Export of Pet Dogs, Cats and Ferrets to Sweden

Please note that as of January 1, 2012, the rules for pets entering Sweden have changed.

Note 1: Sections I, II, III and IV must be completed in the EC Veterinary Certificate for Domestic Dogs, Cats and Ferrets - PDF (210 kb). For additional information, please visit the Swedish Board of Agriculture website.

Note 2: Every attempt has been made to ensure that the information on this site is up to date; however, countries can change their import requirements without notifying the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). It is strongly recommended that you contact the embassy or official veterinary authorities in the country of destination to confirm that there are no changes or additional requirements, or prohibitions related to certain breeds of dogs or cats.

1. Identification

Before any other procedure is carried out, your pet must be identified with a microchip.

Note: Tattoos applied after July 3, 2011, are no longer recognized, and microchip identification has become mandatory.

The microchip should comply with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 11784. If it does not, the owner is responsible for providing a suitable microchip reader.

For easy reference, the CFIA has listed companies that manufacture ISO-compatible microchips.

2. Rabies vaccination

The animal must have been vaccinated against rabies with an approved inactivated vaccine or a recombinant vaccine. Vaccinations must be given after the age of three months (90 days) and a wait period of 21 days after vaccination must be attained prior to travel.

Please note that, according to European Union (EU) regulation, a rabies vaccination is not considered valid unless the animal was properly identified at the time that it was vaccinated.

3. Tapeworm treatment

Tapeworm (echinococcus) treatment is not longer required.

4. Certification

A veterinarian authorized by the competent authority (a licensed veterinarian) must provide all the pertinent information concerning identification and vaccination by completing the Veterinary Certificate.

Once all the steps above have been successfully completed, contact your local CFIA Animal Health Office to obtain an official endorsement by an official veterinarian (competent authority – CFIA veterinarian).

5. The fee for endorsement is $20.

6. Prohibition against keeping aggressive dogs

Unlike many other EU countries, there is no ban against specific dog breeds in Sweden. However, it is illegal to keep aggressive dogs.

7. Puppies, kittens and young ferrets

No exemptions exist for puppies, kittens and young ferrets; vaccination is required, as outlined above.

For further information or clarification on these procedures, please contact a CFIA Animal Health Office in the province where you reside.