Copenhagen Dogs: Your Complete Checklist for Bringing a Pet to Denmark

Is Denmark a good place to travel or relocate to with dogs and/or cats?

There are many wonderful things about Copenhagen with dogs. There are also some aspects that will make it more challenging. Whenever I look at a country to bring my pets, there are some essential criteria I look at.

• Is it easy to bring my pet into the country?
• Is it easy to leave the country with my pet?
• Are pets allowed in accommodations? (hotels, airbnb, etc.)
• Are pets allowed on public transport? (bus, train, subway, taxi, etc.)
• Are there fun activities to do with my dog? (parks, restaurants, hiking, beaches, etc.)
• Are my pets safe? (strays, dognapping, dangerous insects or animals, etc.)

If I am required to move somewhere because of work or family, some of this information might be less important. However, if I want to travel to a country and it might be difficult to get in and out with my pet, that might not be the right country for us.

Learn the rules and regulations to see how easy or difficult it is to bring your pet to Denmark

Are you thinking of moving to Denmark with a dog? Perhaps you are considering visiting with a pet. Regardless the reason, bringing pets to Denmark will require you to follow the rules Denmark and the EU created. They change based on the country you are coming from.

Here are the official government websites explaining the regulations and requirements for brining your pets from the US to Denmark and Denmark’s rules from various other countries around the world. Expectations change from country to country, so make sure you have the most up to date information.

Official EU government website on importing pets
Official Denmark government website on importing dogs and cats
Official government website on pets coming from the US to Denmark

Entry Requirements to bring a pet into Denmark from Non-high Rabies Country 

Also known as “Part 1” and “Part 2” listed countries

Medical Requirements for Bringing a Pet to Denmark: 

Ensure your pet’s 1-year anti-rabies vaccination is valid before traveling. If it’s your pet’s initial rabies vaccination or if the prior one has expired, wait 21 days after administering the vaccine.

Documentation Required to Import a Pet and How to Get it:

An authorized veterinarian from the departure country will issue an official health certificate for your pet. For pets traveling from the US, a USDA Endorsement Office must endorse the certificate at least 10 days before entering the European Union.

A pet passport simplifies intra-EU travel, as it consolidates all required information. Obtain a pet passport if your pet will travel frequently within the EU or if you plan to return often. The passport will replace the health certificate for subsequent visits.Airlines may occasionally request a veterinarian’s certificate verifying that your pet is fit for travel.

Entry Requirements to enter Denmark with a dog or cat from High Rabies Country

Also known as “Unlisted Countries”

Medical Requirements for Bringing a Dog or Cat to Denmark: 

Before traveling, ensure your pet has a valid anti-rabies vaccination.

Additionally, your pet needs an EU-approved rabies titration test, performed at least three months before your travel date. Find a list of approved laboratories on the Europa website. If the rabies vaccine is maintained, the initial test results remain valid.

Documentation Required to Import a Pet and How to Get it: 

An official health certificate from a veterinarian in your home country is required to travel with your pet. Verify if your country has specific rules regarding when to obtain the certificate before your trip.

If you plan to frequently travel in Europe with your pet, consider obtaining a pet passport upon arrival. This special document contains all crucial pet health information. Airlines may occasionally require an additional document from your vet to confirm that your pet is healthy enough to travel.

Additional Considerations

Microchip Requirements: 

Microchips adhering to ISO standards ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 should be implanted before or at the time of the rabies vaccine.

Quarantine Requirements (if any):

Not applicable, except in exceptional circumstances

Breed Restrictions:

Denmark has banned the entry of specific dog breeds and their crossbreeds. The list of prohibited dog breeds includes:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Tosa Inu
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Fila Brasileiro
• Dogo Argentino
• American Bulldog
• Boerboel
• Kangal
• Central Asian Shepherd Dog (Ovtcharka)
• Caucasian Shepherd Dog (Ovtcharka)
• South Russian Shepherd Dog (Ovtcharka)
• Tornjak
• Sarplaninac

It’s essential to note that if your dog belongs to one of the 13 breeds that Denmark considers potentially dangerous, you must obtain liability insurance if you already live in Denmark and own one of those breeds. This rule does not apply to visitors, as these breeds are banned from entry into the country.

Number of pet restrictions:

5 pets per person

Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US?

No, Denmark does not have a high risk for entry into the US

Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?

No, Denmark is part of the EU

Final Thoughts: Is Copenhagen a Good Place to Bring Your Pets?

Now that you have read about all the rules and regulations as well as what it is like to visit Denmark with a dog, what do you think? Are you able to bring your pet into the country without too much difficulty? Will there be a lot of things you can do together while you are there? Do you have all the vaccines and requirements met or will you have to get some additional work done before you can travel?

International moves with dogs is never easy, but it can be very rewarding!

Are you flying to Copenhagen with a dog?

Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide
Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety