Animals and agriculture

2. costs

Permit applications to Lässtyrelsen are free of charge. However, there may be fees for written notifications to the municipality or for inspection and monitoring services.

3. Processing time

Processing times vary depending on the scope of the application and whether additional information is needed. You will receive a decision from the relevant authority as soon as the review is complete.

4. Important to know

You need a permit in the following situations:

• If you keep many animals, for example:
  • 10 or more horses (over 24 months old).
  • 10 or more dogs or cats (over 12 months old).
• If you breed:
  • 4 or more foals per year.
  • 3 or more litters of dogs or cats per year.
• If you sell:
  • 4 or more horses per year.
  • 3 or more litters of dogs or cats per year.
• If you rent out or broker animals:
  • 4 or more horses per year.
  • 3 or more dogs or cats per year.
• If you regularly house or feed animals, 4 or more at the same time (horses, dogs, or cats).
• If the activity is commercial with an economic purpose.
• If you keep fur animals for fur production.
• If you keep animals in an area with a local development plan, for example snakes, chickens, sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, or fur animals.
• If you exhibit animals publicly, for example in zoos, pet shops, or restaurants.
• If you run visitor activities with three or more visits per year.
• If you have a facility with animals or breeding material – it must be registered with the Swedish Board of Agriculture.
• If you run visitor activities with animals – you must follow hygiene rules, such as providing handwashing facilities and giving information to visitors.

4.1 Questions or more information

Contact Citizen Service at +46 921 62 000 or mob@boden.se.

5. Submit your application

Apply for a permit through Länsstyrelsen’s online service for animal keeping or animal-related activities. You need to provide details such as the type of activity, address, your experience, and attach drawings.

6. What happens next

Once you have submitted your application, Länsstyrelsen will review it. If everything is in order, you will receive a permit decision. If information is missing, you will be given the chance to provide it.

The Environment and Building Unit may also handle notifications and inspections for animals kept in areas with a local development plan.

7. Other things to consider

• Horse passport: All horses in the EU must have an approved horse passport.
  
• Reporting animal neglect: Contact Länsstyrelsen, or the police in urgent cases.