
- Transparent processes and clear communication

This approach not only makes Züripets® a leader in Switzerland, but also positions the company as a benchmark for professional, premium pet care throughout Europe.

Multilingual Support—A Key Advantage for Expats

For expats, language is a key factor in building trust. Misunderstandings regarding reservations, medical issues, or emergencies can have serious consequences.

Züripets® works with an international, multilingual team. Communication is, of course, possible in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, and other international languages as needed.

For expats, this means:
—clear communication without language barriers;
—reliable handoffs and briefings;
—precise communication regarding special needs or medical issues;
—a professional environment that understands international standards

This language proficiency is a key advantage, especially for customers who are new to Switzerland or who travel frequently.

Ideally located for expats and frequent travelers

One factor that is often underestimated when choosing a pet-sitting service is location. Züripets® is located right next to Zurich Airport and, at the same time, right in the heart of the city.

This combination is particularly appealing to expats, business travelers, and international customers. Short distances before departure or after arrival, stress-free transfers for early or late flights, and the ability to plan with confidence even when travel plans change at the last minute are real added benefits.

At the same time, the urban location is ideal for everyday life. No long drives to the surrounding areas, quick access from the city, and childcare that integrates seamlessly into the daily routines of expats.

Legal and Organizational Matters for Expats

In Switzerland, dogs must be registered and microchipped. Valid vaccinations are also required. Reputable providers consistently check this documentation before care begins and refuse to accept animals without complete documentation.

The Swiss Animal Welfare Act requires adequate exercise, sufficient social interaction, and species-appropriate care. Dogs must not be left unattended for extended periods of time. Anyone who regularly leaves their dog alone for too long or relies on unqualified care is operating in a legally sensitive area.

Professional pet-sitting services therefore rely on written contracts, clear liability provisions, emergency and escalation plans, and appropriate insurance coverage. This is especially important for expats without a local network.

Costs of Pet Sitting in Switzerland

Pet sitting in Switzerland is more expensive than in many other countries. These prices reflect the high legal requirements, the quality of care, and the staffing and infrastructure.

House calls for cats typically cost between CHF 30 and 60 per visit. Daycare for dogs often ranges from CHF 60 to 120 per day. Vacation care or overnight stays usually start at CHF 90 per night. Exclusive 24/7 or one-on-one care is correspondingly more expensive.

Extremely low prices are usually a red flag in the Swiss market and often indicate a lack of permits or insufficient safeguards.

What Expats Should Consider When Making a Choice

Look for experience working with international clients, multilingual communication, transparent pricing, streamlined processes, and defined emergency procedures.

In Switzerland, it is standard practice to meet in person before the first care visit. This “meet and greet” determines whether the pet, the owner, and the caregiver are truly a good fit and lays the foundation for a long-term partnership.

Common Mistakes Made by Expats

Many expats underestimate the formal requirements and assume the rules are the same as in their home country. Others book childcare at too short notice, especially before holidays or during school breaks. Choosing a provider based solely on price also often leads to problems.

In Switzerland, planning is crucial—especially when it comes to high-quality care with limited capacity.

Classification

Pet sitting in Switzerland is professional, safe, and heavily regulated. If you plan ahead, choose qualified providers, and respect local standards, you'll find one of the best pet care scenes in Europe.

For expats, this means one thing above all else: peace of mind, security, and the comforting feeling that their pet is being well cared for—even when they’re away.

Holistic, multilingual concepts such as Züripets demonstrate that modern pet care goes far beyond traditional pet sitting and is at the top European level.

New to Switzerland and unsure about pet care?

A no-obligation consultation helps you understand local requirements and find the right pet care solution—tailored to your daily routine, your travels, and your pet's needs:

Züripets® GmbH
Headquater
Boulevard Lilienthal 5
CH-8152 Glattpark (Opfikon)
info@zueripets.ch
+41 44 810 80 00