Entering Denmark with a dog
If you want to travel to Denmark with your dog, there are a few things to bear in mind, as there are also entry requirements and rules for dogs. I have been travelling to Denmark regularly with my Sheltie for 8 years – here you will find all the important information for your holiday in Denmark!
- Your dog needs an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination to enter the country
- Denmark prohibits the entry of 13 dog breeds, including the American Bulldog, Pit Bull Terrier and Kangal
- In Denmark, dogs must be kept on a lead all year round: exceptions apply in dog forests or off-season on the beach
General requirements: Important vaccinations and documents
To enter Denmark, your dog needs an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination – rabies vaccinations must be refreshed every 1-3 years and are only valid after 21 days if the vaccination is given for the first time or has expired. No entry is possible before then! Puppies can enter the country at 15 weeks of age, as vaccination is only permitted from 12 weeks of age and the 21-day waiting period applies.
You should have these documents to hand when entering the country in case of a border check:
- EU pet passport with microchip or tattoo
- valid rabies vaccination
Tip!
Ask your vet where exactly your dog’s chip is located – in the event of a chip check, it will be found quickly and you will have less stress.
Breed list: Which dog breeds are not allowed to enter Denmark?
These 13 dog breeds are not allowed to enter Denmark:
- American Bulldog
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Boerboel
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Kangal
- Caucasian Ovcharka
- Pitbull Terrier
- Sarplaninac
- South Russian Ovcharka
- Tornjak
- Tosa Inu
- Central Asian Ovcharka
Crossbreeding of these breeds is also still prohibited. Exceptions exist in 2 cases: If you have already acquired a dog of this breed before the Dog Law came into force on 17 March 2010 and can prove this or if dogs are only passing through. These dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled.
Tip!
If you have a dog that looks similar to one of these breeds but does not belong to it, you should ask your vet to give you a document that you can present to the Danish authorities if necessary – this way you avoid misunderstandings and can fully enjoy your holiday!
Travelling to Denmark with a dog
Travelling by car
Many holidaymakers choose to travel by car with their dog, so you can travel at your own pace and reach even the most remote holiday resorts without any problems. However, there can be delays at the Danish borders due to border controls, especially during peak and holiday periods. You should be prepared for this and make sure you have enough water for your dog and yourself, especially in the warmer months.
As in Germany, you must also secure your dog in the car in Denmark in accordance with the regulations: Harness and seat belt, transport box, boot grille or a dog car seat.
Travelling by ferry
If you want to travel to Denmark by ferry with your dog, the general entry regulations apply. When booking, you should pay attention to where your dog is allowed to accompany you on the ferry – on short ferry journeys, the most relaxed solution is usually to leave the dog in the vehicle. Alternatively, your dog may accompany you on board on some ferries. You can find all the important information for your ferry journey with your dog via the ferry providers Scandlines and Syltfähre FRS.
Ferry connections Germany-Denmark at a glance
- Puttgarden (Germany) – Rødby (Denmark) approx. 45 min.
- Rostock (Germany) – Gedser (Denmark) approx. 2 hrs.
- List (Germany) – Havneby (Denmark) approx. 40 min.
Travelling by train
In Denmark, your dog can also travel with you on DSB trains, a favourable alternative for relaxed dogs to reach larger cities quickly and easily. The following rules apply on the train:
- Dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled
- Dogs require a child ticket
- small dogs in transport boxes are free of charge
- Guide dogs and assistance dogs are free of charge
Please note: In Denmark you can only travel with your dog in 2nd class, in 1st class only guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed!
Dogs must be kept on a lead in Denmark
“Hund i snor” (English: dog on a lead) can be seen on many signs on public walking and hiking trails – in these areas, dogs must be kept on a lead all year round. In general, dogs must be kept on a lead in all forests, public roads, paths and squares in Denmark. You can recognise exceptions by the corresponding signs, e.g. “Uden snor – men under kontrol” – which means something like “Off the lead, but under control”. Here your dog is allowed to run free if you can call him off at any time and make sure that he does not disturb anyone.
Dogs are allowed to run free here in Denmark:
- designated dog forests (all year round)
- Beaches (October to March)
Note: From April to September, you can still take your dog to the beach on a lead. You can recognise exceptions by the corresponding signs.
Denmark’s dog law
The Danish Dog Law was introduced on 17 March 2010. Even after its amendment in July 2014, the law still raises concerns and questions among travellers.
What does the Danish Dog Act say?
- Entry requirements: EU pet passport and rabies vaccination
- Breed list: Which dogs are banned in Denmark
- Rules on the use of a lead
- Procedure for bite injuries
What happens in the event of a bite incident?
In the event of a bite incident, the Danish police can decide what happens to the dog; in very serious cases, the dog may be put to sleep in Denmark. Since 2014, a dog expert can be called in for bite incidents, who will also consider the circumstances of the bite. Normal behaviour in dog play is therefore treated differently to recurring biting incidents by a dog that are associated with dangerous behaviour.
Tip!
If you are unsure how your dog will react in stressful situations, we recommend wearing a muzzle to protect your dog and others.
Checklist: Entering Denmark with a dog
- Does my dog have an EU pet passport?
- Does my dog have a microchip or tattoo?
- Is my dog’s rabies vaccination still valid?
- Does my dog belong to a dog breed that is banned in Denmark?
- Do I have all the necessary documents to hand?