Pets & Animals in Denmark
Bringing pets to Denmark, finding vets, and living pet‑friendly every day. Entry rules, registration, animal welfare laws, parks, beaches and how to ride trains with animals.
Overview
🐕 Pets are welcome
Dogs are common in parks, cafés and on trains. Housing can be pet‑friendly—confirm in your lease first.
🦴 Registration & rules
Dogs must be microchipped and registered. For travel, keep vaccines current and documentation handy.
👩⚕️ Vets & emergency care
24/7 emergency options exist in major cities. Pet insurance is recommended (not mandatory).
Bringing pets to Denmark
🛬 Entry requirements
EU: pet passport. Non‑EU: microchip, rabies vaccine and health certificate (plus tapeworm treatment for some routes). Danish Veterinary & Food Administration
🐶 Banned breeds
Certain breeds (e.g., Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu) are prohibited. See the official list.
📝 After arrival
Register your dog with your municipality and ensure microchipping is complete within local timelines.
Animal laws & welfare
📜 Strong protection
Animal welfare is protected by law; abuse is a criminal offense. See the Animal Welfare Act.
💉 Vaccines & health
Keep vaccinations up‑to‑date for travel. Annual health checks are widely recommended.
🐱 Cats & small pets
Cats and small mammals generally don’t require registration, but welfare rules apply to all species.
Pet‑friendly parks, beaches & travel
🌳 Dog forests (Hundeskove)
Hundreds of leash‑free areas nationwide. Find your nearest spot on the map.
🏖️ Beaches & nature
Dogs are typically off‑leash on most beaches Oct–Mar; always follow posted rules. Some parks restrict dogs.
🚆 Public transport
Dogs are allowed on S‑trains; small animals in carriers usually travel free. Details: DSB.
Vets & emergencies
🏥 Find a vet
Most cities have English‑speaking vets. For after‑hours help, see Dyrlaegevagten (emergency service).
🧾 Insurance
Pet insurance isn’t mandatory but can reduce costs for accidents, illnesses and liability.
🦮 Service animals
Guide and service dogs are permitted in public buildings and on all public transport.
Useful resources
🌐 Danish Veterinary & Food Administration
🦴 Banned dog breeds
🐾 Dog forests in Denmark
Related on exploringdenmark
🏞️ Parks & beaches
🏡 Housing & pets
🚲 Cycling with pets
👨👩👧 Family life
Frequently asked questions
🐕 Can I bring my dog or cat?
Yes. EU: pet passport. Non‑EU: microchip, rabies shot and health certificate. Check airline/ferry rules too.
🚆 Can pets use public transport?
Dogs are welcome on S‑trains, buses and Metro (fares vary). Small animals in carriers often travel free. See DSB guidance.
🦮 Are guide dogs allowed everywhere?
Yes—service and guide dogs are allowed in public buildings and on all public transport.
📋 What if my breed is banned?
Entry and ownership are not permitted. Always verify against the official list before moving.
🏥 Where can I find a vet?
Search locally or use Dyrlaegevagten for emergencies. Many clinics speak English.
🏡 Are pets allowed in rentals?
Often yes, but it depends on the lease. Confirm pet terms (number/size) before signing.
Need help moving with pets?
Tell us your dates, pet type, routes and questions—we’ll share a simple checklist and vet/transport tips.