1. Overview
Traveling to Sweden with your dog or cat can be simple if you understand the pet travel requirements. This guide will cover what you need to know when bringing your furry friend to Sweden.
2. Planning Ahead
Ensure that you complete all vaccinations and veterinary forms well in advance, as this process can take 3-4 months. Remember that microchips are now mandatory for identification, as tattooed pets do not qualify since 2011.
3. Entering Sweden
The regulations for bringing pets into Sweden vary depending on whether you are coming from an EU or non-EU country.
Traveling to Sweden with your dog (or cat) is no longer the hassle it once was. As long as you keep in mind a few pet travel requirements, taking your dog to Sweden will be quite easy. The rules for cats are the same.
The most important thing to know when taking your dog to Sweden is that two types of pet regulations exist depending on whether you enter Sweden from an EU country or from a non-EU country. The Swedish Department of Agriculture provides a guide as well. Note that Sweden still requires deworming for tapeworm until at least 2012.
Bringing Your Dog From the EU
First of all, obtain an EU pet passport from your vet. Your licensed veterinarian will be able to fill out the EU pet passport as required.
To take dogs to Sweden from within the EU, the dog must be vaccinated for rabies (test for rabies antibodies accepted from approved labs only and deworming is not required after 30 June 2010).
Do not forget to visit the customs office upon arriving in Sweden so the officials can check your dog into the country.
Bringing Your Dog From a Non-EU Country
Requirements for pet travel are slightly stricter for non-EU countries. Just like travelers from the EU, you should also get a pet passport for your dog if possible or have your vet complete a certificate.
Additionally, you will need a “Third-Country Certificate” from the Swedish Department of Agriculture. Non-EU countries are divided into listed and non-listed categories. Non-listed countries require quarantine in an approved station for 120 days, as well as identity-marking, deworming, and an import license.
For dogs and cats, vaccinations for rabies are necessary, and a blood test for rabies antibodies must be taken at least 120 days after the last rabies vaccination from countries outside the EU.
It is essential to note that in Sweden, pets from non-EU countries can only be brought through Stockholm-Arlanda or Gothenburg-Landvetter airports.
Upon your arrival in Sweden, follow the ‘Goods to Declare’ line at customs. Swedish customs personnel will assist you with the process and check your dog’s (or cat’s) documentation.
Tips for Flying With Your Dog
When planning your trip, remember to notify your airline that you wish to bring your cat or dog to Sweden with you. Airlines will check for availability and there may be a one-time charge for transporting pets. If you wish to sedate your pet for the trip, inquire whether the airline allows this under their animal transportation rules.
Please keep in mind that animal import regulations in Sweden are updated annually, so check for any procedural changes before your travel date.
