Denmark to UK is a short hop across the North Sea, but the paperwork requirements are the same as any European-to-UK pet move. Denmark is Part 1 listed by UK APHA, meaning no titre test and no quarantine. The essentials are the AHC within …
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip is ISO standard and pre-dates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and has been valid for at least 21 days
Responsible: Your vet
Allow time to update if needed.
3
Book airline space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead.
4
Official Danish vet issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: Foedevarestyrelsen-authorised official vet
Within 10 days of travel.
5
Dogs: tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before arrival in Great Britain
Responsible: Vet
Timed from UK arrival, not Danish departure.
6
Travel to Great Britain. Present AHC at border inspection post.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter United Kingdom
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination before entering Great Britain.
Quarantine
Not required for compliant arrivals. Denmark is a Part 1 listed country under APHA rules.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
AHC issued within 10 days of travel. No titre test needed for pets from Denmark.
Export permit (Denmark)
No formal export permit for cats and dogs leaving Denmark.
Costs
What this route typically costs
AHC from Danish official vet: approximately DKK 1,000-2,500 (GBP 110-280)
Tapeworm treatment (dogs): approximately DKK 150-300
Airline cargo Copenhagen to London: approximately DKK 1,500-5,000 (GBP 160-530)
Travel crate: DKK 500-1,800
Total typical range: GBP 350 to GBP 1,100
Critical points to read before you book
Tapeworm treatment for dogs must be given 24-120 hours before UK arrival. The window is measured from arrival time in Great Britain.
The AHC cannot be issued more than 10 days before your travel date. Book your vet appointment in the final week before the trip.
Denmark has rabies present in bats but is effectively rabies-free in the dog and cat population. This does not affect the vaccination requirement for UK entry.
Denmark does not have national breed-specific legislation, so all dog breeds can be exported. Check UK rules on your breed (Dangerous Dogs Act 1991) for any restrictions on entry.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
SAS
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
Copenhagen (CPH) to London (LHR). Small pets in cabin on some routes. SAS Cargo for larger animals.
Cabin and Cargo
BRITISH
British Airways
Heathrow to Copenhagen. Cargo pet service via IAG Cargo.
Cargo Only
EASYJET
easyJet
Budget carrier. Small pets in cabin only on some routes. Not suitable for cargo.
Cabin Only
Copenhagen to London: a short flight, the same rules
The geographical proximity of Denmark and the UK does not reduce the paperwork requirements. Every pet entering Great Britain from abroad needs an AHC, regardless of how close the origin country is. The AHC is issued by a Danish official vet (Foedevarestyrelsen-authorised) within 10 days of travel.
For dogs, the tapeworm treatment is the step that requires the most precise timing. The treatment window of 24-120 hours is measured from your dog’s arrival time in Great Britain, which on a direct Copenhagen-Heathrow flight is approximately three hours after departure. Factor this in when booking the vet appointment for the tapeworm treatment.
Danish breeds and the UK Dangerous Dogs Act
Denmark does not have national breed-specific legislation, which means you can own any breed in Denmark and move freely with it across the EU. However, Great Britain operates the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which prohibits Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros.
If you own a dog of one of these breeds or a type resembling them, you need specialist legal advice before attempting to bring them into Great Britain. This is not a paperwork issue that can be resolved with the correct AHC. Prohibited types at UK borders are seized and their future is uncertain.
FAQ
Common questions about Denmark to United Kingdom pet transport
No. Denmark is a Part 1 listed country under APHA rules. No rabies titre test is required for pets from Denmark entering Great Britain. You need the AHC, a current ISO microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), and a valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old for the primary course).
Dogs entering Great Britain from abroad must receive a praziquantel-based tapeworm treatment from a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arrival in Great Britain. For a direct Copenhagen to London flight of about 2-3 hours, this means the treatment should be given around 2-5 days before your travel date. The treatment must be recorded in the AHC by the vet who administers it.
Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin on this route. SAS and certain budget carriers permit small dogs in an approved carrier under the seat, subject to weight and size limits. For large breeds, cargo is the only option. Check current policies with your airline at booking, as limits change and spaces fill quickly.
If the rabies vaccination needs to be given or renewed, allow at least 25 days from the vaccination date before travel (21-day wait plus buffer). The overall preparation can be done in 4-6 weeks if vaccinations are the main thing to sort. If the microchip still needs to be implanted, that goes in first, before any vaccination.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your Denmark to United Kingdom pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.