Bringing your dog or cat from Sweden to United States takes some coordination, but the requirements are well defined. Around 2-4 weeks is typical, with a straightforward sequence to work through. …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Sweden to United States
typically takes around 2-4 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Sweden to United States import process
01
As early as possible
Confirm microchip is ISO standard and rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: Owner and vet
02
Before travel
Complete CDC Dog Import Form online
Responsible: Owner
03
Within 10 days of departure
Book a SJVFS-authorised vet for health certificate
Responsible: Owner
04
No more than 10 days before arrival in US
Collect official health certificate from vet
Responsible: Vet
05
As early as possible; pet spaces limited
Arrange airline booking and pet space confirmation
Responsible: Owner or agent
Requirements
United States entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination required
Rabies titre test
Not required. Sweden is not a CDC high-risk country for dog rabies
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets from non-high-risk countries
Import permit
No import permit required
Health certificate
Official health certificate from Swedish licensed vet; CDC Dog Import Form completed by owner
Leaving Sweden
Export requirements
Export permit
No export permit required
Health certificate
Official health certificate issued by SJVFS-authorised veterinarian, endorsed by Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket)
Costs
What this route typically costs
Health certificate from SJVFS vet: SEK 1,500-3,500
Air cargo Sweden to US: USD 800-1,800 depending on pet size and route
Airline cabin fee (small pets): USD 100-200 each way
USDA APHIS endorsement (if required by airline): USD 38 per certificate
Professional relocation agent fee: USD 400-900 (optional)
Critical points
CDC Dog Import Form must be completed before arrival. Entry can be refused without it.
The 10-day health certificate window is strict. Vet appointment must align with travel date.
Some US states (e.g. Hawaii, which is its own island biosecurity system) have additional requirements if you subsequently travel there.
Snub-nosed breeds (bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs) face airline restrictions on transatlantic cargo routes in summer months.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
Operates ARN to JFK, IAD, ORD and LAX. Small dogs and cats in cabin (max 8 kg including carrier). Larger pets as checked baggage or cargo on eligible routes.
Mixed
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Operates ARN to various US cities. Pets accepted as cargo only; no in-cabin option on transatlantic routes.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa (via Frankfurt)
ARN to US via FRA hub. Cabin option for small pets on European leg; transatlantic segment as cargo.
Mixed
Meeting United States's entry requirements
The path into United States is straightforward to follow once you know the steps. Give the time-sensitive items priority and check the details below.
Advice worth following
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. Sweden is not classified as a high-risk country for dog rabies by the CDC, so no FAVN titre test is required. A valid rabies vaccination and health certificate are sufficient.
The health certificate must be issued within 10 days of your pet’s arrival in the US. Book the vet appointment for the day before or morning of departure to stay within that window.
The US has no federal import requirements for cats. Your airline will have their own requirements (health certificate and vaccination records are common), so check airline rules separately.
It is a form completed by the owner at cdc.gov before travel. It records basic details about the dog, owner, and vaccination status. Print or save it digitally to present at US customs on arrival.
Many airlines restrict brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs) on transatlantic cargo routes, particularly in summer. Check with your chosen airline before booking. Some routes have seasonal bans.
Airline guides
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
Norwegian Air Shuttle
Lufthansa (via Frankfurt)
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.