Export Pet Dogs, Cats and Ferrets to Sweden

1. Have your pet microchipped or tattooed

Before any of the other procedures are carried out, your pet must be identified with a microchip or a clearly readable tattoo.  If the microchip does not meet ISO standards, the individual who is responsible for the pet will need to provide the microchip reader upon arrival.

Any microchip company can be used as long as the chip required by the importing country is met. It is up to the owner/veterinarian to ensure that the chip being used will conform.

For easy reference we have listed microchip companies that offer this service. You may choose a different provider so long as the above is met.

2. Have your pet vaccinated against rabies

The animal must have been vaccinated against rabies in accordance with the recommendations from the vaccine producer, and the vaccine must be approved by the WHO. The rabies vaccination and revaccination, if necessary, must been carried out in accordance with the producer's recommendations.

As the European Community requires a valid rabies vaccination at the moment of entry of pet animals, this means a 21-day period should occur between a primary vaccination and the presentation of this animal at an EC border point; this period does not apply when pet animals are appropriately re-vaccinated (booster).

3. Arrange for a blood test for your pets

After your pet has been vaccinated, a rabies antibody test must be taken; the results must show antibodies of a least 0.5 IU/ml. It is required that the blood test should not be taken until at least 120 days and no more than 365 days have passed since the date of vaccination (please consult the datasheet provided as each rabies vaccine manufacturer advises, in its datasheet for that vaccine, the best time for a blood sample to be taken after the vaccination).

Only laboratories approved by the EU may be engaged (approved laboratories). If a re-vaccination is carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the producer, no second test is needed.

This testing is currently only available in North America from the following laboratory:

Request the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization test (not the Rapid fluorescent focus inhibition [RFFIT] test)

It is recommended that the copy of the United States Department of Agriculture standing import permit accompany any samples to Kansas, therefore, the veterinarian must contact the above laboratory and request that a copy be faxed.

4. Before your pet enters Sweden it must be treated for tapeworms (echinococcus)

Between 24 and 48 hours prior to departure, you must bring your pet to a registered veterinarian to be treated against tapeworm.

Pets must be accompanied by a certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian showing that the animal has been given not more than 10 days before it arrives to Sweden an appropriate dosage of medicine containing praziquantel against tapeworm causing echinococcosis approved for the species concerned. The certificate must also show the name and dosage of the medicine as well as way of administration.  Please ensure that the veterinarian rescans the microchip to ensure the number is correct and the chip is still readable.

Products used for treatment against tapeworms must contain PRAZIQUANTEL as the active ingredient. To search for products which are registered and approved for use in Canada, please go to the Health Canada Drug Product Database. Please ensure you read the product label to ensure it can be used for dogs and/or cats.

5. Certification

A veterinarian authorised by the competent authority (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 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Office to obtain an official endorsement by an official veterinarian (competent authority - CFIA veterinarian). The export certificate is available in PDF format only.

6. Fees for endorsement are $20.00

7. Prohibition to keep aggression-prone dogs in Sweden

Unlike many other EU countries, Sweden has no legislation that prohibits particular dog breeds that may be considered fighters. Instead, their regulation aims at dogs particularly prone to aggression, irrespective of breed.  It is illegal to keep dogs that are extremely prone to aggression, that are easily angered or provoked to attack, that can only with difficulty be made to break off an attack, and that have a tendency to direct their fighting impulses towards humans or other dogs.

8. Puppies, kittens and young ferrets

No exemptions exist for puppies, kittens, and young ferrets; they have to be vaccinated as outlined above.

For further information or clarification on these procedures, please contact the relevant CFIA Office for the province in which you reside.