Bringing a pet to Denmark — everything you need to know

Overview — what Denmark requires

Denmark follows EU pet travel regulations (Regulation (EU) 2013/576). The core requirements are the same for all dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Denmark: microchip identification, a valid rabies vaccination, and the correct documentation. The specific documents and timing vary depending on whether you are travelling from an EU/EEA country or from outside the EU.

Denmark allows a maximum of 5 pets per person. If you are bringing more than 5, commercial import rules apply. The rules below apply to non-commercial movement — that is, your pet is travelling with you as a companion, not for sale.

Coming from an EU/EEA country

If you are moving to Denmark from another EU or EEA country (including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland), the process is relatively straightforward.

What you need

• ISO microchip — your pet must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit transponder. The chip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
• Rabies vaccination — valid and up to date. The primary vaccination must have been given at least 21 days before travel. Boosters must be within the manufacturer’s validity period.
• EU Pet Passport — issued by an authorised veterinarian in any EU country. Contains your pet’s microchip number, vaccination records, and owner details. This is a small blue booklet — your vet will know it.

Coming from outside the EU

If you are travelling from a non-EU country, the requirements depend on whether your country of origin is on the EU’s “listed” or “unlisted” category.

From a listed (low-risk) non-EU country

Listed countries include the UK (post-Brexit), Norway, Switzerland, and several others that the EU recognises as having equivalent rabies standards. The full list is maintained by the European Commission and includes countries like Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the UAE, and others.

• ISO microchip (implanted before rabies vaccination)
• Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
• EU Health Certificate for Non-Commercial Movement — this replaces the EU Pet Passport. Your vet fills out a specific EU form, which must be signed by an official government veterinarian (APHA in the UK, USDA in the USA, etc.) within 10 days of travel.

From an unlisted (high-risk) non-EU country

This includes most countries in Africa, Asia, South America, and parts of the Middle East. The requirements are significantly stricter.

• ISO microchip
• Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel)
• Rabies antibody titre test (blood test) — taken at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 3 months before travel. The sample must be analysed at an EU-approved laboratory. The test must show a titre level of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
• EU Health Certificate signed by an official government veterinarian within 10 days of travel

Requirement checklist

• ISO 11784/11785 microchipMust be implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination. If your pet was vaccinated before being chipped, the vaccination must be repeated. Bring your own chip reader if it’s an unusual chip standard.
• Rabies vaccinationInactivated virus or recombinant vaccine. Primary vaccination valid after 21 days. Boosters valid immediately if given within the manufacturer’s recommended period.
• EU Pet Passport (from EU) or EU Health Certificate (from non-EU)The passport is issued by any EU vet. The health certificate is form “CANIS-FELIS-FERRETS” signed by your country’s official government veterinary authority within 10 days of travel.
• Rabies antibody titre test (unlisted non-EU countries only)Blood sample taken ≥30 days after vaccination, analysed at an EU-approved lab, result ≥0.5 IU/ml. Must be done ≥3 months before travel. Result valid for life as long as rabies boosters are maintained.
• Tapeworm treatment (dogs only — from certain countries)If travelling from Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway, or the UK, dogs must be treated for Echinococcus tapeworm 24–120 hours before arrival. Not required from most other countries.
• Breed verification (dogs)If your dog could be mistaken for a banned breed, bring documentation from your vet or kennel club. Danish authorities may request proof at the border.

Preparation timeline

From the EU (minimum 21 days)

• As early as possible Confirm microchip Check your pet has an ISO-compliant microchip. If not, get one implanted before the rabies vaccination.
• At least 21 days before travel Rabies vaccination If this is a primary (first) vaccination, your pet must wait 21 days before entering Denmark. Boosters have no waiting period if given within the validity window.
• Before travel Get EU Pet Passport Any authorised vet in the EU can issue the passport. Ensure all vaccination entries are complete and the microchip number matches.

From a non-EU unlisted country (minimum 4 months)

• Month 1 Microchip + rabies vaccination Microchip first, then rabies vaccine on the same day or after.
• Month 2 (30+ days after vaccination) Rabies antibody titre test Blood sample taken at your vet, sent to an EU-approved lab. Allow 2–4 weeks for results.
• Month 2–4 Wait 3 months from blood test date The 3-month waiting period starts from the date the blood was drawn, not the date results were received. Use this time to arrange transport.
• 10 days before travel EU Health Certificate Take your pet to the official government veterinarian (not your regular vet) to get the EU health certificate signed. Must be done within 10 days of departure.

Banned dog breeds in Denmark

Under the Danish Dog Act (Hundeloven), the following 13 breeds are banned in Denmark. This includes purebred dogs, crossbreeds, and dogs that visually resemble these breeds. The ban applies regardless of individual temperament.

Flying with your pet

Most major airlines fly pets to Copenhagen, either in the cabin (small dogs and cats) or as checked baggage / cargo (larger animals).

• Cabin: SAS, Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France allow small pets in the cabin (typically under 8 kg including carrier). Book early — most airlines limit the number of pets per flight.
• Cargo / checked baggage: For larger dogs. Airlines require an IATA-approved crate. Book directly with the airline’s cargo department. Costs range from DKK 500 to DKK 5,000+ depending on size and route.
• Pet transport companies: Companies like PetAir UK, Animal Express, and WorldCare Pet Transport handle door-to-door logistics including documentation, crates, and customs clearance.

On arrival in Denmark

When arriving by air, proceed through customs and declare that you are travelling with a pet. Border control may ask to see your documentation and scan your pet’s microchip. In practice, checks at Copenhagen Airport are not always performed — but you must have all documents ready because failure to produce them can result in quarantine at your expense or return of the animal.

If arriving by car (from Germany or Sweden), spot checks occur at border crossings. Keep all documents accessible in the vehicle.

What happens if your paperwork is wrong?

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) can take three actions if your pet’s documentation is incomplete:

1. Return the animal to the country of origin at your expense
2. Quarantine the animal in a Danish facility until requirements are met — at your expense (DKK 300–500 per day)
3. In extreme cases of non-compliance, euthanasia (this is rare but legally possible)

Finding a vet in Denmark

Denmark has excellent veterinary care. Most vets in Copenhagen and larger cities speak English. The Danish Veterinary Association (Den Danske Dyrlægeforening) maintains a directory at ddd.dk.

• Registration: Register your pet with a local vet within the first weeks of arrival. They will check your pet’s microchip and update their records.
• Costs: A standard consultation costs DKK 400–700. Vaccinations DKK 300–500. Emergency out-of-hours care is significantly more expensive.
• Pet insurance: Available from companies like Agria, Dyreforsikring.dk, and some household insurance providers. Monthly premiums range from DKK 100–400 depending on breed and coverage.

Dog ownership rules in Denmark

Denmark has specific laws governing dog ownership that you should know.

• Leash law: Dogs must be kept on a leash in all public areas, streets, and paths. Off-leash is only permitted in designated hundeskove (dog forests) and fenced dog parks.
• Hundeskove: Free fenced dog parks exist in most municipalities. Your kommune’s website lists locations. These are well-maintained and widely used.
• Liability: As a dog owner, you are strictly liable for any damage or injury caused by your dog. Third-party liability insurance (ansvarsforsikring) is legally required.
• Registration: Dogs must be registered in the Danish Dog Register (Dansk Hunderegister) via hundeweb.dk. This is linked to your pet’s microchip.
• Pick up after your dog: You are legally required to clean up after your dog in all public spaces. Bag dispensers are common in parks and along paths.