There has long been a lack of clarity in the industry about what actually applies to level 3 animal caretakers and their right to euthanize pets. There have been many rumors, as well as concerns. Now the Swedish Board of Agriculture has clarified the situation – and for those of you who run or manage a clinic, there is both good news and a clear window to act within.
Here we find out what applies to level 3 animal caretakers and their right to euthanize pets, what it means for your business and how you ensure the competence of your team.
It's happening right now: The Swedish Board of Agriculture's proposal
At the end of April 2026, sent Swedish Board of Agriculture issued a regulatory referral (diary no. 5.3.16-07454/2026) with a proposal that is more important than it sounds: they want to remove the time limit for animal caretakers level 3 completely.
This means that the right to euthanize pets will no longer have an end date. No new deadline to worry about, no new extension to hope for. Instead, the exemption will be made permanent – until the system of approved animal caretakers comes into effect on September 1, 2030.
But – and this is crucial – the proposal only applies to those who have been trained according to Appendix 5, i.e. the complete basic course in anesthesia and pain relief of at least 80 hours. The simpler pain relief course (Appendix 6, 16 hours) is proposed to be abolished completely. In the future, there will therefore only be a valid path to anesthesia competence for animal caretakers, and it requires solid training.
The proposal is out for consultation and must be decided before December 31, 2026.
What happens if your staff is not trained?
The Swedish Board of Agriculture's impact assessment is clear in its description of what happens if clinics lack staff with anesthesia expertise:
- Fewer emergency surgeries and emergency services
- Dental care for dogs and cats risks becoming unavailable in parts of the country
- In the worst case scenario, animals may be denied care or euthanized due to staff shortages.
- Licensed animal nurses and veterinarians are forced to take over time-consuming tasks from other clinical work.
This is not a hypothetical future – it is the reality that already characterizes many clinics today. And the industry cannot afford to lose any more operational capacity.
The Swedish Board of Agriculture also notes that there are no documented indications from the liability board or insurance companies of an increased safety risk when level 3 animal caretakers perform anesthesia. The expertise is therefore both valuable and safe.
What is the situation like at your clinic?
Sweden currently has approximately 530 animal caretakers at level 3, a number that has grown by 138 people since 2022. It is a professional group that carries a large part of the daily surgical flow at clinics around the country - but is still too small to meet demand.
If you have employees who work as animal caretakers level 2 and have at least three years of full-time experience, they are eligible to begin training for level 3. Autumn 2026 is the last opportunity to do so with complete confidence – the course can be completed before December 31, and the new qualification applies immediately.
Vetmigo's course – education that lasts
Our basic course in anesthesia and pain relief for animal caretakers level 3 fully follows the curriculum in the Swedish Board of Agriculture's appendix 5 and meets the requirements of SJVFS 2023:20. It starts in September 2026 and is completed and examined before the end of the year – that is, in good time so that your staff has their qualifications in place.
Led by one of the industry's most distinguished teachers:
The course is led by Anna Forsblom, a licensed veterinary nurse with Cert VNECC and NCert Anaesthesia. It is a track record that few in Sweden can match in anesthesia for pets. Your employee must not only meet the formal requirements of the Swedish Board of Agriculture – they will learn from someone who truly masters the subject in depth.
Arrangements that work in your business:
The theoretical part is divided into three blocks of two days each – with the possibility of participating physically or online. Between blocks, the course participant works with study material, study questions, assignments and case studies at their own pace.
The practical skills training takes place on your own workplace, under the supervision of a licensed animal nurse or veterinarian, according to the list of elements in SJVFS 2017:16. This means that your employee does not need to be away from the clinic for long periods - the training is integrated into the ongoing work. The workplace is responsible for ensuring that the elements are taught correctly and signed when the student passes them.
Do you need support in setting up the tutorial? Vetmigo provides tutorial support and help with planning the training program.
Certification included:
The examination requires approved practical elements according to SJVFS 2023:20. Upon approval, a course certificate is issued that gives your employee full authorization to work as a level 3 animal caretaker and euthanize pets under the veterinarian's responsibility.
Why autumn 2026 is the right time
The Swedish Board of Agriculture's proposal makes the picture clearer now than it has been in a long time:
- The right to euthanize pets is proposed to become permanent for trained personnel
- The lower education path (Appendix 6) is proposed to be removed – the 80-hour course will be the only option
- More trained level 3 animal caretakers strengthen your clinic's capacity, flexibility and ability to receive patients - both in everyday life and on call.
Anyone who trains their staff now is investing in skills that will last a long time. And in an industry where a shortage of anesthesia-competent staff is already a real problem, it is an investment that is immediately visible in the business.
Price
SEK 28,000 excl. VAT – it includes the entire course and certification. No hidden costs.
Secure the location for your staff
The number of places on this fall's course is limited. If you want to ensure that your employees have time to complete it before the end of the year, it's time to act now.
Register your staff for the course here →https://vetmigo.se/ny-kursstart-anestesiutbildning-hund-katt/
Do you have questions about the course, the eligibility requirements, or how the system works in practice? Contact us – we will help you find the right solution for your clinic.
Vetmigo is a recruitment/staffing company that also develops training for animal caretakers and animal healthcare personnel. Our courses follow the Swedish Board of Agriculture's regulations and are designed by and for people who work in animal healthcare every day.