PetRelocation

What PetRelocation is

PetRelocation is an international pet transport company headquartered in the United States that has spent two decades moving animals across borders to 150 countries worldwide. The firm employs 20 staff members dedicated to pet care and logistics and reports moving 40,000 pets over its operating lifetime. On Google, the company maintains a 4.7-star rating across past customer reviews. The business model is straightforward: handle every regulatory, logistical, and welfare detail of moving a pet internationally so the owner can focus on the rest of their relocation. The firm is not a budget option; the marketing emphasizes experience, specialized knowledge, and hands-on care rather than cost leadership.

Why this matters for someone arriving in Switzerland

For someone relocating to Switzerland with a pet, this service addresses the central problem of international pet transport: regulations, airline requirements, documentation, and timing are different in every destination and change frequently. Switzerland requires microchipping, rabies vaccination, health certificates endorsed by specific authorities, and customs clearance. Any single missed step can delay or block entry, and rules shift as the country updates its compliance with EU legislation.

PetRelocation's pitch is that they have handled these combinations repeatedly across dozens of countries and know what works. They do not ask you to learn Swiss import law yourself; instead, they work with your veterinarian to verify your pet meets Swiss entry requirements, coordinate with airlines serving Swiss airports (primarily Zurich and Geneva), prepare the required paperwork, manage the flight itself, handle customs clearance, and arrange delivery to your new Swiss address. The firm positions itself as managing "every detail" so the owner manages nothing but the decision to hire them.

How PetRelocation works

The site emphasizes that "every pet is different, and the regulations that affect pet travel are always changing", which frames the company's core value. They offer separate paths for dogs, cats, and exotic pets. Dogs and cats move via commercial airline cargo services with in-transit welfare measures and specialized routing to minimize layovers and stress. The firm works through airline partners to book routes, but does not specify which airlines those are or whether coverage is global.

For exotic animals (birds, reptiles, rodents, other companion species), the company asks you to complete a form describing the animal, its origin, destination, and relevant medical or behavioral details. They then assess whether transport is feasible and respond with a custom quote and timeline. This approach acknowledges that exotic pet transport is not one-size-fits-all; a parrot has different needs than a tarantula. The form-based intake process protects both the customer and the firm by establishing upfront whether the animal can be transported safely.

The site includes case studies of moves they have completed to Hawaii, South Korea, and Japan, and publishes customer testimonials. One customer notes that PetRelocation "made the insane process breeze". Another emphasizes that "every single person that interacted with our pets really cared for them". A third states that her pets "arrived at the end of a long trip without any signs of distress". These stories are intended to establish that careful handling, not just logistics, is core to their operation.

The company also publishes blog content covering topics like South Korea's 90-day quarantine rule, Taiwan's certificate windows, Thailand's 10-day requirements, Hong Kong's breed restrictions, and how to import pets from China to the USA. This content suggests they track regulatory changes closely and share knowledge with customers. They offer corporate pet move coordination for businesses relocating employees and military PCS moves for families changing duty stations. They can arrange custom dog travel crates for animals that need specialized equipment and coordinate health certificate preparation through the owner's veterinarian.

The service scope and specializations

PetRelocation's marketing identifies three distinct service tiers: dog transport, cat transport, and other animal transport. This separation signals that the firm customizes handling by species and recognizes that cats and dogs have different behavioral and physiological transport needs. Dogs and cats follow established airline cargo procedures; exotic animals require case-by-case assessment. The firm also highlights availability for corporate moves (businesses sponsoring employee relocations) and military PCS moves (families relocating under government orders), suggesting experience with complex multi-animal scenarios and government-mandated timelines.

What remains unresolved

PetRelocation does not publish pricing for any service tier. The site does not state how far in advance a move should be planned; standard practice is 4-8 weeks, but the firm does not commit to any timeline. They do not list which specific airlines they partner with or whether their partnerships cover all carriers serving Swiss airports. The firm does not publish timelines specific to Switzerland or provide cost estimates for different animal types or weight categories.

For exotic pets, feasibility depends entirely on their custom assessment through the intake form; the site makes no guarantees that any given animal can be transported. Customers must complete a quote request and speak with the firm to learn what their specific move will cost, how long it will take, and what the process entails. The site does not specify what communication happens during transit (live tracking, email updates, phone calls) or how frequently customers receive updates. It also does not detail contingency protocols if a flight is delayed, the animal becomes ill in transit, or customs hold-ups occur.

Who it suits and who does not

PetRelocation is a strong fit for owners of exotic pets (birds, ferrets, guinea pigs, reptiles) where few other firms offer expertise. It appeals to people moving from the United States to Switzerland who want a single entity managing the entire journey and who value the firm's track record and care-focused messaging. The testimonials and blog content suggest the firm attracts customers who are anxious about their pet's welfare and willing to pay for hands-on coordination.

The service is less suitable for anyone operating on a tight budget, since the firm's marketing emphasizes expertise and care rather than cost-competitiveness, signaling a premium position. It may not be ideal for owners who need exact pricing and timelines before committing, since the quote-request model requires back-and-forth dialogue. For owners of a single dog or cat who are comfortable managing pieces of the move themselves (veterinary visits, paperwork coordination), Switzerland-based alternatives or regional European shippers may offer better rates.

The firm is also not positioned for time-compressed moves; international pet transport typically requires weeks of preparation, and PetRelocation does not advertise emergency or expedited services. For a first-time international pet mover with a less common animal, or for someone with substantial pet anxiety who wants complete peace of mind, PetRelocation's model, experienced hands managing every step, is the natural choice despite premium pricing.