Denmark (DK)

Denmark is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy in Northern Europe — the southernmost of the Scandinavian nations — celebrated for its pioneering design aesthetic (Royal Copenhagen, Bang & Olufsen, Lego), the concept of hygge (cosiness and togetherness), the world's best work-life balance, free world-class universities, a welfare state that ranks among the globe's most generous, and Copenhagen consistently topping global rankings for sustainability, cycling infrastructure, and quality of life.

Capital: Copenhagen

Region: Europe

Language: Danish

Currency: DKK (kr)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 82)

Emergency: 112

Bringing Pets to Denmark

Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.

Microchip

Required

Health certificate

Required

Import permit

Not required

Quarantine

Not required

Vaccinations

Rabies vaccination (required for dogs, cats, and ferrets coming from outside the EU — must be administered after microchipping) Rabies titre test (for pets from high-risk countries — blood test required at least 30 days after vaccination) Echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment for dogs — this is a specific Danish requirement: dogs must be treated by a vet 1–5 days BEFORE entering Denmark. Treatment must be documented in the EU pet passport or health certificate.

Restricted Breeds

Denmark has one of the strictest dangerous dog breed bans in Europe. The following breeds (and crosses) are BANNED in Denmark: Pitbull Terrier, Tosa, American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff), Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Ovcharka, Caucasian Ovcharka, South Russian Ovcharka, Tornjak, Sarplaninac — and crosses of these breeds.Banned dogs cannot be imported into Denmark under any circumstances. Owners already in Denmark with banned breeds face confiscation and euthanasia. This law is controversial and has faced legal challenges.Check the current list at Fødevarestyrelsen (fvst.dk) before travel.

💰 Costs

Microchipping: DKK 300–600 (if not already done). Rabies vaccination: DKK 200–400. Echinococcus treatment: DKK 150–300 per treatment. EU Pet Passport (if not already issued): DKK 150–300. Titre test (if required): DKK 800–1,500. Vet check for export health certificate: DKK 400–800. Airline pet transport fees: DKK 500–2,000+ depending on airline and route.

🐕 Dog Tax / Registration

Denmark abolished the general dog tax (hundeskat) at the national level — but some municipalities still charge it. Check with your specific kommune. It is typically DKK 200–600/year if applicable.

Register with a Danish vet (dyrlæge) upon arrival. Ask about local registration requirements. Copenhagen has many vets, including English-speaking practices popular with expats. Dogs do not require a separate municipal licence/tax in Denmark (unlike some countries) — check if your municipality has any local requirements.

📋 Relocation Process

1. Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard, 15-digit). 2. Vaccinate against rabies AFTER microchipping (chip number must be in the vaccination record). 3. For dogs: arrange echinococcus (tapeworm) treatment 1–5 days before entering Denmark — get this documented by a licensed vet. 4. Obtain EU Pet Passport (from your home vet if in EU) or an official health certificate (non-EU). 5. For pets from non-EU high-risk countries: titre test required. 6. Check for breed restrictions before travel. 7. Notify Fødevarestyrelsen if bringing pets from non-EU countries. 8. Register your pet with a Danish vet upon arrival. 9. Consider microchip registration with a Danish database (DyreID or similar).

Fødevarestyrelsen (the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration — fvst.dk) is the competent authority for pet imports. The echinococcus treatment requirement for dogs is specific to Denmark and Finland — many travellers are caught unaware. If coming from Scandinavia or the UK, rules may vary. Always verify current requirements at fvst.dk before travel. For non-EU country pets: the import may require advance notification. The breed ban is strictly enforced — do not attempt to import a banned breed.