Taking Pets to Sweden - International Pet Shipping

From Amy Christy - International Personal Move Counselor

Sweden is often described as one of the world’s most modern and advanced countries. But foreign visitors also experience a naturalness that is equally typical of the country - an openness, an informality and especially a profound relationship to nature.

Sweden is a very pet friendly country but there are also specific requirements that must be followed in the proper order if you plan to take your pet:

1) Microchip - Each pet needs a microchip. The rules state an ISO compliant microchip is required, however Sweden can also scan the popular Avid 9 digit encrypted microchip.

2) Rabies Vaccination & Certificate - All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate and this certificate must state the microchip number, the date of inoculation and the validity of the particular vaccination you obtain – some are good for two years, others are only good for one. This vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine.

3) Rabies Titre / FAVN-OIE Test: This test needs to be done 120 days after the most recent rabies shot. The sample must be sent by your veterinarian to an approved laboratory for testing. The rabies titre test will remain valid forever as long as you keep your pet’s rabies vaccinations up to date in accordance with the manufactuter’s instructions.

4) Echinococcus Treatment – Dogs and Cats must have a tapeworm treatment with an approved product no more than 10 days before arriving.

5) EU Veterinary Certificate – This is the standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your USDA accredited Veterinarian. If your pet is going to be traveling as 'unaccompanied cargo' you will need the commercial variant, which needs to be issued and USDA endorsed within 24 hours of departure. The timing of this process can be quite tricky, as you will need to both take your pet to the vet and obtain the USDA’s endorsement - all within 24 hours of check-in time at the airport! If you are not located within driving distance of a USDA office, we can make arrangements to transport your pets to a point of departure located close to a USDA office and we will perform these services on your behalf.

6) International Health Certificate – Within 10 days of your pet’s arrival into Sweden, your vet will need to issue an International Health Certificate as required by all airlines. This certificate states that your pet is in good health and is fit to travel.

Whatever your final destination in Sweden, you will find this country to be rich in many customs closely associated with the changing seasons that visitors often find both exotic and attractive. We would be delighted to assist you in ensuring that your pet has a safe and successful journey to this scenic Scandinavian country!