Pet Shipping to Sweden from the U.S.
Complete Guide: Rules, Documentation & Travel Tips for a Safe Relocation
Quick Checklist Before Traveling to Sweden
Microchip ✔ Rabies Vaccine ✔ USDA Health Certificate ✔ Approved IATA Crate ✔ Customs Declaration ✔
Relocating your pet to Sweden from the U.S. requires careful planning and adherence to EU and Swedish regulations. Our guide outlines everything from microchip requirements and rabies vaccination to health certificates, crate rules, and customs procedures. Need assistance? Explore our international pet shipping services or connect with our pet travel experts for personalized support.
Sweden Entry Requirements & Travel Guidelines
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Microchip Identification:
Pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip before any rabies vaccination. The chip must be readable and documented. -
Rabies Vaccination:
Dogs, cats, and ferrets must have a valid rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel. Ensure booster validity throughout the journey. -
Health Certificate / EU Pet Passport:
Non-EU pets require a USDA-endorsed EU Health Certificate. EU pets may use an EU Pet Passport. -
Rabies Titer Test (if applicable):
Required for pets from CDC-designated high-risk countries. Sample must be taken ≥30 days post-vaccination and wait 3 months before entry. See High-Rabies Risk Countries. -
Age, Ownership & Non-Commercial Rules:
Pets must be at least 15 weeks old. Non-commercial travel means pets accompany their owner (or arrive within 5 days) and ≤5 pets per owner. Commercial moves follow different rules. -
Entry Points & Customs:
Declare pets at Swedish Customs (Tullverket). Non-EU arrivals must proceed through the declaration lane. More info. -
Registration in Sweden:
Long-term residents may need to register dogs and cats with the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket).
Choosing the Right Travel Crate
Airlines require an IATA-compliant crate. It must provide enough space for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Review our crate-size guide to select the correct carrier.
- Size: Enough room to move naturally.
- Ventilation: Minimum of three sides ventilated.
- Security: Metal door with secure lock.
Double-check everything with our departure checklist before travel.
Popular Pet-Friendly Destinations in Sweden
Sweden offers many pet-friendly cities with green spaces, parks, and pet services:
- Stockholm (ARN): Capital with abundant parks, pet-friendly neighborhoods, and veterinary services.
- Gothenburg (GOT): Coastal city with outdoor trails, dog parks, and pet cafés.
- Malmö (MMX): Southern city combining city life with easy access to nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bring multiple pets to Sweden? Non-commercial travel allows up to five pets per owner. More require commercial permits.
- Do ferrets have different rules? Ferrets must meet the same microchip, rabies, and health certificate requirements as dogs and cats.
- Can pets fly in-cabin? Some airlines allow small pets in-cabin. Check airline-specific requirements for crate size, documentation, and fees.
- What is the timeline for rabies vaccination and titer test? Vaccination must be ≥21 days before travel; titer tests (if required) are ≥30 days post-vaccine with 3-month waiting period.
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