To travel to Norway with a dog, there are specific legal requirements you must meet. These rules are in place to ensure public and animal health and safety. The dog must be identified by a microchip that complies with ISO standards. This microchip must be in place before the dog is vaccinated against rabies. An EU pet passport or an EU pet health certificate is required, and it must contain all necessary information, including the microchip number and vaccination details. A valid anti-rabies vaccination is mandatory for most dogs. The animal must be at least 12 weeks old when the vaccination is given, and the date must be recorded in the passport. There is a 21-day waiting period after the primary vaccination before travel is permitted. A booster vaccination does not have this waiting period if it is administered within the validity period of the previous one. An important exemption is that rabies vaccination is not required for dogs traveling only between Norway and Sweden. Furthermore, a specific treatment for fox tapeworm is required for dogs entering Norway from most countries. This treatment must be administered by a veterinarian 24 to 120 hours before arrival and certified in the pet passport. Dogs traveling directly from Finland, Ireland, or Northern Ireland are exempt from this requirement. You must enter Norway through a designated point of entry, such as Oslo Airport or Storskog, and present your dog and its documents to the Norwegian Customs for inspection. It is highly recommended to notify the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in advance to avoid long waiting times. In addition to the entry requirements, there are important rules to follow within Norway. A national law requires all dogs to be on a leash from April 1st to August 20th. This is to protect wildlife, livestock, and reindeer during a sensitive period. Some municipalities may have local rules that extend this leash requirement for the entire year. It is also illegal to import certain dog breeds that are considered dangerous, including the Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and others. Crossbreeds with any of these breeds are also banned. When traveling with your dog, there are several recommendations to make the journey smoother. Always double-check that all your dog’s paperwork is in order before you travel, and keep it easily accessible. On public transportation, such as trains and ferries, dogs are generally permitted but may have restrictions. They are often required to be on a leash and may need to travel in designated areas. On some long-distance trains, a separate ticket may be required for larger dogs. On ferries, there might be specific rooms or cages for pets. When out in nature, pay close attention to signs, especially in national parks and protected areas, as there may be local leash laws or other regulations. It is always a good practice to be aware of your surroundings and ensure your dog is under control to prevent any disturbance to people, animals, or the environment. Dog booties are also a good idea for protecting paws, particularly in cold weather or on rough terrain.