Svalbard Living here
What is different on Svalbard: the rules, practices and advice a newcomer needs, from the authorities that set them.
Animals
Rule
Cats cannot be brought to Svalbard
Importing live mammals and birds to Svalbard is forbidden. Exceptions cover caged birds, rabbits and small rodents from Norway and Sweden (caged birds from Finland), plus dogs by permit. Mattilsynet (the Norwegian Food Safety Authority) states cats and ferrets are not allowed. Animals brought in illegally are sent back or put down at the owner's cost.
Rule
A dog needs a permit, applied for four weeks ahead
Apply to Mattilsynet (the Norwegian Food Safety Authority) at least four weeks before travel; handling takes about three weeks. You need a microchip, rabies vaccination plus an antibody blood test, distemper vaccination and ectoparasite treatment 1 to 21 days before transfer. On arrival at the airport, show the permit and documents.
Rule
Polar-type dogs must be leashed all year; others 15 May to 15 August
Samoyeds, Greenland dogs, Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes and crosses where the polar dog dominates must be on a leash or fenced all year. Other dogs must be leashed or fenced from 15 May to 15 August. A loose dog must always be properly supervised.
Rule
Report any change in your dog's status
Sysselmesteren (the Governor of Svalbard) keeps a register of all dogs on Svalbard. Email firmapost@sysselmesteren.no if a dog changes owner, dies or moves to the mainland. Dogs must not be chained without constant supervision. Going back to the mainland needs a vet check, which can be hard when no vet is on the island.