Suomi.fi
Go directly to contents.
Responsible for the service Finnish Food Authority

Notification of operations subject to notification under the Animal Welfare Act.

  • Permit or other obligation
  • Nationwide except the Åland Islands
  • Public service

In this service, you can submit a notification of operations subject to notification under the Animal Welfare Act.

Operations subject to notification include:

  • Professional keeping of companion and recreational animals
  • Large scale keeping of companion and recreational animals
  • Poultry farm
  • Animal-assisted activities
  • Pet boarding facility
  • Pet shop
  • Animal competition
  • Animal trade
  • P ...

Do the following

If you are about to start operation subject to notification (in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act), do the following:

  1. Find out what requirements are set for the keeping of different animal species in animal welfare regulations. If necessary, contact your municipal veterinarian.
  2. Fill in the form in the online service (available in Finnish and Swedish).
  3. Select the regional state administrative agency in whose operating area you mainly engage in the operations.
  4. Be prepared to have your operation inspected by the local animal welfare authority.
  5. Keep up-to-date records of the animals used in the operation.

To whom and on what terms

All operations involving the keeping of animals must comply with the Animal Welfare Act and all regulations issued under it. Operators must have an up-to-date list of the species and animals used in the operations.


Deadline

For animal competitions, wild animal shelters, professional or large-scale keeping of companion or recreational animals, 30 days before starting operations or before significant changes to operations. For broilers, 15 days before the first flock enters the building. For other animal, before starting operations.

Background information

The service is provided by

Finnish Food Authority

Responsible for the service

Finnish Food Authority
Text edited by: Finnish Food Authority
Updated: 31/12/2025