Ferndale Kennels

Worldwide Pet Relocation from a Regional Hub

Ferndale Kennels operates a global pet relocation service from a base in Hong Kong, serving relocations from over 30 destinations worldwide. The firm describes relocation as an adventure but acknowledges it as a stressful process: "relocating can be a huge task and it's a difficult choice to make, and deciding to move with pets adds an extra element of stress to an already complicated process." The company maintains relationships with pet-friendly airlines and understands the regulatory requirements for each destination, offering families an alternative to coordinating transport independently.

For families relocating to Switzerland from anywhere outside Europe, Ferndale Kennels offers the advantage of a regional hub familiar with intercontinental customs procedures. The firm publishes a Switzerland-specific page acknowledging Swiss regulations and offering guidance, suggesting that Switzerland relocations are a regular part of their business.

Services and Coverage

Ferndale Kennels operates across six primary service categories. Pet relocation is the core service, coordinating international transport door-to-door. Import-export services handle cross-border documentation and customs for all species, including pets from countries with complex regulations. Shipping enquiry allows families to request quotes and information. Travel services cover general pet travel accompaniment and logistics. Private jet pet travel is an optional premium service for families prioritizing speed or comfort. Boarding provides short-term facility care, though the site does not specify whether this is available in Switzerland or only at their home locations.

The firm covers over 30 destinations, including Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Dubai, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Switzerland is listed among these covered destinations. The site operates in English and Chinese (Hong Kong), addressing the language needs of Hong Kong-based expats and other Asian relocators.

Switzerland-Specific Requirements

Ferndale Kennels' published guidance for Switzerland closely follows Swiss law and is worth quoting directly, as it clarifies what families must complete before entering the country.

Microchipping and vaccinations. All pets, including dogs and cats, must be microchipped for identification before entry. They must have up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies vaccination, administered by a licensed veterinarian. The site explicitly warns that pets without microchipping and current vaccinations "will be refused entry." This is a firm, non-negotiable requirement.

Documentation and endorsement. Families must obtain an EU health certificate from a private veterinarian who will examine the pet and confirm it meets Swiss health requirements. This certificate must then be endorsed by the relevant government department, confirming validity and compliance. For families without an established veterinarian, Ferndale Kennels states it has "multiple contacts for reputable vets who can provide the correct documentation for travel to Switzerland."

Quarantine status. Switzerland has no mandatory quarantine for dogs, cats, or other pets if all animal transport regulations are met. Pets from EU countries can enter with a pet passport, microchip, and valid rabies vaccination alone. However, pets from third-category (rabies-risk) countries face additional barriers: they require an EU veterinary health certificate plus government endorsement, and must have undergone a rabies titer test at least 3 months before travel.

Breed restrictions. The site advises researching the specific canton or region where the family is moving, as certain dog breeds may be banned in some areas. This is critical, as a family might successfully relocate only to discover their pet is prohibited in their destination canton.

How Ferndale Kennels Mitigates Complexity

The firm's value proposition is expertise in "regulations for each country" and "pet-friendly airlines." The site states that the company "keeps on top of the regulations for each country, understand the pet-friendly airlines and how to access them, and know exactly what you need to do to relocate with your pet." For a family coming from a non-EU country (particularly from Asia, where Ferndale's base suggests expertise), this knowledge is significant. Understanding which airlines will transport which animals, how to satisfy each airline's crate requirements, and the sequencing of documentation and veterinary steps is complex and requires familiarity with that specific route.

The firm publishes extensive FAQ content and resource guides covering microchipping, vaccinations, crate training, rabies tests, quarantine procedures, and airline-specific pet policies for carriers including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and Qatar Airways. This breadth suggests confidence in intercontinental moves.

What the Site Does Not Address

Ferndale Kennels does not publish pricing for relocation services, either as a base fee or a tiered structure by distance or animal size. The site does not specify processing time or how far in advance booking should occur. Whether the firm can handle animals with behavioral issues or medical conditions is not stated. The site does not clarify what "pet-friendly airlines" includes or whether certain carriers (for example, those with breed size or type restrictions) fall outside the firm's capability. Post-arrival boarding or local services are not described. The relationship with the vets mentioned (for families needing documentation help) is not detailed: whether these are Ferndale's own partners or external referrals, whether they charge extra, and what their turnaround is remain unclear.

The site does not specify which cantons have breed restrictions or provide a list; families are advised to research independently, which means the firm's value includes facilitating the research but not eliminating it.

Who This Service Suits

Ferndale Kennels is a natural choice for families relocating to Switzerland from Asia, Australia, or the Middle East, where the firm's Asia-Pacific base and airline expertise provide genuine advantage. The firm is credible for complex, intercontinental moves involving animals with special needs, multiple pets, or exotic species. The extensive airline and regulatory knowledge removes guesswork from the logistics phase.

The service is less relevant for European relocations where ground-based transport (like DACHSER & KOLB) might be simpler or cheaper. Families with a single cat or routine dog moving from within the EU might find more local options. The premium on private-jet pet travel suggests the firm caters to affluent or time-constrained relocators; families on a budget may find the service expensive.

The firm is not an adoption broker, a permanent boarding facility, or a post-arrival veterinary provider. Families relocating to Switzerland must arrange housing and veterinary care before arrival. The site acknowledges the stress of relocation honestly, framing itself as removing one source of that stress (logistics and documentation) rather than solving all of it. That clarity is valuable: families know what Ferndale Kennels solves and what they still need to handle themselves.