Bringing a Pet to Denmark: EU Rules, Breed Bans and Border Controls

Denmark is an EU member state and applies the standard EU pet travel rules. Import requirements are enforced by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (DVFA), and Denmark is part of the TRACES NT notification system for live animal movements.

From EU countries

Dogs and cats travelling from another EU member state need an EU pet passport, ISO 11784/11785 microchip, and a valid rabies vaccination given after the microchip. The EU pet passport is issued by a licensed vet in the origin country.

From outside the EU

Pets arriving from outside the EU (including post-Brexit UK) need: ISO microchip, rabies vaccination after microchip, a rabies antibody titre test (RNATT) showing at least 0.5 IU/ml from an EU-approved laboratory, and a wait of three months after the titre test blood sample before travel. UK pets also need an official animal health certificate (AHC) issued and endorsed by a UK Official Veterinarian and APHA. The certificate is valid for 10 days after the vet exam date.

Breed bans

Denmark maintains one of Europe’s more restrictive breed-specific legislation lists. The following 13 breeds are banned: American Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), Boerboel, Kangal, Central Asian Ovtcharka, Caucasian Ovtcharka, South Russian Ovtcharka, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, and mixed breeds of the above. The ban applies to import as well as ownership. If your dog is a mixed breed with any banned ancestry, it may still be refused. Check with the DVFA before committing to travel.

Arriving at Copenhagen

Most international pet imports arrive through Copenhagen Airport (CPH). Veterinary inspection takes place at the border post. Keep documentation accessible and do not check it into hold luggage.

Useful links

  • Danish Veterinary and Food Administration: foedevarestyrelsen.dk
  • TRACES NT: traces.ec.europa.eu

Frequently Asked Questions

Pets entering Denmark from other EU countries need a valid EU pet passport, ISO microchip, and current rabies vaccination. Pets from outside the EU also need a rabies antibody titre test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml, carried out at least three months before travel.

Yes. Denmark bans 13 dog breeds including American Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and American Staffordshire Terrier. These breeds cannot be imported or kept in Denmark. Check the full list with the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration before travel.

No quarantine for pets arriving from EU or listed countries with correct documentation. Pets from unlisted countries that cannot demonstrate a valid titre test result may face compulsory quarantine or be refused entry.

The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Foedevarestyrelsen) oversees live animal imports. Regulatory information is available at foedevarestyrelsen.dk.