how to adopt a dog in sweden
I’ve had my dog, Mike, a Swedish Vallhund, since 2021 when he was just a year old. Raising him has taught me many things about dog adoption that aren’t always “common knowledge”.
In this article, I’ll share my experiences throughout the entire adoption process, hoping to make your first dog adoption smoother.
Before bringing a dog into your life, consider these essential questions:
- Are you mentally prepared for the responsibility of caring for a dog?
- Can you dedicate your time, energy, and affection to a dog?
- Would you prefer a playful puppy or a calmer adult dog?
- Their behavior varies greatly with age, are you aware of that?
- When you need to be away, who will look after your dog?
- If you have a busy social life or many activities, how will that impact your dog’s well-being?
- Have you considered the financial costs associated with dog ownership?
- Can you commit to fulfilling all of your dog’s needs, from exercise to vet visits?
Taking the time to reflect on these aspects will ensure a happy and harmonious relationship between you and your future furry friend!
Adopting a dog from a dog shelter or rescues in Sweden
When you visit a dog shelter with the intention to adopt, they will likely ask you a series of questions to ensure a good match between you and your potential furry companion.
Dog’s Personality: Are you looking for a high-energy dog that loves to play, a snuggly lapdog, or a more independent canine companion? Knowing your preferences helps them suggest suitable dogs.
Dog’s Age: Do you envision yourself with an older, calmer dog, a young, energetic puppy, or a dog that falls somewhere in the middle?
Other Pets: If you have other pets at home, it’s crucial to choose a dog that can coexist harmoniously with them.
Allergies: If you’re sensitive to dog fur, it’s best to know beforehand to avoid any discomfort later on.
Housing Situation: If you’re a homeowner, the decision to have a pet is yours. However, if you’re renting, you’ll need to seek permission from your landlord before proceeding with the adoption.
Once they gather this information, they will ask you to fill out an adoption application form. Following that, a team may visit your home to verify the details provided.
Remember, adoption fees might be lower if you choose to adopt from a rescue organization instead of a shelter.
The Adoption Application Form:
You’ll typically find the adoption form on the website of the dog shelter you’re interested in. If not, they’ll provide you with a paper form when you visit. Filling out the application is straightforward. They’ll ask for basic information like your home address, type of dwelling, contact details, and the kind of dog you’re looking for.
The goal of this form is to pair you with the right dog. Many dogs end up in shelters due to owners who could no longer care for them. The shelter needs to ensure your home is a safe and suitable environment for a dog.
Home Check:
A team will visit your home to verify your informations and also to see what type of dog is really perfect for the environment of your house. But they will not judge whether you are ready to have a dog or not.
Recommendations:
After they check your home, the rescue center will tell you how you did. They’ll give you tips on what to fix if needed.
Ready for a Dog?: If all is good, great news! You can get a Dog.
Need to Make Changes?:
If there’s something not right, they’ll explain what it is. Then you can make it better so you can have a dog later.
Choosing Your Dog:
Choosing a dog is a significant commitment as they’ll be your companion for many years to come. It’s crucial to take your time and carefully consider which dog would be the best fit for your lifestyle, without letting your emotions make a hasty decision. If possible, try fostering a dog first. This allows you to gauge compatibility and ensure a good fit before making a permanent commitment.
Once you’ve found your ideal dog and completed the necessary paperwork, you can bring them home. Keep in mind that they’ll need time to adjust to their new environment, so patience is key. Should you have any questions or concerns, the shelter or rescue group will be available to provide support.
Shower your new dog with love and attention as they settle in. They’ll quickly become a cherished member of your family, bringing you immense joy and companionship. Make sure the Nya Hem or the New home of your dog is comfortable for them.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
In Sweden, you have to register your dog with the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) before it is 4 months old or within 4 weeks of acquiring it if the dog is older than 3 months. Typically, pet shelters in Sweden do not handle the registration process for you. However, they can provide you with information and guidance on how to register your new dog. You can register your dog online through the Jordbruksverket website or by submitting a form.
Remember, You don’t need to register the dog again if it was already registered at the shelter. However, you do need to notify the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) about the change of ownership within four weeks of acquiring the dog. When you notify Jordbruksverket, you will need the previous owner’s personal ID number and the dog’s ID number. This information should be available from the shelter.
For details information, visit the official website of the Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) here.
Costs to adopt a Dog in Sweden:
The cost of dog adoption in Sweden varies depending on the shelter or rescue organization you choose. It can also vary depending on the dog’s age, breed, and medical history.
Here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay:
Shelter Adoption Fees: Typically range from 2,500 SEK to 5,000 SEK.
Rescue Organization Fees: Can be higher than shelter fees, often ranging from 4,000 SEK to 8,000 SEK, or even more for dogs transported from abroad.
These fees usually cover:
- Veterinary care: Vaccinations, deworming, health checks.
- Microchipping: Mandatory for all dogs in Sweden.
- Neutering/Spaying: Often done before adoption.
- Transportation costs: If the dog is coming from abroad.
Some organizations might also include additional services in their adoption fees, such as:
- Behavior assessment: To assess the dog’s temperament and needs.
- Training: Basic obedience training or help with behavioral issues.
Remember that these are just estimates, and the actual cost can vary. It’s always best to contact the specific shelter or rescue organization you’re interested in to get accurate information about their adoption fees.
Here are the top 5 dog shelters or rescues to adopt a dog in Sweden:
- Djurskyddet Sverige
- Address: Hammarby Fabriksväg 25, 120 30 Stockholm, Sweden
- Website: http://www.djurskyddet.se/
- Contact number: +46 8 673 35 11
- Adoption fees: 2,500 SEK – 5,000 SEK
- Description: Djurskyddet Sverige is one of the largest animal shelters in Sweden, with locations throughout the country. They have a wide variety of dogs available for adoption, from puppies to seniors. Djurskyddet Sverige also offers a number of other services, such as behavior training and dog walking.
- World Animal Protection Sverige
- Address: Hantverkargatan 5S, 112 21 Stockholm, Sweden
- Website: http://www.worldanimalprotection.se/
- Contact number: +46 8 617 79 70
- Adoption fees: 3,000 SEK – 5,000 SEK
- Description: World Animal Protection Sverige is an international animal welfare organization that works to protect animals around the world. They have a dog shelter in Stockholm that is home to a variety of dogs in need of loving homes.
- Spca Sweden
- Address: 108, 286 91 Västrarp, Sweden
- Website: http://spcasweden.se/
- Contact number: +46 435 536 95
- Adoption fees: 2,000 SEK – 4,000 SEK
- Description: Spca Sweden is a non-profit organization that works to rescue and rehome animals in Sweden. They have a dog shelter in Västrarp that is home to a variety of dogs in need of loving homes.
- Dog Stable Stockholm
- Address: Åkeshovs gårdsväg 10, 168 38 Bromma, Sweden
- Website: https://www.hundstallet.se/
- Contact number: +46 8 20 38 48
- Adoption fees: 3,500 SEK – 5,500 SEK
- Description: Dog Stable Stockholm is a dog shelter in Bromma that is home to a variety of dogs in need of loving homes. They also offer a number of other services, such as dog training and dog walking.
- Djurens Vänners Riksorganisation
- Address: Flintevångsvägen 233, 245 92 Staffanstorp, Sweden
- Website: http://www.djurensvanner.se/
- Contact number: +46 10 160 06 60
- Adoption fees: 2,000 SEK – 4,000 SEK
- Description: Djurens Vänners Riksorganisation is a national animal welfare organization that works to protect animals around the world. They have a dog shelter in Staffanstorp that is home to a variety of dogs in need of loving homes.
Adopting a dog is a lifelong commitment, so be prepared to shower your furry friend with love and care for years to come. The Nya Hem or the New home of your dog should be pleasant for them. By providing a home for a dog in need, you’re not only changing their life but also enriching your own in countless joyful and unexpected ways. So why not embark on the adventure of becoming a dog owner today? You’ll discover the incredible rewards of adoption and the unwavering companionship that a new dog can bring to your life.
