ENSV

Take your dog into nature

Dogs are welcome in Swedish nature, but must always be controlled. From 1 March to 20 August extra supervision is required because many wild animals are raising young.

How should I take my dog into Swedish nature?

Keep your dog under control throughout the year. From 1 March to 20 August it must not run loose where wildlife is present and in most cases needs to be on a lead. Dogs must always be leashed in national parks.

Source: Swedish Environmental Protection Agency: Dogs in nature · Last verified: 8 September 2026

Local municipal and reserve rules can differ and must be checked for the exact area.

Extra supervision from 1 March to 20 August

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency states that dogs must be prevented from running loose in areas where wildlife is present.

The rest of the year

Dogs must still be prevented from chasing or disturbing wildlife.

National parks and reserves

Dogs must always be on a lead in Swedish national parks. Nature reserves may have their own rules.

Grazing animals and reindeer

Keep dogs leashed near grazing livestock and in reindeer-herding areas.