Many of us can’t imagine life without cats and dogs. The same goes for people living in Sweden, whether they’re citizens or just temporary residents. This post will be specifically helpful for those who are new in Swedish reality and want the best for their four-legged friends.
This is the first article from the mini-guide series for all pet owners in Sweden. The article will be updated with links to the following posts.
If you want to know more about travelling with pets on a ferry to Sweden, check out this post.
Register your cats and dogs in Sweden
All dogs and cats (cats from January 2023) in Sweden must be registered in the register at Jordbruksverket. There are two ways to register your dog or cat – online or by traditional post. The cost may vary, depending on the chosen registration method – from SEK 40 (online) to SEK 100 (on paper).
Find pet-friendly accommodation
Finding a flat is always difficult for pet owners. Especially, if you are an expat in Sweden. Most second-hand contracts will require you to be pet-free. You’ll need some time to find your perfect accommodation.
But don’t worry – later is only easier. First-hand contracts don’t have such limitations and generally, nobody asks what you keep in your apartment. As long as it’s not causing trouble to other tenants, of course. Make sure your dog or cat behaves well and doesn’t make annoying sounds during the day or, especially, at night. Remember to clean after your pets if they do mess in the common areas.
Find your food and accessories supplier
Regarding animal stores, there is mainly one well-known chain store ArkenZoo. However, they don’t have the best prices and don’t necessarily have all the assortment possible (for example, we couldn’t find our favourite cat sand and food). That’s the reason why we often order supplies online via ZooPlus.se which we used before, in Poland. They have attractive prices, quite quick delivery and in case of any failure, they offer good warranty terms and conditions.
Choose a good pet clinic
I am saying this from my own experience, unfortunately. Not all pet clinics and vets are trustworthy. The choice is always hard and it’s never guaranteed it was good. However, I’d recommend choosing clinics with basic medical equipment and facilities (lab, operating rooms, examination devices – ultrasound, RTG, etc.). Remember, prices are usually high. Especially during emergency help and after working hours.
Insurance is a must-have
High medical help costs for pets are the reason why pet insurance is a must-have. There are several companies on the market. I have experience with three of them.
First of all, you need to know that the insurance company in most cases will do anything to keep their money in their pockets. Choose your insurance wisely, and consider all exclusions and potential risks. Remember that older pets are more difficult to insure and also the cost is significantly higher than young and healthy cats and dogs.
The best experience I have had with Lassie. Unlike others, they cover FORL (dental disease among cats caused by genetic factors – most companies will exclude all dental diseases by default, however, there may be a possibility to buy an add-on). What’s more, they are quick with their response and payouts. We didn’t experience any problems with them during our multiple visits with both our dog and cats.
Use our code 3Q68N and get SEK 200 discount for your pet insurance at Lassie and SEK 100 discount at Lassie Shop. CLICK HERE TO CLAIM ->
*in exchange we get SEK 300 discount for insurance for our pets. This is an affiliate link.
These were just general information about owning cats and dogs in Sweden. Stay tuned and follow LikeSweden on Social Media to be updated about the newest articles which are going to expand on the topic and tell more about the law and recommended pet-related services.
