Moving to Sweden with Pets: A 2025 Guide

The moving checklist is a mile long, a daunting list of logistics, paperwork, and goodbyes. But for many of us, right at the top, in permanent marker, is one non-negotiable item: bringing our furry, four-legged family member. The thought of starting a new life in Sweden without them is simply unimaginable.

If you’re nodding along, you’re in the right place. Moving to a new country with a pet can feel like the most complicated part of the entire relocation. The rules, the timelines, the fear of something going wrong—it’s a lot. But take a deep breath. Thousands of expats successfully bring their beloved animals to Sweden every year. With meticulous planning and the right information, you can too.

This guide is your step-by-step companion for navigating the process in 2025. We'll cut through the jargon and focus on what you actually need to do to ensure a smooth journey for you and your best friend to your new Swedish home.

The Non-Negotiables: Core Entry Requirements

Sweden, as part of the European Union, has harmonized rules for pet travel. The process largely depends on where you are coming from. The authority you need to become familiar with is the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket)—they set the rules and are the ultimate source of truth.

Let's break down the requirements based on your country of origin.

1. Moving from an EU Country

This is the most straightforward process. If your pet is moving from another EU member state, you'll need the following:

• ISO Microchip: The pet must be identified with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip. This must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. If the microchip isn't ISO-compliant, you must bring your own scanner.
• Valid Rabies Vaccination: The pet must be at least 12 weeks old to receive its first rabies vaccine. You must then wait at least 21 days after the primary vaccination before you can travel. Booster shots are valid from the day they are given, as long as the previous vaccine hasn't expired.
• European Pet Passport: This official document, issued by a licensed veterinarian in your EU country, contains all the details about your pet’s microchip, rabies vaccination history, and your contact information. This is your pet's golden ticket.

2. Moving from a "Listed" Non-EU Country (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia)

These are countries that the EU considers to have a controlled rabies situation. The process is very similar to moving from within the EU, with one key difference in documentation.

• ISO Microchip: Same as above. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccine.
• Valid Rabies Vaccination: Same as above. Must be given at 12 weeks of age or older, with a 21-day wait period after the primary shot.
• EU Health Certificate (EHC): Instead of a pet passport, your pet will need an official EHC. This document must be completed and endorsed by an official state veterinarian in your home country (e.g., a USDA APHIS vet in the USA or a CFIA vet in Canada) within 10 days of your pet's arrival in Sweden. This is a tight timeline, so book this appointment well in advance!

3. Moving from an "Unlisted" or High-Rabies Country

If your country is not on the EU's "listed" list, the process is more complex and requires a much longer preparation timeline. This is to ensure no risk of rabies entering the country.

• ISO Microchip & Rabies Vaccination: The first two steps are the same.
• Rabies Antibody Titre Test: This is the crucial extra step. At least 30 days after the rabies vaccination, a veterinarian must draw a blood sample from your pet. This sample is sent to an EU-approved laboratory to confirm that the vaccine has provided adequate protection.
• The 3-Month Wait: Here's the most important part of the timeline: You must wait three months from the date the successful blood sample was drawn before your pet can enter Sweden. This waiting period is non-negotiable.
• EU Health Certificate (EHC): The same EHC is required, issued within 10 days of travel.

Here's a quick reference table to make it clearer:

Important Note: These rules are primarily for dogs, cats, and ferrets. If you are bringing other animals like rabbits, birds, or reptiles, you must check the specific, and often more complex, rules on the Jordbruksverket website.

Your Pet's Journey: A Practical Timeline

Procrastination is your enemy here. The key to a stress-free move is starting early.

• 6+ Months Before Your Move:

  • Research: You're doing this now! Confirm your country's status (EU, listed, or unlisted).
  • Start the Vet Process (if from an unlisted country): This is the time to get the microchip, rabies vaccine, and the blood sample for the titre test. The 3-month clock starts now.
  • Crate Training: Buy an IATA-approved travel crate and start getting your pet comfortable with it. Make it a safe, happy space with treats and toys. Don't wait until the week before you fly.

• 3-4 Months Before Your Move:

  • Book Your Flight: Contact airlines to confirm their pet policies. Some have restrictions on breeds (especially brachycephalic/snub-nosed breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs) and temperature embargoes during summer. SAS, the Scandinavian airline, is generally well-regarded for pet travel but has specific crate size limits. Book your pet's spot on the plane when you book your own—spaces are limited!
  • Research Pet Relocation Services: If the logistics feel overwhelming, consider a professional pet relocation company. They are expensive but handle all the paperwork and bookings for you.

• 1-2 Months Before Your Move:

  • Start Vet Process (if from EU/listed country): Ensure your pet's rabies vaccine is up to date.
  • Look for Pet-Friendly Housing: This is a big one. Finding a rental in Sweden that allows pets can be a challenge. We'll cover this more below.

• 2 Weeks Before Your Move:

  • Book the Final Vet Visit: Schedule the appointment to get the EU Health Certificate issued. Remember, it must be done within 10 days of arrival.

• The Week of Your Move:

  • Final Vet Check & Paperwork: Get the health certificate completed and endorsed.
  • Prepare Your Pet's Travel Kit: Include a water bottle, a familiar-smelling blanket, a favorite toy (that can't be chewed apart), and a bag of their food taped to the outside of the crate.
  • Organize Your Folder: Have copies of every document (vaccination records, health certificate, your passport) easily accessible in your carry-on. Do not put originals in your checked luggage.

Arrival in Sweden: Clearing Customs

When you land at Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) or another major airport, you can't just walk out. You must declare your pet.

1. Go to the "Red Channel" (Goods to Declare) at Customs.
2. Inform the customs officer that you are importing a pet.
3. Present your folder with all the required documents.
4. The officer will scan your pet's microchip and verify that it matches the paperwork.

As long as your documents are in order, the process is usually quick and straightforward. The Swedish customs officers are professional and used to this procedure.

Life in Sweden With Your Furry Friend

Congratulations, you made it! Now comes the fun part: exploring your new home together. Sweden is a wonderfully pet-friendly country, but there are some cultural norms and practicalities to be aware of.

Finding Pet-Friendly Housing

This can be the biggest hurdle. Many landlords (hyresvärdar) and housing cooperatives (bostadsrättsföreningar) have restrictions on pets.

• Be Upfront: Always declare your pet when applying for an apartment. Hiding it will likely lead to a breach of your contract.
• Use the Right Platforms: On rental sites like Blocket.se, you can often filter for "husdjur tillåtna" (pets allowed).
• Create a "Pet CV": It might sound silly, but a short profile of your pet with a cute photo, details about their breed, age, temperament, and a reference from a previous landlord can sometimes help win over a skeptical landlord.
• Be Patient: Finding the right place will take time. It's often easier outside of the major city centers of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö.

The Great Outdoors and Leash Laws

Sweden's famous Allemansrätten (The Right of Public Access) means you and your pet can roam freely through most of the country's incredible nature. However, this right comes with responsibilities.

• Leash Laws: From March 1st to August 20th, dogs must be on a leash in nearly all natural areas to protect wildlife during their breeding season. In nature reserves, leashes are often required year-round.
• Dog Parks (Hundrastgårdar): Most towns and cities have fenced-in dog parks where your pup can run off-leash and socialize.

Public Life and Transportation

• Public Transport: Rules vary by city. In Stockholm (SL), you can bring a pet at no extra cost, but they must be on a leash or in a carrier. You should board in the designated carriages, usually marked with a pet symbol.
• Cafes and Shops: It's becoming more common to see dogs in cafes, especially at outdoor seating, but it's not a given. Always ask first. Most shops, and all grocery stores, do not permit pets inside.
• Dogs are generally not allowed on public beaches during the summer. Look for specially designated hundbadplatser (dog swimming spots).

Pet Healthcare & Costs

Veterinary care in Sweden is of a very high standard, but it is expensive. Pet insurance is not just a good idea; it's considered an essential part of responsible pet ownership here.

• Pet Insurance is a Must: Nearly every Swedish pet owner has it. Companies like Agria, Svedea, and Folksam are the major players. A typical policy for a dog might cost between 300-600 SEK per month, depending on breed, age, and coverage level. It can save you from bills that can easily run into thousands of kronor for unexpected illnesses or accidents.
• Register Your Dog: All dogs residing in Sweden must be registered with the Swedish Dog Register (Jordbruksverkets hundregister). This is a legal requirement and costs a small one-time fee.

Here's a look at some estimated annual costs for a medium-sized dog in Sweden for 2025:

A Note on Banned Breeds

A common question is whether Sweden bans certain "dangerous" dog breeds. The good news is that, as of 2025, Sweden has no breed-specific legislation (BSL). The law focuses on the owner's responsibility to have control over their dog, regardless of its breed. Any dog that shows aggressive behavior can be subject to restrictions, but you won't be barred from entry simply because you own a specific type of terrier or mastiff.

Your Final Takeaway

Moving to Sweden with your pet is a journey of paperwork, patience, and precision. It requires you to be organized and proactive. The process can be stressful, but seeing your pet happily exploring a Swedish forest or curling up in your new home makes every single step worthwhile.

Your most important task is to treat the Jordbruksverket website as your primary source of information. Rules can and do change. Always check the official source before you book flights or start the process.

Welcome to Sweden—both you and your most loyal companion. The adventure is just beginning.