Denmark – Importing a Pet

Does Denmark allow pets to be imported, and are there restrictions on which animals are permitted?

Denmark does permit the importation of pets, though certain conditions and restrictions must be satisfied before an animal may enter the country. These rules apply across the board — whether you are relocating to Denmark on a permanent basis, visiting temporarily as a tourist, or returning home after time spent abroad. They cover anyone travelling to Denmark for a holiday, anyone coming back to Denmark after travelling, and anyone who has acquired a pet in another country and wishes to bring it back.

The central regulations cover the transportation of domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets, including animals that function as assistance or service animals. Those travelling with other types of pets — such as reptiles, amphibians, birds, rabbits, or rodents — should consult the separate rules that govern the importation of other pet animals into Denmark. These species are subject to their own specific regulations, which may call for additional permits or health documentation beyond what is required for dogs, cats, and ferrets.

Denmark enforces breed-specific legislation for dogs, and a number of breeds are entirely prohibited from entry. In 2010, Danish law banned the ownership, breeding, and importation of 13 dog breeds, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Dogo Argentino, the Fila Brasileiro, and the American Bulldog. The complete list of prohibited breeds is: Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Argentine Dog (Dogo Argentino), American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Ovtcharka, Caucasian Ovtcharka, South Russian Ovtcharka, Tornjak, and Sarplaninac.

The prohibition extends to crossbreeds of the banned breeds. This means that private individuals — including tourists — are not permitted to bring any of these dogs to Denmark. Commercial importation of these breeds and their crossbreeds is equally forbidden. If the breed of a dog is unclear, police are entitled to request documentation confirming it does not belong to a banned breed, and they may order that a confirmed banned breed be euthanised. Unlike countries such as Australia, where import restrictions centre primarily on disease prevention, Denmark’s primary concern in this regard is breed-related public safety. It is therefore vital to confirm your dog’s breed status well before finalising any travel arrangements.

Wolf hybrids, Savannah cats, and Bengal cats cannot be imported under standard pet regulations unless they are at least five generations removed from their wild ancestors. For any exotic or non-standard animal species, always seek guidance from the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency prior to making arrangements.

What vaccinations and health requirements do pets need before entering Denmark?

All dogs, cats, and ferrets over 12 weeks of age entering Denmark must have documentary proof of a valid rabies vaccination that was administered either at the same time as, or subsequent to, microchip implantation. The sequence is critical: the microchip must be in place before the rabies vaccine is given. If a vaccination was administered prior to microchipping, the full vaccination course may need to be repeated from scratch.

For pets entering Denmark from another EU member state or a recognised listed third country, the rabies vaccination must have been given at least 21 days before travel takes place. The EU does not classify any country as rabies-free, which means all dogs, cats, and ferrets — regardless of origin — are subject to current rabies vaccination requirements. Always confirm the precise waiting period with your veterinarian and with the relevant authority in your country of departure, as vaccine manufacturers may specify different timelines (as of 2025).

A rabies titer test — also known as a serology or antibody test — is only required for pets entering Denmark from countries that are classified as unlisted. In these cases, the following sequence must be followed: first, microchipping and rabies vaccination; then, at least 30 days after vaccination, a licensed veterinarian draws a blood sample for the rabies antibody titer test, which must be sent to an EU-approved laboratory. After receiving a satisfactory titer result, a further waiting period applies before travel — consult the Danish authority directly for the current required interval.

In addition to rabies, other vaccinations are strongly advisable. For dogs, these include protection against Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DHLPP), as well as Bordetella. For cats, the recommended combination is Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP). All vaccinations should be current at the time of import and ideally administered no fewer than two weeks before the planned departure date. Dogs being transported commercially must be vaccinated against distemper.

An official health certificate, completed by an authorised veterinarian, must be finalised within 10 days of the arrival date in the EU (as of 2025). Because this window is tight, your health certificate appointment with the vet should be scheduled as one of the very last steps before departure. Verify the current timeframe directly with the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency, since requirements are subject to change.

What is the application process for importing a pet into Denmark, and what paperwork is required?

It is advisable to begin the pet importation process no later than 30 days before your planned travel date. For pets originating from unlisted countries that require a titer test, the timeline may extend considerably — potentially to several months — making early planning essential. The steps outlined below apply to dogs, cats, and ferrets; other species may require different or additional steps.

1. Implant a microchip. Your pet must be fitted with a non-encrypted, 15-digit microchip that complies with the ISO 11784/11785 standard. Denmark also accepts AVID-9 and AVID-10 chips in addition to the ISO format. This procedure must be carried out by a licensed veterinarian and must be completed before the rabies vaccine is administered.
2. Administer the rabies vaccination. All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate signed by the veterinarian. At the time of the final health examination before travel, the rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old (as of 2025). The vet must record the pet’s microchip number on the vaccination certificate.
3. Arrange a titer test if applicable. For pets entering from an unlisted country, at least 30 days must elapse after vaccination before a licensed vet may carry out a rabies titer test. The blood sample must then be submitted to an EU-approved laboratory. Allow sufficient time for results to be returned before booking travel.
4. Obtain the required travel documentation. The paperwork needed to bring your pet into Denmark will include proof of microchipping, evidence of a current rabies vaccination, a rabies titer test result where required, and one of the following: a valid EU or Northern Ireland Pet Passport for pets resident in the EU or Northern Ireland; an official government-issued Pet Passport from a listed third country; or an Animal Health Certificate for pets travelling from Great Britain.
5. Book a health certificate appointment. The health certificate must be completed by an authorised veterinarian within 10 days of the planned EU arrival date (as of 2025). The vet must be approved by the governing veterinary authority in your country of departure. The completed certificate must be legible, fully accurate, and contain no gaps or errors.
6. Complete any required owner declaration. The final section of the EU Health Certificate contains a Declaration that must be signed by the pet owner or a designated person prior to the pet’s departure to the EU. This Declaration must accompany both the pet and the health certificate throughout transit.
7. Arrange transport and notify Danish authorities if required. Book suitable transportation for your pet and, if required, notify the Danish authorities of the animal’s arrival by completing the appropriate form. If you intend to enter through a port other than the main approved airports, contact the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration in advance.
8. Present documentation upon arrival. If arriving from another EU country, Norway, or Iceland, it is not necessary to formally declare the animal at the border — however, you must be in a position to produce all required documents and demonstrate that the animal has entered lawfully. Pets arriving from outside the EU will be inspected at the point of entry.

Every step required to meet the regulatory conditions for bringing a dog, cat, or ferret into Denmark must be completed in the country of origin. Do not leave any documentation tasks until after arrival — it will be impossible to correct deficiencies at the border once you have reached Denmark.

Does Denmark require pets to undergo quarantine on arrival?

Provided all pet importation regulations have been followed, no quarantine will be imposed on your animal upon entering Denmark. This approach is considerably more lenient than that of countries such as Australia and New Zealand, where mandatory quarantine is a standard requirement regardless of prior vaccination or testing history. Denmark’s system is built around rewarding thorough advance preparation rather than enforcing blanket quarantine on arrival.

However, if your pet fails to meet the required conditions, it may face quarantine where facilities are available, compulsory return to the country of origin, or euthanasia. These are serious consequences and highlight why full compliance before travel is an absolute necessity rather than a formality. Pets arriving from high-risk countries that have not fulfilled the complete titer test and vaccination requirements are particularly liable to quarantine.

Unlike some countries where government-approved quarantine facilities serve as a guaranteed safety net for non-compliant arrivals, Denmark handles such cases individually, and the availability of quarantine facilities is not assured. The most reliable path to a smooth entry is ensuring that every document is complete and correct before you leave.

Is Denmark part of any international pet travel scheme?

Denmark is a full participant in the EU Pet Travel Scheme, which facilitates the free movement of pets across EU member states. Under this scheme, animals can travel between participating countries without being placed in quarantine. In practical terms, this means that if your pet already holds a valid EU Pet Passport issued by a veterinarian within the EU, travelling with it to Denmark from another EU member state is a straightforward process.

You may bring your dog, cat, or ferret to Denmark for non-commercial purposes from an EU member state, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, or Norway, provided the animal satisfies the applicable conditions — including that you personally accompany it on the journey. The animal must hold a valid rabies vaccination that was administered at least 21 days before departure for Denmark.

For pet owners arriving from outside the EU, the scheme does not apply directly. Pets travelling from Great Britain, for example, must be accompanied by an Animal Health Certificate — UK Pet Passports are no longer accepted as a replacement for this document. Owners from countries classified as “unlisted” by the EU face the most demanding entry requirements, including the rabies titer test and the associated waiting period. The EU categorises countries as either listed or unlisted; confirm your country’s classification through the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency before starting any preparations.

Where a dog or cat is being transported on a non-commercial basis, the animal must travel within five days of its owner. If this five-day rule cannot be observed, the movement may still go ahead but will be reclassified as a commercial import — which increases costs and alters the applicable EU import requirements and timelines.

Do pet owners need to register or licence their pet after arriving in Denmark?

In Denmark, it is a legal requirement to register dogs, while no equivalent obligation exists for cats. The Danish Dog Register (Dansk Hunderegister) was established in 1993 following a government decision that all dogs living in Denmark should carry an identification number and be formally registered. Dogs imported into Denmark must be registered within one month of arrival — this is a legal duty, not merely an advisory recommendation.

You may ask your veterinarian to submit the registration to the register on your behalf. The vet will collect the registration fee of DKK 145 (as of 2025). If you prefer to handle registration yourself, you should send a copy of the pet passport and/or pedigree documents along with your name, address, and telephone number directly to the register. There is no separate annual licence fee; the DKK 145 is a single one-time registration charge, though it is worth verifying the current amount with Dansk Hunderegister directly.

Danish law also requires that all dogs wear a tag displaying the owner’s name and address at all times. The Danish Dog Register additionally recommends including a telephone number on the tag. Under Denmark’s Dog Law, all dogs must be kept on a lead when on public streets, in parks, in forests, and in other similar public spaces — regardless of how well trained the animal may be.

Dog liability insurance is compulsory for all dog owners in Denmark. This cover provides protection against any damage or injury your dog may cause to people or their property, including other animals — for example, in the event that your dog bites a person or another animal, or causes a road accident. This requirement surprises many people who are new to Denmark, so it is important to arrange appropriate cover as soon as you arrive.

While registering cats is not a legal requirement in Denmark, voluntary registration with the Danish Cat Register — an independent association — is possible and advisable. Registration significantly improves the chances of recovering a lost cat. Denmark does not impose an annual pet licence fee of the kind charged in some other countries.

Are there any additional rules or costs expats should be aware of when bringing a pet to Denmark?

Individual airlines and shipping companies each have their own policies regarding the transport of animals. Contact your airline or shipping representative to determine what specific requirements they impose. Policies can vary considerably between carriers — some permit small pets to travel in the cabin in an approved carrier, while larger animals must travel as accompanied cargo. Always reserve a place for your pet well in advance, as many airlines impose limits on the number of animals permitted on a single flight.

Your pet must be transported in a secure container — either a dedicated pet carrier or a purpose-built travel crate. The animal must have enough room to stand upright inside the container. For large dogs, the container must allow the animal not only to lie down comfortably but also to rise to a standing position without obstruction. These container standards apply to both air and ferry travel.

Copenhagen (Kastrup) Airport, Billund Airport, and Aalborg Airport are all approved points of entry under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. If you plan to arrive through a different port, contact a Control Enforcement Officer via the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration International Trade Division for guidance before your travel date.

The EU’s five-day rule is a practical constraint that many expats overlook when planning a move abroad. To qualify as a non-commercial import, a pet must travel within five days of its owner. If this five-day window cannot be met, the movement is reclassified as a commercial import, resulting in higher costs and different EU import requirements and timelines. Coordinating your own travel dates carefully with your pet’s transport arrangements is therefore important.

There is no fixed upper limit on the number of pets one person may bring for non-commercial purposes, but if the number or nature of the animals suggests a commercial transaction, Danish and EU authorities may reclassify the movement accordingly. For large numbers of animals or unusual species, contact the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency in advance. Seasonal restrictions do not typically apply to domestic pets travelling to Denmark, but extreme weather conditions can affect airline pet transport policies — always check with your carrier before booking during summer or winter months.

Where can expats find official information about importing a pet into Denmark?

The principal authority responsible for pet importation rules in Denmark is the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency (Fødevarestyrelsen). This agency’s website provides comprehensive information about travelling with pets to Denmark, including the specific requirements for bringing dogs, cats, or ferrets into the country. Their English-language portal is available at en.foedevarestyrelsen.dk and serves as the most authoritative source for current requirements relating to microchipping, vaccination, documentation, and breed restrictions.

Any dog imported into Denmark must comply with the government regulations currently in force. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration is responsible for setting the rules on pet importation and travel with pets into Denmark. This agency also oversees commercial imports and can advise on requirements for species beyond dogs, cats, and ferrets.

For dog registration specifically, the Danish Dog Register (Dansk Hunderegister) is the designated official body. Their website at hunderegister.dk enables you to register your dog, check existing registration details, and confirm current fees. Danish law requires all dogs to be registered with the Danish Dog Register before reaching eight weeks of age, or within four weeks of being imported into the country.

Expats arriving from outside the EU may find it useful to consult their home country’s official veterinary authority when preparing export health certificates. For instance, USDA APHIS publishes detailed step-by-step guidance for owners preparing pets for travel to EU countries including Denmark, available at aphis.usda.gov. Always cross-reference any third-party guidance against the official Danish authority’s own information, as regulations change and non-official sources may not reflect the latest requirements.

The Nordic cooperation portal at norden.org also offers accessible summaries for those relocating to Denmark from other Nordic countries or from elsewhere within the EU. For questions specifically relating to breed-specific legislation, consult the Danish Act on Dogs, which sets out the responsibilities of all dog owners in Denmark, including tourists and others who bring a dog into the country.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my pet arrives in Denmark without the correct paperwork?

A pet that fails to meet Danish import regulations may be placed in quarantine if suitable facilities are available, sent back to the country of origin, or euthanised. None of these outcomes is automatic — the decision is made by border authorities on a case-by-case basis — but none is an acceptable risk to take. Never assume that incomplete documentation will be overlooked. Ensure every required document is fully prepared before travel and carry originals rather than photocopies.

Can I bring a rescue animal into Denmark?

Rescue animals are subject to precisely the same import requirements as any other pet — microchipping, rabies vaccination, and the appropriate travel document or health certificate. The main practical difficulty with rescue animals is that their vaccination and microchip histories may be incomplete or impossible to verify. If a rescue animal’s microchip was inserted after its vaccination, the vaccination course may need to be repeated entirely. Work with a veterinarian who has experience in international pet movements well ahead of your planned travel date. Also confirm that the animal does not belong to one of Denmark’s 13 banned breeds before proceeding.

How long does the full pet import process take from start to finish?

For pets arriving from listed EU or third countries, pet relocation specialists generally advise starting preparations at least 30 days before travel. For pets from unlisted countries, the timeline is substantially longer: the microchipping and vaccination must be followed by a 30-day wait before a titer test, further time for laboratory results, and an additional waiting period following a successful test result. Owners moving pets from unlisted countries should realistically allow four to six months to complete the process without rushing. Always verify current timeframes with the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency.

Do the rules differ for cats versus dogs?

The fundamental import requirements — microchipping, rabies vaccination, and travel documentation — apply equally to dogs, cats, and ferrets. However, the obligations that arise after arrival differ considerably. In Denmark, dog registration with Dansk Hunderegister is compulsory, while no equivalent requirement exists for cats. Dog owners must also obtain mandatory liability insurance, a requirement that does not extend to cat owners. Cats are not subject to any breed-specific bans, unlike dogs, where 13 breeds are entirely prohibited. In all other respects — the health certificate, the titer test where applicable, and the five-day travel rule — cats and dogs are treated identically.

Is a titer test always required to bring a pet to Denmark?

A rabies titer test is only required for pets entering Denmark from countries classified as unlisted. If your pet is travelling from an EU member state, Norway, Iceland, or another listed country, no titer test is necessary. The EU’s classification of countries into listed and unlisted categories is the determining factor. Check your country of origin’s classification on the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency’s website before assuming whether a titer test is required in your case.

Can I bring my pet on a ferry to Denmark?

Yes — ferries are a widely used route into Denmark, particularly from Germany, Sweden, and Norway. Exactly the same import documentation is required regardless of whether you travel by air or by sea. Your pet must be housed in a secure container — either a pet carrier or a specially designed travel crate — with sufficient space to stand upright inside. Individual ferry operators set their own rules regarding pets on board, including policies on accommodation and deck access, so always check with the specific ferry company before booking.

What are the rules on bringing pet birds into Denmark?

Pet birds travelling to the EU in a group of five or fewer must carry some form of individual identification, such as a clip, leg band, microchip, or tag. Further health certification and isolation requirements may also apply, including testing for avian influenza. The rules governing birds are more complex than those for dogs and cats, and specific requirements vary according to species and country of origin. Contact the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency directly for current bird import requirements before making any travel arrangements.

Is there an annual licence fee for pet owners in Denmark?

Denmark does not impose an annual pet licence fee of the kind levied in some other countries. The registration fee for the Danish Dog Register is DKK 145 (as of 2025), and this is a one-time charge rather than a recurring annual cost. No equivalent registration requirement or fee exists for cats. However, all dog owners in Denmark are legally obliged to maintain liability insurance, the annual premium for which varies depending on the insurer and the specific policy chosen. Confirm the current registration fee directly with Dansk Hunderegister before your arrival.