Bringing a dog or cat to Sweden from abroad

If your pet comes from another EU country, or from countries such as Norway, Switzerland or Iceland, the requirements are fairly simple. The same rules apply to dogs and cats:

A valid EU passport from another country stays valid when you move to Sweden. Tapeworm treatment is not required to enter Sweden, but the Swedish Board of Agriculture strongly recommends worming dogs and cats against fox tapeworm before the journey.

From countries outside the EU, the requirements depend on the rabies situation in the country. The Swedish Board of Agriculture divides countries into those where the situation is under control, such as the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia, and those where it is not.

The antibody test is taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and must be analysed by an EU-approved laboratory, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. The health certificate may then be issued no earlier than 90 days after the blood sample was taken, and the Swedish Board of Agriculture cannot grant exemptions from that wait.

If your pet comes directly to Sweden from a country where rabies is not under control, land at Arlanda or Landvetter. If you travel via another EU country, your pet is checked where you first enter the EU.

You must always declare dogs and cats to Swedish Customs (Tullverket) when you arrive in Sweden, wherever you come from. From an EU country you can declare in advance online and then use the green lane. If you come from outside the EU, use the red lane and speak to customs.

A pet that is not declared, or does not meet the requirements, can be refused entry. Keep the passport and any certificates within easy reach for the whole journey.

Adopting a dog from another country is common, but it is also where things most often go wrong. When a pet changes owner, stricter rules apply than when you travel with your own pet:

• The pet must be examined by an official vet within 48 hours before departure and have a specific health certificate.
• The pet must come from a registered or approved establishment.
• Anyone transporting the pet as a business must be registered.

The Swedish Board of Agriculture has repeatedly found dogs from countries where rabies is not under control that lacked adequate rabies protection, even though their papers seemed in order. Choose a reputable organisation and ask your vet to look at the papers before you decide.

Once you are here, there are a few things to sort out in the first weeks:

A Swedish EU pet passport can only be issued to people resident in Sweden, for example registered in the population register or with a coordination number. Swedish rules require, among other things, that dogs and cats are normally checked on at least twice a day, and that dogs are let outside every day. Under the Swedish Board of Agriculture's general advice, an adult dog should also be let outside at least every six hours during the day, so plan a midday break if you work full time.

Once you have settled in, you may need someone to walk your dog during the working day or look after your cat when you travel. On Pet Lounge you will find sitters who can:

• take your dog on a midday dog walk
• look after your dog during the day with day care
• visit your cat at home with cat sitting
• stay in your home with a sitter in your home while you travel

Search for sitters near you, read reviews and send a message before you book. You can also read about how Pet Lounge works and the protection fund.