I always dreamed of a perfect Pet Friendly Vacation in Uppsala, Sweden. My partner and I love to travel. We explore the world together. However, our dog, Nala, is a member of our family. We cannot leave her behind. Uppsala is a city of green oases. It has deep history. It has modern charm. Is it the right place for a pet? is sweden dog friendly? I found the answer to be a loud yes. The city has a vibrant dog culture that welcomes every wagging tail.
First of all, I had to plan the logistics. I asked myself: can i take my dog to sweden? Sweden is lucky because it does not have rabies. Therefore, the government has strict laws to keep the country safe. My dog needed a microchip for identification. She needed a rabies vaccination. This shot must happen at least 21 days before the journey. My vet told me she had to be at least 15 weeks old to travel. Plus, she needed a valid EU pet passport. I felt like a secret agent with all those papers. I checked the Swedish Board of Agriculture website many times to be sure.
The Journey and Arrival
The flight was my first big worry. I booked a trip with KLM. My cat is not very heavy. So, she could fly in the cabin with me. I bought a bag with the exact measurements the airline requires. If the bag is too large, the pet must go with the luggage. I did not want that. Later, I bought the bag weeks early. I let her sleep in it to get used to the space. On top of that, I bought a de-stressing collar with lavender and valerian scents. This keeps pets calm during the flight. I also took her food away the night before. Pets should not eat a few hours before flying to avoid accidents.
When we landed at Arlanda Airport, I felt a wave of relief. We had to go through Swedish Customs. I showed her passport and vaccination records. They checked her microchip. Every animal must be declared when it enters the country. Finally, we were free. I did not want to take a bus or train right away. My pet was tired. I took an Uber for a comfortable ride to our new home.
Finding a Home in Uppsala
To find an uppsala rent house is the hardest part of the move. Most student housing does not allow animals. I had to look elsewhere. First of all, I checked Blocket.se. It is a site where people sell things and rent apartments. I also used Facebook groups. However, Facebook has many scammers. I decided that was not the best choice. Gradually, I found Uppsala Bostadsförmedling. This site offers normal apartments that allow pets.
This system works with a queue. I signed up in January to find a place for August. It takes much patience. I applied for about 50 different places. I was often at place 100 in the line. Eventually, I came first in the queue for a great apartment. If you want a long stay, sign up early. Plus, you can filter for “pets allowed” on these websites.
The Best Pet Friendly Hotels
If you are only visiting for a week, you have many choices. You can find pet-friendly hotels in Uppsala starting from $81 on Expedia. I have stayed in many places around the world. I once looked at pet friendly hotels in bangladesh and even pet care in uttara. But Uppsala is very special for pets.
Elite Hotel Academia is a 4-star property. It has an amazing rating of 9.2. They even give dog treats to their furry guests. Similarly, the Radisson Blu Hotel Uppsala is wonderful. It has a 9.4 rating for pet stays. They provide food and water bowls in the room. It also has a lovely terrace.
Another great spot is Akademihotellet. It is a budget-friendly choice with a 9.4 rating. It has a charming garden for your pet. For those who love nature, Arenahotellet i Uppsala is perfect. It is slightly outside the city center. This means it is near large green areas for long walks. It has a 9.0 rating and offers a sauna and hot tub for the humans. Additionally, Hotel Botanika is very cozy. It is right next to the Linnaeus Garden.
The Magic of the Swedish Fika
You cannot visit Sweden without enjoying fika. This is more than a coffee break. It is a ritual to stop and enjoy a hot drink with a pastry. It is a huge part of the culture. In Uppsala, your dog can join the fun. The Dog Bakery Uppsala on Drottninggatan is a dream. It is a cafe tailored entirely for dogs.
My dog enjoyed a pupcake and a puppuccino. They also sell vegan dog biscuits. On top of that, they have a shop with stylish dog clothes and premium food. Just across the street is Taps Beer Bar. The staff there love dogs. They are celebrated guests. They might even offer your dog a treat.
If you are hungry for a full meal, try Brasserie21. It is a spacious bistro that allows dogs all year. During the summer, I love the food market near Studenternas arena. It has food from all over the world. You can eat outside and then walk in the nearby City Garden. Similarly, the English Bookshop on Svartbäcksgatan welcomes dogs. A book and a dog? A perfect afternoon.
Living the Pet Urbana Life in the City
Living in central Uppsala feels like a true pet urbana experience. The city is designed for walkers. I suggest a daily uppsala city tour on foot. Many shops in the S:t Per Gallerian mall allow dogs inside. You should always check with the store first. We also spent many hours at Landings Konditori inside the mall.
The Fyris River is the heart of the city. Shaded paths run along the water. These are perfect for long strolls. You can see the Uppsala Cathedral and the Uppsala Castle from the river paths. It is a peaceful way to see the sights.
Parks and Nature Trails
Uppsala has over 111 dog-friendly parks. That is incredible. The average rating for these parks is 4.5 stars. First of all, we visited Stadsskogen. This is a massive forest on the western edge of the city. It has many trails for exploring.
The Botanical Garden is a historic green oasis. You can see the legacy of Carl von Linné. However, you must follow the dog rules in sweden here. You must keep your dog on a lead at all times. You are not allowed to let your dog relieve itself in the gardens. Also, only service dogs can go inside the glasshouses.
Additionally, we visited Gamla Uppsala. These are ancient burial mounds from the Viking era. The museum does not allow dogs inside. But the outdoor area is huge and beautiful. It is a great place for a picnic in the open fields.
If you want more adventure, Uppsala has 92 dog-friendly hiking trails. We walked through the Kungshamn-Morga Nature Reserve. It has scenic views of the water. Gradually, my dog became a pro hiker. Plus, the city has 4 fenced dog parks. These are secure spaces where dogs can play off-leash.
Rules for Safety and Transport
Travel within the city is very easy. UL buses and trains allow dogs for free. But there are rules. Your dog must be on a leash. It must stay on the floor. I always choose the rear of the bus. This is respectful to people with allergies.
On SL commuter trains, you can bring a dog in second-class compartments. You cannot bring them during peak traffic hours from 6:00 to 9:00 or 15:00 to 18:00. This makes a trip to Stockholm very simple. Though, you cannot take dogs to Arlanda C or Stockholm C on these trains.
Safety is a top priority in Sweden. You must never leave your dog in a car if it is too hot or cold. If the temperature might reach +25°C or drop below -5°C, it is illegal. During a journey, you must give your dog water at least every six hours. You must also feed them every 24 hours. If you are driving, your dog should be in a transport cage or wear a dog seat belt. These laws protect our best friends.
Health and Pet Care Services
I always worry about health when I travel. I researched pet care in uttara before, but Uppsala has amazing local services. As soon as I got my Swedish personal number, I registered my pet at a vet. This is good for insurance and yearly checks.
For a more personal touch, I used VetAtHome. This is a service where the veterinarian comes to your house. It is much less stress for nervous animals. A home visit consultation costs about 1750 SEK. They can do vaccinations, health checks, and even ID marking. A standard vaccination is about 650 SEK. If you need an EU passport issued, it costs 750 SEK.
On top of that, they offer help on evenings and weekends. This is very convenient. If there is a life-threatening emergency, you should go to an animal hospital immediately. But for most things, having a vet in your living room is a safe and time-efficient choice.
Special Traditions and Tips
Did you know about the Happy Dog concept? Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport offers this during New Year’s Eve. Fireworks are banned near the airport. This makes it a quiet place for dogs that hate loud noises. The package includes a dinner and fun activities for pets. It is only a 20-minute train ride from Uppsala.
If you are looking for a quiet place to swim, try Ulva kvarn. The city built a barge there where you can dive and swim. It is secluded and very nice. Similarly, Morga hage has scenic views and quiet beaches. Just watch out for cow landmines in the summer!.
How to Get a Dog in Sweden
You might fall in love with the dog culture and want a pet of your own. If you wonder how to get a dog in sweden, there are rules for trade and adoption. Dogs brought for trade must be inspected in their home country. They also need a TRACES certificate. If you breed more than three litters a year, you need a permit from the County Administrative Board. Sweden takes animal welfare very seriously.
FAQ
Is Uppsala dog friendly?
Yes, Uppsala is highly dog-friendly, boasting a vibrant dog culture and over 111 dog-friendly parks. The city features specialized businesses like the Dog Bakery, numerous cafes that welcome pets, and various hotels offering pet-specific amenities.
How pet friendly is Sweden?
Sweden is considered a delightful place for dog lovers, offering unique dog cafes and restaurants that integrate pets into the local tradition of fika. The country has progressive views on animal welfare and features many picturesque landscapes suitable for traveling with companions.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Sweden?
Many restaurants and cafes in Sweden welcome dogs, with some even providing dedicated treats like puppuccinos or vegan dog biscuits. Establishments where dogs are welcome often display a green sticker from TaMedHunden.se on their entrance doors.
Are dogs allowed in shops in Sweden?
Dogs are allowed in the public areas of certain malls, such as S:t Per Gallerian in central Uppsala. While many individual shops within these malls open their doors to four-legged visitors, owners should check with the store staff before entering.
Is Uppsala safe at night?
Uppsala is generally safe, though it is recommended to exercise caution in less populated areas, such as certain parts of Fålhagen, during the night.
Can I take my dog on holiday to Sweden?
Yes, you can take your dog to Sweden, provided you comply with strict importation rules. These include ensuring the animal is ID-marked, has a valid rabies vaccination, possesses an EU pet passport, and is declared to Swedish Customs upon arrival.
Concluding words
Uppsala is an exceptional destination for a pet-friendly vacation, offering a vibrant dog culture supported by over a hundred parks and specialized spots like the Dog Bakery. Travelers can easily navigate the city with their pets using UL buses and trains or stay at various centrally located hotels that provide dedicated pet amenities.
By adhering to Sweden’s strict importation requirements and customs declarations, visitors can enjoy a seamless and rewarding experience with their furry companions in this historic Swedish city.
