Well - regular readers of the Pet Corner know what I'm going to say:
A pet is for life.
When we take on our pets, we do so with the understanding that we have made a commitment to them for the rest of their natural lives. They are part of our family, we must find a way to meet their needs, to give them a good life, no matter where the winds of fortune may send us.
So bring him along. Full stop.
Besides, the adjustment to a new country/culture is so much easier with your four-footed friend by your side.
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Having said that, it isn't always easy having a pet here; Switzerland is not as service oriented as the US is, you will need to search a bit harder to find the help you need, and it could be expensive. But (unless you are like me, with a horde of nutcases only their mother could love
) care can usually be found.
If you travel regularly and at short notice, and are looking for in-home care, you might even consider hiring a dogsitter as your employee. Or if you find a self-employed carer, perhaps offering a retainer on the understanding that you can book on short notice.
If your dog is used to kennels, you would have less trouble.
If your dog is well-behaved, gets along with well other dogs, is socialized to play in a group, doesn't require special care, then your options will be wider. There are a few doggie day care facilities here - you might be able to 'Stammkunden' relationship where you could book at short notice. You might also find a regular sitter here on EF.
Another option is the 'Pet Sitting Network' thread - this is an exchange of services, not paid pet care.
Be aware that practically the entire country travels at the same time - school holidays. If it all possible, try to plan your travel outside those times, when there is less competition for pet care.
As said, pet care is expensive. Kennels cost anywhere from 25-75 per day, care in a sitter's home ca CHF 30-100 per day, care in your home CHF 200+ per day. But everything is expensive in Switzerland.
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As you may know, there is a housing shortage in the Zurich area. You may find yourself competing for the same flat with 50 other people, and landlords prefer tenants without pets. I would suggest that you use a relocation agent - one who works for you, not the landlord, one who is 'dog friendly' who will understand your needs. And I'd advise to be flexible about where you live.
The main two concerns that landlords have about dogs are damage and noise. So do whatever you can to prove that your dog is well-behaved and quiet - and take out a comprehensive liability insurance policy. But the good news is that small dogs (especially quiet ones) are generally more readily accepted.
If you are moving here on your employer's request, ask the company for help in both finding your housing and in finding pet care as part of your negotiations.
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I have brought my mutts all over the world, to some places that at first glance one might categorize as pretty darned dog-unfriendly. Nonetheless, I've managed to give the muttley crew good lives - perhaps different from our previous experiences, but nonetheless quite good - wherever we found ourselves. It just takes a little creativity, a little flexibility, and the will to make it happen.
(And in Switzerland, perhaps digging somewhat deeper into one's pockets.)
Browse the Pet Corner; there are rules and regs and bureaucracy surrounding dog ownership here, some of which you may find rather surprising coming from the US. These have been discussed at length in other threads - just search for things like 'SKN', 'Dog Tax', 'Cantonal Dog Law', 'Nachbarrecht'.
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By the way - If you need help from a professional animal shipper, I can recommend an excellent gentleman in the Chicago area...
All the best to you and your doglet.
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