Iceland – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues

What are the general attitudes toward pets and animals in Iceland?

Most Icelanders hold a genuinely positive view of animals and pets, and a large proportion of households include at least one. Nevertheless, the cultural landscape of pet keeping — particularly in the capital — has been profoundly influenced by historical events. In 1924, Reykjavik authorities introduced a ban on dogs as domestic animals following the discovery of a tapeworm capable of causing serious health complications in humans. That prohibition remained in place until the 1980s, when dogs were once again permitted — provided owners comply with a strict set of requirements.

After nearly sixty years without dogs in the city, a strong canine culture never fully took hold among urban residents, though this is gradually shifting with each passing decade. In contrast to much of continental Europe — where dogs are a familiar sight in towns and cities alike — Reykjavik has developed into something closer to a cat city. Felines are now the dominant pet of choice in the capital and, provided they carry a microchip, are free to wander the streets at will. Estimates suggest roughly one cat exists for every ten city residents.

The cats encountered strolling around Reykjavik’s neighbourhoods are not strays. They are owned animals whose keepers allow them to roam freely, socialise with passers-by, and come and go as they please. Historically, cats earned their place in Icelandic communities as practical pest controllers — especially valuable in a fishing port where rodents were a persistent concern. That functional relationship has since matured into deep affection, and cats are now considered an endearing and characteristic feature of life in the capital.

Beyond the capital, the situation differs considerably. In rural Iceland, dogs were never subject to any ban and have long served as working and family companions, their origins on the island tracing back to the Viking settlers. Iceland also carries a proud equestrian heritage, with horses occupying a uniquely elevated status in national life. The Icelandic horse — a distinct breed maintained in genetic isolation for more than a thousand years — is regarded less as ordinary livestock and more as a piece of living cultural heritage.

According to the Icelandic Kennel Club (HRFI), smaller breeds tend to be more popular than larger ones. The Icelandic sheepdog, one of the country’s few native breeds, consistently ranks among the most favoured. The miniature Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever, and miniature pinscher also feature among the top five most popular breeds. Dog ownership has been on a sustained upward trend, with registered numbers climbing noticeably since 2020.

What laws and regulations govern pet ownership in Iceland?

All matters relating to animal and livestock welfare fall under the jurisdiction of MAST — the Iceland Food and Veterinary Authority. Any person wishing to legally keep a dog in Iceland must comply with the rules this body has established. The national regulatory framework is further supplemented by municipal-level provisions, meaning that specific requirements can differ depending on your location within the country.

The law requires that all animals receive respectful and attentive care, and that their fundamental needs — food, water, and appropriate shelter — are consistently met. Dogs and cats must be registered with local authorities, fitted with a microchip, and wear a collar bearing identification. Dogs are required to be kept on a lead in public areas, except in designated off-leash zones where this restriction is explicitly relaxed.

Only the owner may keep a registered dog, and that owner must be at least 18 years of age. Puppies should be registered no later than four months of age. Owners are typically required to pay an annual registration fee, the amount of which varies between municipalities. For the precise figure applicable to your area — in Reykjavik, the relevant authority is the city’s animal services office — you should consult your local municipality directly, as these charges are set independently and may be updated periodically.

The vast majority of reptiles are prohibited as pets in Iceland. Owning or importing snakes, lizards, or turtles is not permitted without an exceptional licence of the kind that might be held by a zoo. One frequently cited explanation is that an incident in the 1990s — in which a pet turtle passed salmonella to its owner — prompted authorities to consider reptiles and amphibians a potential infection risk. This stands as a notable departure from the rules in most other countries, and expats who currently own reptiles should understand that moving to Iceland will in practice require rehoming those animals before departure.

Breeding restrictions apply to both dogs and cats, and the sale of animals through pet shops is also regulated. Icelandic law obliges owners to report any suspected animal illness to a licensed veterinarian or the police. Animal health is treated as a matter of genuine public importance. The authoritative source for all current pet ownership regulations is MAST at mast.is; for Reykjavik-specific requirements, visit reykjavik.is.

Are there animal welfare laws in Iceland, and how are they enforced?

Iceland has a well-established statutory foundation for the protection of animals. The principal legislation — Act No. 55/2013 on Animal Welfare — is accessible through MAST and forms the cornerstone of the country’s animal protection regime. Article 6 of the Act explicitly prohibits the mistreatment of animals and places responsibility on keepers to ensure that animals in their care are looked after in accordance with its provisions. The law extends its protections to working animals, farmed livestock, and animals used in scientific research.

The Iceland Food and Veterinary Authority is charged with advancing the health and welfare of animals, protecting plant health, and ensuring the safety and quality of food through the enforcement of legislation and the delivery of educational services to the fisheries and agricultural sectors, businesses, and consumers. The Authority maintains six regional offices across Iceland, where District Veterinarians and Official Veterinarians provide services in accordance with the applicable legal framework.

Any suspected instance of animal cruelty should be reported without delay to either the Iceland Food and Veterinary Authority or the police. Complaints to the IFVA can be submitted through the IFVA Reporting System, or communicated by telephone or email. This dual-channel reporting mechanism — encompassing both veterinary authorities and law enforcement — reflects a robust institutional commitment to combating animal cruelty, broadly in keeping with the approaches taken by other Nordic nations such as Norway and Denmark.

Iceland’s animal health status ranks among the best in the world, a consequence of its geographical remoteness, exceptionally stringent and long-standing import controls on live animals and animal products, and a rigorous historical policy of eradicating animal diseases. The welfare legislation carries genuine enforcement weight: in June 2023, the Icelandic government announced the suspension of the annual whale hunt on animal welfare grounds, after a MAST investigation concluded that the hunt was unlawful — specifically because the methods used to kill certain whales breached the Icelandic Animal Welfare Act, which stipulates that the killing of animals must be carried out “swiftly and painlessly.”

English-language versions of the primary animal welfare legislation can be found at mast.is. As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland implements a substantial portion of the EU’s veterinary legislative framework, with the EFTA Surveillance Authority providing an additional layer of external accountability.

What animal welfare charities and rescue organisations operate in Iceland?

Iceland’s civil society supports a range of animal welfare organisations, though the sector is naturally smaller in scale than those found in more densely populated nations. The Icelandic Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Icelandic SPCA) works to provide temporary care for animals in need and is working towards establishing a permanent animal shelter. Until that facility is realised, the organisation focuses on securing foster placements or permanent homes for animals at risk of euthanasia.

The Icelandic Animal Welfare Association was established in 1978 and has been promoting responsible animal care ever since. It runs a shelter for abandoned animals and engages in public education campaigns around responsible pet ownership. As one of the country’s longest-standing organisations in this field, it is a natural first port of call for expats seeking to adopt a rescue animal locally.

The Icelandic Cat Protection Society is dedicated to improving standards of care for cats across Iceland. It operates a shelter for abandoned felines and actively promotes responsible cat ownership through public outreach. Given the substantial cat population in Reykjavik, this organisation fulfils a particularly significant function in managing welfare cases and rehoming animals within the capital.

At the national advocacy level, the animal protection federation Dýraverndarsamband Íslands (DÍS) has been involved in high-profile campaigns, including lodging criminal complaints against the controversial practice of extracting blood from pregnant mares for pharmaceutical production. DÍS functions as Iceland’s national animal protection umbrella body. The Icelandic Horse Protection Fund focuses specifically on the welfare of Icelandic horses, rescuing animals in danger and working to place them in suitable new homes.

For expats who would prefer to adopt a pet locally rather than navigate the import process, reaching out to the Icelandic SPCA or the Icelandic Animal Welfare Association is a sensible starting point. Reykjavík Animal Services (DÝR) is the municipal authority responsible for collecting and housing stray animals and receiving animals in distress, and liaises regularly with other welfare organisations, pet owners, and resident associations. They can be contacted at +354 822-7820.

What should expats know about bringing a pet into Iceland?

Iceland operates some of the most stringent pet import regulations anywhere in Europe, underpinned by the imperative to preserve its biosecure, geographically isolated animal population. The procedure is substantially more involved than travelling between EU member states with an EU Pet Passport, and requires careful planning well ahead of departure. Moving a dog to Iceland entails obtaining an import permit and supplying comprehensive documentation confirming that all vaccination and testing obligations have been fulfilled. Import permits are issued by the Iceland Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST).

The step-by-step process for bringing a dog or cat to Iceland is as follows:

1. Microchip your pet. Pets must have an ISO-compliant microchip. The microchip should be non-encrypted and fifteen digits long.
2. Complete required vaccinations. Animals require vaccinations for rabies and a titer test at least 30 days after vaccination, as well as further vaccinations for leptospirosis, canine distemper, infectious canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, and canine parainfluenza at least 14 days prior to entering Iceland.
3. Carry out pre-travel disease testing. In the final month before travel, dogs must be tested for salmonella, brucella canis, and angiostrongylus vasorum. They must also be tested for rabies to confirm antibody development. Cats have a separate set of tests — check the MAST website for the specific requirements applicable to your pet’s species.
4. Treat for parasites. Both cats and dogs will also need to be treated for parasites within a certain time frame in order to eliminate ticks and tapeworms.
5. Apply to MAST for an import permit. The Iceland pet customs permit will allow your pet to enter Iceland. You should start your application at least thirty days before your intended departure date. Once issued, the permit is valid for a full year.
6. Arrange a Veterinary Certificate of Health and Origin. At least five days before the date of arrival, a copy of the Certificate of Health and Origin for Import of a Dog or Cat must be sent to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority by email at [email protected].
7. Travel via Keflavik Airport on an approved day. Keflavik Airport is the only approved port of entry for pets. Pets may arrive between 5:00 AM and 5:00 PM on quarantine admission days. For arrivals outside these hours, an application must be submitted to MAST no later than 4:00 PM on the Wednesday before the first quarantine day of that period.
8. Complete the quarantine period. Pets imported into Iceland are required to stay in quarantine for two weeks. For information on admission dates, fees, and other practical matters, contact the quarantine station at www.einangrun.is and make a reservation well in advance of planned travel.

The documentation package required to bring a pet into Iceland includes an import permit, evidence of microchipping, current rabies vaccination records, a rabies titer test result, and an export health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin. Pregnant or nursing dogs are not permitted entry into Iceland.

Pet rabbits and rodents — including guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, and degu — may be imported to Iceland with an import permit and health certificate, and will be subject to supervised home quarantine. Always confirm the most up-to-date requirements directly with MAST at mast.is before making any travel bookings, as the rules are subject to change.

Where can expats buy pet food, supplies, and veterinary care in Iceland?

Access to pet products in Iceland is generally reasonable, especially in the greater Reykjavik area, though those arriving from larger countries may find both the product range narrower and the prices higher — a reflection of Iceland’s island geography and the costs associated with importing goods. That said, pet ownership is sufficiently mainstream that dedicated retailers, online shops, and veterinary practices are firmly established across the country.

There are several pet supply stores in Iceland that offer a range of products for pets. Pet.is is an online store offering a wide range of pet products including food, toys, and accessories, with free shipping for orders over 10,000 ISK. Petland is a chain of pet stores with locations throughout Iceland, offering a range of pet products including food, toys, and accessories. Hundasport specialises in products for dogs, including food, toys, and equipment for training and agility.

Iceland’s major supermarket chains — including Bónus, Krónan, and Hagkaup — typically carry a basic selection of dry pet food, treats, and litter. For more specialised dietary needs or veterinary prescription products, dedicated pet stores or online retailers will serve you better. Pet.is (pet.is) is the country’s best-known national online pet retailer and offers nationwide delivery, making it an especially practical resource for those living outside the capital where physical pet shop options may be limited.

Veterinary services are available across Iceland, with the greatest density of practices concentrated in and around Reykjavik. In rural locations, the nearest clinic may involve a considerable journey, so it is worth identifying your closest vet before an urgent situation arises. Consultation fees in Iceland tend to run higher than in many other European countries, consistent with the overall cost of living. Pet insurance is available and well worth investigating — some international policies extend to Iceland, so it is advisable to check with providers in your home country before you move. The Icelandic Veterinary Association (Dýralæknafélag Íslands) can direct you to registered veterinary professionals in your area.

Are there cultural taboos, sensitivities, or religious considerations around specific animals in Iceland?

Iceland has no significant cultural taboos connected to pet ownership, though horses command deep respect and hunting holds little prominence in everyday life. Iceland is a predominantly secular country, and unlike societies where religious belief shapes attitudes towards particular animals — such as dogs being regarded as ritually unclean in some Muslim-majority communities, or cattle holding sacred status in Hindu-majority regions — no equivalent religious sensitivities typically affect pet keeping in Iceland.

Horses occupy an especially revered place in Icelandic life and are inseparable from the country’s cultural identity. The Icelandic horse is a matter of national pride, and any perceived criticism of Icelandic equestrian traditions can be a genuinely sensitive subject. Expats would do well to approach conversations about horse breeding, training, or husbandry with authentic respect for the profound cultural weight these animals carry.

Iceland’s Norse and Viking heritage is rich in animal symbolism — ravens, wolves, and serpents feature prominently in the old mythology — but this does not translate into behavioural taboos or everyday restrictions in contemporary Icelandic society. Those visiting Iceland’s natural landscapes and nature reserves should familiarise themselves with wildlife protection rules; approaching nesting seabirds, seal colonies, or other wild fauna is regulated and, in certain areas, explicitly prohibited.

When walking dogs in public, be mindful that not all residents are at ease around them. Given that Reykjavik spent the better part of six decades as a dog-free city, some older residents in particular may be considerably less accustomed to encountering dogs than people from countries where canine companionship has always been part of urban life. Keeping your dog on a lead in shared spaces — as the law already requires — and being considerate of those around you is simply the expected standard of responsible ownership.

What is the situation regarding stray or feral animals in Iceland?

Unlike many parts of Southern and Eastern Europe, or much of Asia and South America, Iceland has no meaningful stray dog problem. The country’s rigorous registration and licensing requirements, combined with Reykjavik’s historical ban on dog ownership, mean that dogs roaming without an owner are uncommon and are treated as lost or abandoned animals requiring prompt intervention — rather than as an accepted feature of street life.

The cats encountered wandering Reykjavik’s streets are not homeless animals. They are owned pets whose keepers grant them the freedom to explore, and whose welfare is actively looked after. Many local residents take a personal interest in the cats that frequent their neighbourhoods, keeping an eye on them and ensuring they are fed. This culture of free-roaming cats is a cherished and distinctively Icelandic aspect of daily life in the capital.

Reykjavík Animal Services (DÝR) carries responsibility for collecting and sheltering stray animals and taking in animals found to be at risk, while also working alongside other welfare organisations, pet owners, and residents’ groups. If you come across an animal in Reykjavik that appears to have been separated from its owner, you can report it to Reykjavík Animal Services (DÝR) at 822-7820. For animals found outside Reykjavik, contact the relevant Health Department or Service Centre in the appropriate municipality; the police can also provide assistance.

From a public health standpoint, Iceland presents an exceptionally low-risk environment. The country’s animal health standards are among the highest globally, a product of its geographic isolation and the uncompromising import controls applied to live animals and animal products. Iceland is free of rabies, eliminating the transmission risk from roaming animals that is a concern in many other parts of the world. Echinococcosis has been virtually eradicated as well, thanks to stringent regulations around dog and pet ownership. Expats need not take special precautions around free-roaming cats in Reykjavik, though washing hands after contact with any unfamiliar animal remains a sensible basic hygiene practice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my dog to Iceland when I relocate?

Yes, though the process is thorough and must be initiated well before your departure date. You will need to obtain an import permit from MAST and supply proof of all required vaccinations and test results. On arrival, your pet will be required to complete a two-week quarantine stay. Begin your preparations at least three months before your planned travel date and confirm all current requirements with MAST at mast.is before making any bookings.

Are there any dog breeds that are banned in Iceland?

Regulations do not include the import of wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats unless they are fifth generation removed from the pedigree. Iceland does not maintain a comprehensive banned breeds list in the way that some other countries do, but certain breeds may attract additional scrutiny. Contact MAST directly for the most current guidance on breed-specific import restrictions before making travel arrangements.

Is it true that you cannot keep reptiles as pets in Iceland?

Most reptiles are not allowed as pets in Iceland. You cannot own or import snakes, lizards, or turtles without an extraordinary permit, such as you might hold as a zoo owner. This restriction applies to residents and visitors alike, and expats who currently keep reptile pets must account for this when planning their relocation.

How do I report animal cruelty or abuse in Iceland?

Any suspected case of animal cruelty should be reported immediately to the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority or the police. Complaints to the IFVA can be submitted via the IFVA Reporting System, or communicated by telephone or email. In Reykjavik, Reykjavík Animal Services (DÝR) can also be reached at +354 822-7820 for animals found in distress.

Are there rescue organisations where I can adopt a pet in Iceland?

Yes. The Icelandic Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Icelandic SPCA) works to shelter animals in need and secure permanent homes for them. The Icelandic Animal Welfare Association has been in operation since 1978, maintains a shelter for abandoned animals, and promotes responsible ownership through public education. Adopting locally is both a practical and cost-effective alternative to the demanding import process.

How easy is it to find a vet in Iceland?

Veterinary practices are found throughout Iceland, with the highest concentration located in and around the Reykjavik metropolitan area. In more remote or rural areas, the nearest clinic may be a considerable distance away. It is wise to identify your closest veterinarian as soon as you settle in, and to explore pet insurance options to help offset costs, which tend to be higher in Iceland than in many other countries.

Is Iceland a good country for cats?

Cats are unquestionably the favoured pet in Reykjavik, and microchipped cats are free to roam the streets at will. With very few natural predators on the island, cats thrive in the Icelandic environment. Bear in mind, however, that importing a cat still requires a MAST permit, a complete vaccination schedule, and a two-week quarantine period upon arrival — making the process no less demanding than for dogs.

Does Iceland have a rabies risk?

No. Iceland is entirely free of rabies, and the stringent import requirements — including compulsory rabies vaccination and titer testing for all incoming animals — exist precisely to maintain this status. Iceland’s animal health standards are among the best in the world, owing principally to its geographic isolation and the uncompromising controls placed on the importation of live animals and animal products. Expats have no reason to be concerned about rabies exposure from animals encountered locally.