The pet culture in Sweden

Hey everyone,

Pets are an integral part of a lot of families. So much so that they would never consider moving abroad without them. Before doing so, it would be important to know the pet culture in Sweden just to make sure that their little “expets” feel welcomed in their new homes. Would you give our expats-to-be an insight of what it is like to have a pet in Sweden by answering the following questions?

What part do pets play in society in Sweden? Are they generally accepted in rentals and public spaces more generally?

Is it common for families to have pets?

What animal is the most often kept as pets? Are there some animals that cannot be kept as pets? Do some animals have specific significations when kept as pets?

How about the infrastructure needed to cater for pets? Can you find everything you need for your pet in terms of pet food, veterinary services, accessories, pet grooming etc...?

Do people generally spend a lot of money on their pets?

Please share your experience,

Priscilla

What part do pets play in society in Sweden?
They are simply family members for instance people buy Christmas presents, celebrate their birthdays and so on.
     
Are they generally accepted in rentals and public spaces more generally?
No. due to different kind of allergies they have their own places at every public place or public transport etc. (except guide dogs or other working animals such as police dogs)
Some private landlords might want to avoid tenants with fur animals

Is it common for families to have pets?
Yes. Almost one third of population has some kind of pet.

What animal is the most often kept as pets? 
Cats (over one million) and Dogs (a little under million)

Are there some animals that cannot be kept as pets?
Yes. Apes, Predators and bird of prey cannot be kept as pets and there are some other specific requirements to keep specific kind of other animals for instance you are not allowed to keep roosters in urban areas.

Do some animals have specific significations when kept as pets?
Yes. Hunting dogs, sled dogs, show animals etc.   

How about the infrastructure needed to cater for pets? Can you find everything you need for your pet in terms of pet food, veterinary services, accessories, pet grooming etc...?
This is a really serious industry which also has created lot of new job branches, for instance pet daycare centers and pet hotels(include spa) and everything else for pets.     

Do people generally spend a lot of money on their pets?
Yes, for the most part. Some times ones pet insurance can be higher than neighbors car insurance