When traveling with your dog to Denmark, there are specific legal requirements you must follow to ensure a smooth journey. These rules apply to both residents and visitors. To enter Denmark from another EU country, your dog needs an EU Pet Passport. This passport must be issued by a veterinarian and confirm that your dog has a microchip for identification and a valid rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccination must have been given at least 21 days before your departure. It is also a good practice to have a dog tag with your contact information, including your mobile phone number and country code. If you are staying in Denmark for more than four weeks, you are required to register your dog in the Danish Dog Register. All dog owners, including tourists, must have dog liability insurance. Danish law has a ban on certain dog breeds and their crossbreeds. These breeds include the Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, American Bulldog, Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, Caucasian Shepherd Dog, South Russian Shepherd Dog, Tornjak, and Sarplaninac. It is illegal to bring these dogs into Denmark, with a few very specific exceptions for dogs owned before the ban was enacted. If you are just transiting through Denmark with a banned breed, your dog must not leave the vehicle except for very brief, necessary stops.
When traveling by car, Danish law states that a dog must be secured in a way that it does not distract the driver or obstruct their view. Although there is no specific law mandating a car harness or crate, the police can fine you if they determine your dog is a danger to safe driving. Regarding public transportation, dogs are generally allowed on buses, trains, and the metro in Denmark. The rules vary depending on the size of the dog. Small dogs that can fit in a carrier or bag can usually travel for free, provided they remain in the carrier. Larger dogs must be on a leash and typically require a child’s ticket. Service dogs and guide dogs are an exception and can travel for free regardless of their size. There may be designated areas on some forms of public transport where dogs are not permitted, such as in “quiet zones” on trains or specific seats on the metro, so always look for signs. On the ground, a general rule in Denmark is that dogs must be on a leash in public areas. The leash should not exceed two meters in length in cities. There are designated “dog forests” where your dog may be let off the leash, but it must still be under your complete control. On beaches, dogs must be on a leash from April to October. Outside of this period, they may be off-leash but must remain under your control. It is also a legal requirement to always clean up after your dog. Most stores, museums, and playgrounds do not allow dogs, but many cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating are dog-friendly.
When traveling by car, Danish law states that a dog must be secured in a way that it does not distract the driver or obstruct their view. Although there is no specific law mandating a car harness or crate, the police can fine you if they determine your dog is a danger to safe driving. Regarding public transportation, dogs are generally allowed on buses, trains, and the metro in Denmark. The rules vary depending on the size of the dog. Small dogs that can fit in a carrier or bag can usually travel for free, provided they remain in the carrier. Larger dogs must be on a leash and typically require a child’s ticket. Service dogs and guide dogs are an exception and can travel for free regardless of their size. There may be designated areas on some forms of public transport where dogs are not permitted, such as in “quiet zones” on trains or specific seats on the metro, so always look for signs. On the ground, a general rule in Denmark is that dogs must be on a leash in public areas. The leash should not exceed two meters in length in cities. There are designated “dog forests” where your dog may be let off the leash, but it must still be under your complete control. On beaches, dogs must be on a leash from April to October. Outside of this period, they may be off-leash but must remain under your control. It is also a legal requirement to always clean up after your dog. Most stores, museums, and playgrounds do not allow dogs, but many cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating are dog-friendly.