Hallå, thinking of traveling to Sweden with a DOG? Whether you’re coming from the U.S. or U.K., I’ve got you covered. Chase my furry buttocks to get a good sniff now!
Posted 3/21/22
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The Scandinavian country Sweden is, PAWS DOWN, one of the most gorgeous countries I’ve ever set my furry paws in. From coastal islands to inland lakes to northern forests to dreamy mountain ranges, Sweden is a furry (and human) wanderlust fancy. The largest and capital city of Stockholm is built on a whoppin’ 14 islands across more than 50 bridges and boasts spectacular royal palaces (ready to welcome my royal furriness). The moment I left an alpha mark in Gamla Stan, the city’s mesmerizing cobblestoned medieval center, I was hooked! There’s so much to sniff out and mark up. ARF-ter all, Sweden is one TOP DOG country with bragging rights to a high quality of life, green living, and exceptional healthcare system. So, why wouldn’t you want to travel to Sweden with your dog? Heck, many people have even moved there with their dogs. Get your paws on my step-by-step guide on how to travel to this ARF-mazing country with your dog below!
Dog Import Requirements to Sweden from the U.S. & Canada
STEP #1: Get your dog chipped with the ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip – The rabies vaccination must be administered AFTER your dog is microchipped, NOT before. The good news is that the vaccination can be given on the same day as the microchip. Any accredited veterinarian can microchip your dog, including low-cost vet clinics like Vetco.
STEP #2: Get your dog vaccinated against rabies (or have proof of vaccination after microchip implantation) – Vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before entry, and your dog must be at least 15 weeks old.
If your dog was previously vaccinated for rabies but not microchipped, then the rabies vaccination must be administered AGAIN after being microchipped. This was my case, unfortunately. GRRR. 🙁
STEP #3: Have an accredited veterinarian complete the E.U. Health Certificate (non-commercial) – Print out the health certificate and bring it to the veterinarian to fill out. Make sure it’s non-commercial transport, not commercial. Put your furry paws on the U.S. or Canada forms.
STEP #4: Have an accredited veterinarian examine your dog’s overall health – Don’t forget to get a routine check-up or examination for your dog at the veterinarian to make sure he or she is healthy enough to fly.
STEP #5: Get the completed E.U. Health Certificate endorsed – Once your veterinarian completes the E.U. Health Certificate, you have to get the paperwork endorsed by your local APHIS Veterinary Services Office (U.S.) for $38 or Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Canada) for $20. Upon endorsement by the USDA (U.S.) or CFIA Accredited (Canada) Veterinarian, your dog must arrive in Sweden or the E.U. within 10 days from the date. Be sure to present your dog’s rabies certificate, copy of flight reservation, and the E.U. Health Certificate to the office. Do NOT skip this step!
Once stamped, the E.U. Health Certificate doesn’t expire until 4 months from the date OR until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever is first. WOOF-HOO!
OPTIONAL STEP: If you are planning to travel to Sweden or within the E.U. with your dog more than once, then it’s a pawsome idea to swap the E.U. Health Certificate for an E.U. Pet Passport, which is required for travel between E.U. countries for animals. Upon arrival in Sweden or anywhere in the E.U., take your dog to a veterinarian who has the authority to issue pet passports (call to make sure before scheduling an appointment. With an expiration date of 10 years (or as long as you keep up with the rabies vaccination, the Pet Passport is the KEY to dog travel in Europe. No more vet health certificates or APHIS endorsements!
As long as all requirements are met, quarantine is not required for your dog!
Dog Import Requirements to Sweden from the U.K.
With Brexit in effect, dogs entering the U.K. for the very first time must have an animal health certificate rather than a pet passport issued in Great Britain. If you have a pet passport issued in an E.U. country, then, of course, it is still valid for travel. This new requirement is effective January 2021. The process is similar to dogs coming from the U.S. and Canada.
STEP #1: Get your dog chipped with the ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip – The rabies vaccination must be administered AFTER your dog is microchipped, NOT before. The good news is that the vaccination can be given on the same day as the microchip. Any accredited veterinarian can microchip your dog, including low-cost vet clinics like Vetco.
STEP #2: Get your dog vaccinated against rabies (or have proof of vaccination after microchip implantation) – Vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before entry, and your dog must be at least 15 weeks old.
If your dog was previously vaccinated for rabies but not microchipped, then the rabies vaccination must be administered AGAIN after being microchipped. This was my case, unfortunately. GRRR. 🙁
STEP #3: Have an accredited veterinarian complete the Animal Health Certificate (non-commercial) – You must find an “official veterinarian” in the U.K. who can issue and sign the certificate. Upon endorsement, the paperwork is valid for 4 months (or until the rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first). This certificate must be completed within 10 days of the departure date.
STEP #4: Have an accredited veterinarian examine your dog’s overall health – Don’t forget to get a routine check-up or examination for your dog at the veterinarian to make sure he or she is healthy enough to fly.
OPTIONAL STEP: If you are planning to travel to Sweden or within the E.U. with your dog more than once, then it’s a pawsome idea to swap the E.U. Health Certificate for an E.U. Pet Passport, which is required for travel between E.U. countries for animals. Upon arrival in Sweden or anywhere in the E.U., take your dog to a veterinarian who has the authority to issue pet passports (call to make sure before scheduling an appointment. With an expiration date of 10 years (or as long as you keep up with the rabies vaccination, the Pet Passport is the KEY to dog travel in Europe.
As long as all requirements are met, quarantine is not required for your dog!
Dog Import Requirements to Sweden from another E.U. country
For E.U. travelers, all you need is an E.U. Pet Passport, and you’re all set on taking your dog to Sweden!
E.U. Pet Passport Requirements:
STEP #1: Get your dog chipped with the ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip – The rabies vaccination must be administered AFTER your dog is microchipped, NOT before. The good news is that the vaccination can be given on the same day as the microchip.
STEP #2: Get your dog vaccinated against rabies (or have proof of vaccination after microchip implantation) – Vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before entry, and your dog must be at least 15 weeks old.
If your dog was previously vaccinated for rabies but not microchipped, then the rabies vaccination must be administered AGAIN after being microchipped. This was my case, unfortunately. GRRR. 🙁
STEP #3: Have an accredited veterinarian examine your dog’s overall health – Again, don’t forget to get a routine check-up or examination for your dog at the veterinarian to make sure he or she is healthy enough to fly.
As long as all requirements are met, quarantine is not required for your dog!
What’s the dog culture like in Sweden?
“One should not judge a dog from its fur.”
-Swedish proverb
ARF, Sweden is a haven for dogs! My stylish rat tail wags to know that Sweden has some of the strictest animal welfare laws in the world. As far as equality goes, it paw-bably doesn’t get any better than these legal protections. Dogs and other pets are protected with animal cruelty offenses punishable by Swedish law. WOOF-HOO! My tail is wagging to hear that the Swedes are known to treat their dogs like real, equal family members, and the law reflects their dog-lovin’ culture. For one, dogs should be allowed to go outside at least every 6 hours. Hence, doggie daycares have exploded to become lucrative businesses. Additionally, dogs kept indoors must have a window view allowing sunlight. It’s also forbidden to tether your dog indoors or outdoors for more than 1 hour. Additionally, dogs must be provided with sufficient water, food, care, and space. Furthermore, they must reside in an environment that promotes their health and allows for natural behavior. And, if they are traveling, they must transport in a way that provides shelter and protection.
Most impawtantly, crating your dog is illegal, whether done overnight or while you’re at work! Crating can only be used for transportation or recovery after surgery or trauma. The size required for an enclosure for an exemption starts at 22 square ft (similar to a twin mattress). The abandonment of dogs (and cats) is also prohibited.
Where can you take your dog in Sweden?
Food & Drink Places – AWOOOO, as dog-lovin’ as the Swedish laws are, I wished I could say pawsitive things about my experience wining and dining here. Unfortunately, my experiences have been totally mixed! Some bars and restaurants have welcomed me with open paws, whereas others have stopped me right at the entrance. GRRR. The dog policy is generally up to the discretion of the individual business owner or staff of the hour. I’ve been hand-few treats at one bar (Movitz -Tyska brinken 34 in Gamla Stan), AND my human was grabbed on the back by a pompous security guard right outside another bar who was quick to yell, “NO DOGS ALLOWED.” Therefore, it’s best to expect that dogs are not allowed inside to avoid some disappointment or lowered tails. Do ask nicely if you can bring your dog in, and oftentimes, you may be pleasantly surprised.
ARF course, dogs are usually welcome on outdoor or sidewalk patios. BUT sadly, there was one particular instance at a cafe in Gamla Stan where I was welcome on their back patio one day and then prohibited two days later (with a change of staff). GRRR, makes no sense to me!
My go-to dog-friendly spots in Stockholm:
Chutney (Katarina Bangata 19, 116 39) – My favorite place to get my chops greasy! This is a cozy, colorful hippie cafe with a healthy theme offering delicious sandwiches and Indian dishes. Dogs are welcome inside!
Heavenly Dogs (Hedinsgatan 13, 115 33) – A charming cafe restaurant where dogs are free to roam around indoors. They also have a special dog menu!
BrewDog Kungsholmen (Sankt Eriksgatan 56, 112 34) – A dog-friendly bar specializing in Scottish brewery’s craft beers
Dog Bakery Stockholm (Odengatan 100, 113 22) – A supaw cute dog cafe with a pink theme offering treats to both furry and human patrons!
Churchill Arms Stockholm (Tulegatan 21, 113 53) – A homey dog-friendly English pub serving burgers, fisn ‘n’ chips with sidewalk tables.
*As dogs are pack animals who’d LOVE to experience meals with you, don’t forget to pack a bag of treats, dog-safe food, bottled water, and to-go bowls for your dog! Don’t make your dog feel left out.
Sniff out more pawsome places to eat in Stockholm!
Markets & Grocery Stores
GRRR, Sweden is not Italy where I’d shop for fresh tagliatelle alongside my humans. In Sweden, dogs are banned from entering markets and grocery stores with discriminating signs on the door. And, keep in mind that these aren’t laxed dog policies found in other parts of Europe – in other barks, don’t test your luck!
Pharmacies
Again, dog entrance depends on the individual business owner or staff at the hour, so this can be a hit or miss as well. Look for signs on the door to find out whether or not you can bring your dog inside. Otherwise, you’ll have to “park” your dog outside by tethering him to a pole. Just a bark that my humans have never attempted to utilize dog parking spots in fears that something will happen to me.
Shops & Boutiques
From what I’ve sniffed out, shops and boutiques are more of a hit than a miss. WOOF, what a breather! Small dogs who can be carried in a bag or carrier are more likely to be accepted at shopping malls, retail stores, and fancy boutiques (although I’ve seen my share of well-behaved bigger dogs on four paws alongside their humans). Again, look for dog-discriminating signs on the storefront before walking your furry paws in.
Tourist Attractions
While dogs are not allowed inside tourist attractions (including places of worship, museums, and palaces), they are typically welcome to sniff out the lavish photo-worthy exterior grounds. Get those iPhones ready to capture some ARF-mazing IG shots at the Stockholm Palace and Storkyrkan!
Taxis and Rideshare
The dog policy for taxis and rideshare services like Uber depends on the individual driver, so it’s purely based on luck whether you can bring your dog on board. However, you can request dog-friendly rides through Uber Pet and pet taxis or transport services, which are usually available in big cities. OK, I haven’t used them personally since I’ve found it easier to stay inside my carrier instead of dealing with the drivers (just had too many awful experiences!). Therefore, if you have a small dog like me, I would bark that the easiest way is to keep your dog inside a carrier during the ride to avoid any fuss.
Ferries
YES! As long as dogs are leashed or remain inside a carrier, they are allowed on ferries. If you’re exploring Stockholm, island hopping or cruising around the archipelago with your dog is practically a must.
Parks
As Sweden is known for green and healthy living, numerous parks and green spaces are found all over the country. Since the Swedes are such dog lovers, I was not surprised by the plethora of dog-friendly parks this country has to offer. Aside from designated off-leash zones, dogs must be on a leash on walks. As you would expect, Swedish parks are supaw clean and well-maintained! Be a respectful visitor, and don’t forget to pick up ARF-ter your dog.
Get your furry paws on my list on FUN things to do in Stockholm with your DOG!
Can dogs go on public transportation?
Many dogs accompany their humans to work, which has become more and more common. And yet, Swedish public transportation has reflected such lifestyles based on their dog policy. For the most part, dogs are allowed to travel by bus or train without extra charge, as long as they are leashed or remain inside a carrier. WOOF-HOO!
On SJ (Swedish railway company), you can bring up to two dogs free of charge when traveling in “2 class.” AWOOO, there is a catch though! You need to reserve a seat in the “Pets Allowed” section of the train. If you are on a train where it is not possible to reserve a seat ahead of time, you will need to sit in a carriage that allows pets, which is represented by an icon of a dog WITHOUT the slash. Dogs are technically not allowed on the seats and must stay on the floor during the entire train ride. If your dog is too big to fit on the floor space in front of you, then you must purchase an extra seat, which is the equivalent of a youth ticket. ARF course, you must ensure that your dog is well-behaved and doesn’t cause any disturbances.
Where to stay in Sweden with a dog?
Dog-friendly accommodations in Sweden are not difficult to find! However, be prepared to pay a daily or weekly fee for your dog’s stay.
Flying with a dog in Sweden
Time to get my furry paws up, up, up in the air! When traveling with SAS (Scandinavian Airlines), dogs are welcome in-cabin or in the cargo hold for an extra fee.
In-Cabin Dog Policy
One passenger can fly up to two dogs or pets as long as they are of the same species. Maximum carrier dimensions are 40X25X23 cm (length X width X depth), and the maximum weight is 8 kg (dog + carrier or travel bag). To board, your dog must be able to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably inside the carrier or travel bag. In-cabin dog fees range from USD 50 to USD 105.
Cargo Hold Dog Policy
One passenger can fly two adult animals of comparable size up to 14 kg, only if they are accustomed to living together. Dogs weighing more than 14 kg must travel in separate containers or cages. Maximum dimensions for travel containers depend on the aircraft, but the maximum weight may not exceed 150 kg, including your dog. Cargo dog fees range from USD 100 to USD 310.
Get your furry paws for more info on how to fly with your dog in Sweden HERE.
Returning to the U.S. from U.S. with a Dog
Generally barking, you’ll just need a valid rabies certificate to enter the U.S. from most countries in Europe with a dog. Since most countries in the E.U. are classified as rabies-controlled by the U.S. (including Sweden), a rabies vaccination is usually all it takes to enter the U.S. However, there may be additional requirements depending on which state you land in.
WOOF, hope you enjoy traveling to Sweden with your dog! Be sure to share your furry Swedish escapades with me. BARK AT ME.
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Wet Nose Escapades by Roger Wellington for fun dog videos!
Markin’ it up,
Roger Wellington a.k.a. The Doob
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