
Moving abroad with your pet involves many to-do list points.
Furthermore, in some cases, you also have to consider leaving your furry friend(s) behind. Luckily, Denmark has an easy 3-step process for importing pets, so you don’t have to worry about going on separate ways.
In this article, we listed the most important points of the process trying to make it easier for every pet owner.
Microchip and Vaccinations
The recommendation is to start the process at least 30 days before your arrival. All pets entering Denmark must be microchipped and vaccinated.
How to start the process of moving your pet to Denmark?
A microchip must be implanted in every pet., there are no other options for identification.
What should be followed, when selecting the microchip?
ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO Standard 11785
In addition to ISO, Denmark now recognizes AVID 9 and 10. Before the rabies vaccine is administered, the microchip must be implanted.
An original Rabies Certificate signed by a veterinarian is required for all pets. At the time of the final health exam, the Rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old. There are additional details regarding the rabies vaccine:
Pets with a current one-year vaccine, also known as a “primary” vaccine, are allowed to travel to Denmark. Pets may travel to Denmark with a 3-year vaccine that was administered less than a year ago otherwise it may be considered a booster.
There are other recommended vaccines included for both dogs and cats listed below.
For dogs it is:
- Distemper,
- Hepatitis,
- Leptospirosis,
- Parainfluenza
- Parvovirus (DHLPP)
- Bordetella.
For cats it is:
- Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis,
- Calicivirus
- Panleukopenia (FVRCP).
These should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than two weeks before the export date for maximum effectiveness.
Import Documentation
The suggested time frame of the import documentation is within 10 days before departure considering non-commercial imports. Proper paperwork prevents hang-ups at customs.
EU Health Certificate
This is the standard Health Certificate that your accredited veterinarian must fill out, and it must be signed in a color other than the certificate’s printing (usually blue ink). This certificate is valid for ten days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian to the date of the EU point of entry inspections.
USDA Endorsements
The forms below must be sent to your local USDA for their stamp of approval.
- Microchip Implantation Record
- Rabies Certificate
- EU Vet Health Certificate
- Airline Health Certificate
These should be available from your veterinarian. It’s a good idea to inquire ahead of time. This is an international health certificate that your veterinarian must complete within ten days of your departure. Within the context of a commercial move, the time changes. For more information on the 5-day rule and commercial moving requirements, please see the sections below.
The 5-day rule (And more)
This is an important step to keep your move on track. Before you bring your dog or cat to Denmark, make sure you’re aware of regulations unique to the EU.
The EU 5-Day Rule
Pets must fly “non-commercially” within five days of their owner to fly “non-commercially.” If you can’t meet the 5-Day Rule, you can still move, but it will be considered a commercial move, which will increase costs and change EU import requirements and timelines. If you can’t fly within 5 days of your pets, you’ll have to comply with more stringent import requirements.
Banned breeds in Denmark
Not all dog breeds are allowed in Denmark. You may not be able to bring your pet if they are one of the following breeds or a mix of one:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Tosa Inu
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Fila Brasiliero
- Dogo Argentino
- American Bulldog
- Boerboel
- Kangal
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- South Russian Shepherd Dog
Export and transit are not affected by this ban.