Public Display of Animals
If you show animals to the public for seven or more days per year, you need a permit from the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen). This covers zoos, 4H farms, tropical houses, wildlife enclosures with tourist visits, mini-zoos, and similar facilities where the public can view animals.
The permit ensures that animals are kept under good conditions and that the operation meets animal welfare requirements under Swedish law. Länsstyrelsen assesses the facilities, animal care routines, veterinary arrangements, and staff competence before granting a permit. Permitted operations are subject to regular inspections and must report any significant changes.
Requirements
- Minimum duration: Animals are displayed to the public for at least 7 days per year.
- Covered facilities: Zoos, 4H farms, tropical houses, wildlife enclosures with tourist visits, open-air museums with animals, bird aviaries at garden facilities, city parks with animals, mini-zoos.
- Aquarium exemption: Three or fewer aquariums where each aquarium volume is less than 1000 liters do not require a permit.
- Animal welfare: Operations must meet the Animal Welfare Act requirements for good animal husbandry.
Procedure
- Application: Apply for a permit from the County Administrative Board in the county where the activity will be conducted.
- Review: The Board reviews whether the facility meets animal welfare requirements and whether animals can be kept in good conditions.
- Supervision: The Board exercises supervision over operations after granting the permit.