Travelling to Sweden with a Dog

Sweden is a great destination for dogs: lots of space, plenty of forest and water, and rarely too hot in summer. To make sure your trip goes smoothly, you should know the entry rules and start preparing in good time.

Entry requirements

For entry from another EU country, the European rules for pets apply. Your dog needs:

• a microchip for identification,
• an EU pet passport, issued by a vet,
• a valid rabies vaccination. After a first vaccination, at least 21 days must pass before you may enter the country.

You must also declare the dog to Swedish Customs when you enter. Tapeworm treatment is not required for Sweden, but it is for onward travel to Norway or Finland. Regulations can change, so check the current information from the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) before you leave and talk to your vet. If you are travelling via Denmark, you should also know the Danish rules, as certain dog breeds are banned there.

Getting there with a dog

Dogs are allowed on the ferries to Sweden but must be registered in advance. Many ferry companies offer pet cabins, which are booked up early. Alternatively, the dog stays in the car during short crossings or in a dog area on deck. On trains, dogs may travel in designated carriages or areas.

Leash rules and respect for nature

From 1 March to 20 August, dogs in the countryside must be kept in such a way that they do not disturb wildlife, which in practice means on a leash. This is the period when wild animals are raising their young. For the rest of the year, too, the dog must be kept under control. In national parks and nature reserves, dogs usually have to be kept on a leash all year round, and in some they are not allowed at all. Take particular care in the reindeer herding areas in the north.

Accommodation

Many holiday cottages allow dogs, but not all. When booking, look for the note “pets allowed” and mention your dog. Dogs are generally welcome at campsites. Hotels often have a few rooms for guests with pets.

On the road

• Dogs are not allowed on many swimming beaches in summer. Instead, there are designated dog beaches.
• Dogs are usually not permitted in restaurants and shops, but often are on outdoor terraces.
• Never leave your dog in a parked car when it is warm.
• In Sweden, too, you must pick up after your dog.

Health

Ticks are common in southern and central Sweden, especially on the coast and in the archipelagos. Use tick protection and check your dog every evening. Adders, the country’s only venomous snake, live in the forests. If your dog is bitten, keep it calm and see a vet immediately. In late summer, blue-green algae can occur in some lakes. Do not let your dog swim or drink there if the water is cloudy and greenish or if warning signs are posted.

To find out which other animals you might encounter, read the page Animals and plants in Sweden.