Hundstallet - Worth Waiting For

CHALLENGE

Every year, thousands of dogs are illegally brought into Sweden, threatening both animal welfare and public safety. Despite severe health risks, ties to organized crime, and a growing risk of rabies, many dog buyers remain unaware of the dangers. Hundstallet faces the consequences of this issue on a daily basis and aimed to raise awareness of the problem and drive change – to create a safer society for both dogs and humans.

SOLUTION

While no one sets out to buy an illegally smuggled dog, many buyers are blinded by ignorance and the rush to adopt quickly. In order to help future dog owners make safe, informed and smuggle-free decisions, we developed a practical guide with a clear message – a dog is always worth waiting for.

We spread the message widely through opinion pieces, media coverage, and pro bono collaborations with influencers and dog experts. To drive change, we launched a petition, lobbied politicians, and called for stronger EU legislation and better cooperation between authorities. By engaging both the public and decision-makers, we took significant steps toward meaningful change.

Smuggling may be quick, but buying a dog should be a careful decision. A dog is always worth waiting for.

RESULTS

We put dog smuggling on the national agenda and exceeded all goals. With over 30 million in reach across TV, radio, newspapers, podcasts, and social media, we reached the Swedish public three times over. The goal of 10,000 signatures was achieved halfway through, ending 40% above target – a powerful call for EU legislative change.

Värd att vänta på became Hundstallet's most successful campaign ever, delivering five times better results than average. Donations increased by 23% during the campaign period compared to the previous year, making 2024 a record year.

Hundstallet has now been invited to the Swedish Parliament by both the Social Democrats (S) and the Moderates (M), and the Social Democrats have proposed a motion to stop dog smuggling. Dialogues with the Swedish Customs, the Swedish Prosecution Authority, and the Swedish Veterinary Agency have been initiated to take joint action. What started as a campaign has grown into a movement impacting society as a whole!

The campaign has been nominated in Spinn 2025, in the “Non Profit of the Year” category.