Can I complain about a neighbour's barking dog in Sweden?
Yes — persistent barking can be a "nuisance to human health" and you can complain. A dog owner must keep their dog so it does not disturb, under the Environmental Code, and the municipal environmental office (in Stockholm the environmental and health board) has supervision and can issue an order or ban with a conditional fine. The disturbance must be more than minor or wholly temporary — repeated or night-time barking disturbing several people counts, a single bark does not. You can also turn to the county board under the dog-supervision law. In a rental or tenant-owned flat, repeated disturbance can ultimately make the owner lose the home.
📋 The rules
- Persistent barking can be a nuisance to health
- The owner must keep the dog so it does not disturb
- Report to the municipal environmental office
- The office can order or ban with a conditional fine
- A single bark does not count — it must be repeated
🔓 Exceptions
- Minor or wholly temporary barking is exempt
- You are usually expected to contact the owner or landlord first
- In rural settings and with working dogs more noise may be tolerated
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The environmental office can issue an order or ban, and if the owner does not comply a conditional fine can be imposed. In serious cases the county board can take the dog into care. A tenant who does not stop disturbing after a warning can be evicted.
📎 Official sources
- Environmental Code (1998:808) · Riksdagen →
- City of Stockholm · Report disturbances →
- Supervision of Dogs Act (2007:1150) · Riksdagen →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I complain about a neighbour's barking dog?
Yes. Persistent barking can be a nuisance to health, and you report it to the municipal environmental office.
Does all barking count as a disturbance?
No. A single bark does not count. It must be repeated or night-time and disturb several people.
Who should I turn to?
First the owner or landlord, then the municipal environmental office. You can also contact the county board.
What can happen to the dog owner?
An order or ban with a conditional fine, and in serious cases the county board can take the dog into care.
Can a neighbour lose their flat?
Yes, a tenant who does not stop disturbing after a warning can ultimately be evicted.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I complain barking dog neighbour”
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