I recently took a Pet Friendly Vacation in Malmö, Sweden. It was a dream. I love to travel with my furry friend. This city is so welcoming to animals. You will find that people here treat dogs like family. First of all, I had to prepare for the journey. Sweden has very clear rules for animal welfare. These rules make sure your dog feels well and behaves naturally. You must attend to your dog at least twice a day. Young or sick animals need more care. Additionally, dogs need social contact. You should provide this through other dogs, cats, or people. I spent a few hours each day playing with my dog to satisfy this need.
You must also think about walking frequency. Dogs kept indoors must go outside regularly. I walked my dog at least every six hours during the day. This is the standard for adult dogs. Puppies and older dogs need even more trips outside. Therefore, you should plan your schedule carefully. Sweden also has rules about tethering. You may not tie your dog up indoors. Outdoors, you can only tie them up for a maximum of two hours a day. Plus, you must ensure the tethering does not harm the dog. Puppies under six months can only be tied up for very short periods.
The Logistics of Your Trip
Later, I looked into the legal side of things. You must declare your dog to Swedish Customs. Failure to do so is a serious offence. If you travel from another EU country, you can declare online or at the border. I lived in the EU and had a European pet passport, so I used the online service. This allowed me to choose the green lane when I arrived. On the contrary, if you come from outside the EU, you must use the red lane at the border. You will then talk to a customs official.
At that time, I also checked the health requirements. Your dog must have an ID microchip. A tattoo is only okay if it was done before July 2011 for EU travel. My dog has a microchip that follows ISO standards. He also needed a rabies vaccine. A veterinarian must perform this after the dog is microchipped. The basic vaccine is usually for dogs at least three months old. Similarly, a blood test is often needed to check for antibodies. This sample is taken 120 to 365 days after the vaccine. The level must be at least 0.5 IE/ml. Finally, you must deworm the dog against a specific tapeworm. A licensed vet must do this no more than ten days before you enter Sweden.
I chose to drive across the Oresund Bridge. However, some people take the train from Copenhagen. If you take the train, you might not see a uniformed officer. You are still supposed to declare the pet. You should call the customs office at +46 (0) 40-661 32 25 if you do not see an official. This ensures you follow the law.
Finding the Perfect Place to Stay
When I reached the city, I needed a hotel. Malmö has about 30 pet-friendly hotels. Park Inn by Radisson is a popular choice. They allow pets of any size. You just pay an extra fee of SEK 200 per week. Another great option is MJ’S Hotel on Mäster Johansgatan. They welcome dogs in both the hotel and the restaurant. I recommend that you make a note in your booking so they can prepare a spot for your friend.
First Camp Sibbarp is perfect for those who like the outdoors. They have dog-friendly cabins and camping spots. They even have a dog shower at service building 2. It is great for rinsing off sandy paws after a day at the beach. On top of that, Elite Hotel Savoy and Clarion Malmö Live are also on the list of friendly spots. Most of these hotels are close to the center. Therefore, you can walk to most places.
Malmo sweden beaches: Sun, Sand, and Paws
The highlight of our trip was the water. malmo sweden beaches are amazing. Ribersborgsstranden is the most famous one. Locals call it “Ribban“. It has a very large dog park where pets can run free and play. The view over the water is beautiful. Ribersborg’s dog bathing area is special because dogs can swim there all year round. On other beaches, dogs are usually not allowed from March 15 to September 15. Though, they can visit freely during the winter months.
I also visited Klagshamnstranden. It is a small and cozy beach outside the city. You can drive there in about 20 minutes. It has shallow waters and a nice jetty. We found a quiet spot at the far corner of the beach. At sunset, the views of the bridge are wonderful. Similarly, the Skanör-Falsterbo peninsula has beautiful fine sand. It is a bit of a drive, but the colorful huts make it very Swedish.
malmö mit hund: Where to Eat and Drink
I spent a lot of time looking for spots for malmö mit hund. Many local cafés and pubs encourage you to bring your dog. You should look for a fresh water bowl or a “hundvänlig” sign. BrewDog Bar is a fantastic spot for craft beer and burgers. They really love dogs there. Hummusson Hummus Bar is another favorite. It is a vegan spot where you can enjoy a hummus menu with your pet.
For coffee lovers, Uggla Kaffebar is a must. It is located at Sankt Knuts torg. Jord is another cool café with a vegan concept. You can have breakfast there all day. They invite you to hang out and bring your dog along. Also, Café Myka on Friisgatan has a whole menu of treats just for dogs. That is true luxury for a pet! If you want something traditional, Slottsträdgårdens Café is inside a beautiful garden. It is a very peaceful place to sit.
Espresso House is also a safe bet. They allow dogs at all their locations. You can have a cozy breakfast or a quick lunch there. On the contrary, most grocery stores and liquor stores do not allow dogs. You should avoid those when you are with your pet.
Exploring Parks and Shops
Malmö is a very walkable city with many green spaces. In most parks, you must keep your dog on a lead. This is especially true between March 1 and August 20 to protect wildlife. Pildammsparken is a huge park where you can walk along the paths. If you want your dog to run free, you should go to specific dog areas. Rörsjöparken and Varvsparken both have these designated zones. Slottsparken is also a great place for a free run.
Additionally, you can take your dog shopping. Åhléns City and Nordic Gallery allow pets. Designtorget is also friendly. Small dogs that fit in a bag can even go into H&M. The Triangeln shopping center allows dogs to walk through the mall. However, each individual shop inside makes its own rules. You should always ask the staff if it is okay. Most of the time, they are happy to say yes.
Public Transport and the Rejsekort App
We used public transport to get around. The Rejsekort app is very useful for this. You can buy tickets for buses and trains directly on your phone. You can also use it on Skånetrafiken trains. I found it very easy to use. First of all, you download the app and create a profile. You must link a payment method like a credit card.
When you travel, you can check in your dog as a fellow traveler. You must do this before you board the bus or train. A successful check-in shows a QR code. You must keep your phone turned on for the entire journey. If your battery dies, you do not have a valid ticket. Therefore, you should carry a charger. The app also has a “Smart Check-Out” feature. It sends a notification when it thinks your journey has ended. You then have five minutes to confirm or cancel the check-out.
If you forget to check out, the app does it automatically at 04:00 every night. Also, you can check in up to 28 fellow travelers. You can add three different customer types at once, such as an adult, a child, and a dog. Plus, you can transfer your discount levels from a physical card to the app. It is a very smart system.
Health and Safety for Your Pet
Safety is very important when you travel. Malmö has excellent veterinary care. Lorensdals Veterinärklinik is just 10 minutes from the city. They have a team that speaks English, Swedish, and Danish. This is great for clear communication. They accept emergency cases during office hours with no extra fees. They can even bill your insurance company directly.
Djursjukhuset Malmö is another big animal hospital. Arken Zoo and Dogman and friends are local pet shops where you can buy supplies. If you forget a drinking bowl, you can find one there. Sweden also has strict rules about medical procedures. Tail docking and ear cropping are not allowed. You can only have surgery done for medical reasons. Shock collars and prong collars are strictly banned. These rules show how much they care about animals.
Important Rules for Daily Life
I learned a lot about Swedish dog laws during my stay. For example, you must provide a soft place for your dog to lie down. If you keep a dog in a yard, it must have a place that is elevated at least 0.5 meters from the ground. There must also be a place with shade and a roof for rain. Indoor temperatures in kennels should be between 10 and 21 °C.
If you use a muzzle, it must not be tight-fitting for long periods. Dogs need to pant to cool down because they do not sweat. They pant 200 to 400 times per minute. Therefore, a tight muzzle can be dangerous. Also, you cannot leave a dog in a car if the temperature might go above +25°C or below -5°C. During transport, you must give the dog water every six hours. You must feed them at least every 24 hours.
If you have a puppy, you cannot separate it from its mother before eight weeks of age. Puppies under four months can only be left alone for short periods. These rules ensure that dogs grow up healthy and happy. Sweden also prohibits breeding that causes suffering. For example, dogs with inherited diseases should not be used for breeding.
Statistical and Numerical Highlights
I found some interesting numbers during my research. Here are a few:
- There are 30 hotels in Malmö that allow pets.
- An extra fee for a dog at a hotel is often around SEK 200.
- Dogs should be walked at least every 6 hours.
- The maximum time a dog can be tied up outdoors is 2 hours per day.
- The rabies antibody level in the blood must be at least 0.5 IE/ml.
- Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old before they leave the breeder.
- If you have 10 or more dogs older than 12 months, you need a special permit.
- The temperature in a dog kennel should be between 10 and 21 °C.
- A transport cage must be at least 1.10 times the length of the dog.
These numbers help you understand the level of care required. It is not just about having fun. It is about being a responsible owner.
A Relaxing Adventure on the Water
Finally, I tried something unique. We rented a pedal boat from CityBoats Trampbåtar. They are located at Raoul Wallenberg’s Park. The boats are very spacious. They are perfect for both small and large dogs. We pedaled through the canals of the city. It was so peaceful. It is a great way to see Malmö from a different perspective. My dog was very comfortable on the water. I highly recommend this for a relaxing afternoon.
Malmö is truly a paradise for dog owners. The combination of beaches, parks, and friendly cafés is perfect. I felt so happy seeing my dog enjoy the trip as much as I did. Though the rules are strict, they make for a better environment for everyone. I am already planning my next visit. You should definitely consider a Pet Friendly Vacation in Malmö, Sweden. It is an experience you and your pet will never forget.
Do not forget to pack your leash and your pet passport! Your adventure in Southern Sweden awaits. It is time to make some memories with your best friend. Safe travels to you and your furry companion!.
FAQ
Is Malmo dog friendly?
Yes, the city is very pet friendly. You will find over 30 hotels and many cafes that welcome your pet. A real paradise for animals.
Are dogs allowed in shops in Sweden?
Yes, several shops allow them. You can take your dog into Åhléns City or Designtorget. However, most grocery stores do not permit animals.
Can I travel to Sweden with my dog?
First of all, you can. You must ensure your dog has a microchip and a valid rabies vaccine. Additionally, you need an EU pet passport or a third-country certificate. No stress at the border.
Are dogs allowed on trains in Sweden?
Similarly, dogs are allowed on trains. You can use the Rejsekort app to check in your dog as a fellow traveler on Skånetrafiken trains. A smooth ride for everyone.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Sweden?
Actually, many restaurants allow dogs. Spots like BrewDog and Hummusson Hummus Bar welcome them inside. On the contrary, some places only allow dogs on the outdoor terrace.
How long can a dog be left alone in Sweden?
Sweden has strict laws for animal care. Puppies under four months should only be left alone for short periods. On top of that, you should walk adult dogs at least every six hours during the day.
How dog friendly is Stockholm?
Stockholm is very friendly in the city center. Shops like NK and Åhléns permit dogs inside. However, malls outside the center might say no.
Are dogs allowed in supermarkets in Sweden?
No, dogs are forbidden in grocery stores. This keeps food areas clean for all customers.
Concluding words
My trip was a real success. Malmö is such a great place for pets. First of all, the city has about 30 hotels that allow animals. We loved the beaches like Ribersborg and the many cozy cafes. You must follow the laws about walking and social contact to keep your pet happy. Plus, the Rejsekort app makes travel on trains very easy. It is the perfect spot for a vacation. A must-visit city for any pet owner.
