Bringing pets into Sweden can be tricky, but it’s one of the most important issues facing many pet owners who relocate here. The stress begins long before you’ve even coerced your four legged friends into their transporters. This article will offer a brief description of what is required in order to bring your cat or dog, safely and legally, into Sweden. It will also provide links to Swedish sites that will offer you more in depth information.
Here’s the most important tip: Start the planning process well in advance! Give yourself at least 4 months to prepare the paperwork for your pet.
The rules and regulations for bringing a foreign pet into Sweden will differ depending on whether you are relocating from within the European Union or coming to Sweden from outside the EU. For example, Sweden does not require an import permit to bring dogs or cats from EU Member States. However, anyone coming in from outside of the EU is definitely required to obtain a permit.
Here’s a basic outline of what is required:
- Microchip implant (Make sure it is an ISO-standard chip)
- Rabies vaccination and a follow-up blood test of rabies antibodies. This must be done 21 days prior to your pet’s arrival in Sweden! (Direct air transports from the UK, Ireland and Malta are excluded from this requirement)
- A pet passport
- Customs declaration
For more in-depth info on regulations and requirements visit The Swedish Board of Agriculture, Jordbruksverket.
It is extremely important to follow the outline given by the Swedish Board of Agriculture; otherwise you risk a big hassle with customs. If you arrive and the authorities discover that your pet does not meet the standards you may be required to place your pet in quarantine for several months, at your own expense. One thing is for sure, don’t try and put this off.
It will require several visits to the vet for shots, follow-up blood tests, and chip implants. Once your vet has properly noted all the treatments and vaccinations in the pet passport, the move can begin. I suggest that you consider your pet’s passport as valuable as your own. Also, make sure you check with your airline about their requirements to travel with your pet.
Upon arriving in Sweden, you are required to register your pet. I recommend you bring your pet to a local vet as soon as possible and they will be able to provide you with any info you need to make your pets transition into Sweden complete.
Some useful Links
http://www.swedenabroad.com/Page____84011.aspx
It’s definitely a tricky, and at times, costly experience, but for those of you who feel life without your four legged friends, just wouldn’t be the same, then its a small price to pay to make sure your trusty companions become a part of your life in Sweden.
Article vy Kristan Coleman; Research by Carmel Heiland
Photo Credit: epSos.de
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