Yes, owning a hedgehog in Sweden is legal under specific conditions. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) permits private ownership of hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) as non-native species, but only if sourced from licensed breeders within the EU, adhering to CITES and Swedish wildlife trade regulations. Recent 2026 amendments to the Species Protection Ordinance (Artskyddsförordningen) tighten documentation requirements for exotic pet imports, mandating health certificates and origin verification to mitigate zoonotic risks.
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in Sweden
- Permitted Sources: Hedgehogs must originate from EU-licensed breeders or authorized wildlife rescue centers. Wild-caught specimens are prohibited under Sweden’s 2020 Wildlife Conservation Act (Jaktlagen), which aligns with EU Habitats Directive protections for native fauna.
- Documentation: Owners must maintain records of acquisition, including CITES permits (if applicable) and veterinary health declarations. The Swedish Board of Agriculture (Jordbruksverket) enforces these requirements, with non-compliance risking confiscation or fines up to 50,000 SEK.
- Housing Standards: Municipal animal welfare ordinances (djurskyddsföreskrifter) require enclosures meeting space, enrichment, and temperature specifications. Local authorities (kommuner) conduct inspections under the 2023 Animal Welfare Act (Djurskyddslagen), which expanded oversight to exotic pets.