Moving a pet from the UK to Sweden is one of the simpler European relocations. Sweden is an EU member and follows standard EU pet travel rules. The UK is a listed country, so no titre test or quarantine is required. The main task for UK …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Check microchip is ISO standard and was implanted before the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now. Non-ISO chips may not be readable in Sweden.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and at least 21 days old
Responsible: Your vet
Primary vaccination must be at least 21 days old. Boosters must be in date.
3
Book airline cargo or cabin space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead of travel.
4
APHA-authorised vet issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: APHA-authorised official vet (UK)
Within 10 days of your travel date.
5
Travel to Sweden. AHC presented at Swedish border.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Sweden
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days must have passed since the primary vaccination before entry. Boosters must be within the manufacturer's validity period.
Rabies titre test
Not required. The UK is a listed country under EU rules, so no rabies titre test is needed for UK pets entering Sweden.
Quarantine
Not required for compliant pets.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
AHC issued by APHA-authorised UK vet within 10 days of entry. After the initial journey, the AHC is valid for up to 4 months of travel within the EU.
Export permit (United Kingdom)
No formal UK export permit required for cats and dogs.
Costs
What this route typically costs
APHA-endorsed AHC: GBP 150-400 depending on vet and additional endorsements
Airline cargo: GBP 150-600 depending on route and crate size (London-Stockholm is relatively short)
Travel crate (IATA-compliant): GBP 60-250
Pet transport agent fee (optional): GBP 400-1,000
Total typical range: GBP 400 to GBP 1,300
Critical points to read before you book
The AHC is valid for 10 days as the entry document. After your pet enters Sweden, it is valid for up to 4 months for EU travel. It is not reusable for a future trip back to the UK.
Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination. Swedish border officials verify this.
If your pet had an EU pet passport before Brexit, it remains valid for travel within the EU. But if you are re-entering the EU from the UK, you need a fresh AHC.
Sweden has no breed-specific legislation, but check any rental agreement or housing regulations at your Swedish destination, as some landlords restrict certain breeds.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
SAS
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
Main carrier on the London to Stockholm route. Small pets in cabin. Cargo via SAS Cargo for larger animals.
Cabin and Cargo
BRITISH
British Airways
Heathrow to Stockholm Arlanda. Pets handled via IAG Cargo. PetAir UK manages UK-side export.
Cargo Only
NORWEGIAN AIR
Norwegian Air
Budget carrier. Small pets in cabin only. Check current policies before booking.
Cabin Only
What changed after Brexit for UK pets going to the EU
Before January 2021, UK-issued EU pet passports were valid across the EU, including Sweden. That is no longer the case. UK pets now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip to the EU.
The AHC is issued by an official vet who has been authorised by the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Your regular vet may be authorised; if not, they can refer you to one who is. The certificate confirms your pet’s microchip number, vaccination history, and health status.
The 10-day window is fixed. Even if your vet has the appointment scheduled earlier, the certificate cannot be dated more than 10 days before your travel date. Book the vet appointment accordingly.
Sweden is one of the easier EU destinations for UK pets
Sweden’s import rules for pets from listed countries like the UK are uncomplicated. Microchip, current rabies vaccination with the correct timing, and an AHC covers you. No titre test, no import permit, no quarantine.
Sweden also has no national breed-specific legislation, which means all breeds of dog are permitted. A few other EU countries have breed bans that UK owners moving with certain breeds need to plan around. Sweden is not one of them.
The main practical consideration is air cargo for larger dogs. SAS and British Airways both serve London-Stockholm, and both have cargo pet services. For smaller dogs, some airlines allow cabin travel in an approved carrier.
FAQ
Common questions about United Kingdom to Sweden pet transport
Yes. Each trip from the UK to Sweden (or any EU country) requires a new AHC issued within 10 days of that journey. The AHC is valid for one entry into the EU and then for up to 4 months of travel within the EU before it expires. It is not reusable for a subsequent trip.
No. Sweden follows EU rules and the UK is listed as an approved third country. No titre test is required for UK pets entering Sweden. You need the AHC, a valid microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), and a current rabies vaccination that has been valid for at least 21 days.
No. Sweden has no breed-specific legislation at the national level. All breeds of dog can be imported. This contrasts with some other European countries that restrict Pit Bull types and related breeds. Always check local Swedish regulations where you are settling, as some municipalities may have separate bylaws.
If your pet’s microchip and rabies vaccination are already in order, the main task is booking the AHC appointment within 10 days of travel and arranging the cargo or cabin space on your flight. The paperwork side takes 2-4 weeks. If vaccinations need updating, allow at least 4-6 weeks so the 21-day wait is satisfied before you travel.