Relocating a pet from Italy to Denmark follows a clear path once you understand what Denmark asks for. Give yourself roughly 4-8 weeks, though this route carries fewer hurdles than most. Pets with …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Italy to Denmark
typically takes around 4-8 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Italy to Denmark import process
01
Before or on same date as first rabies vaccination.
Ensure microchip is implanted (ISO standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
02
After microchip. 21-day wait after primary vaccination before travel into Denmark.
Rabies vaccination recorded in EU pet passport
Responsible: EU-authorised veterinarian
03
Ensure all vaccinations, treatments, and vet details are current.
Update EU pet passport with current health records
Responsible: EU-authorised veterinarian
04
Denmark requires tapeworm treatment for dogs arriving from some countries. Italy is exempt but verify with your vet.
Tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus) if required
Responsible: Your veterinarian
05
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet acceptance with airline directly.
Book flight and confirm pet space
Responsible: You
06
Arrive early. Present EU pet passport at check-in.
Travel day
Responsible: You
Requirements
Denmark entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted before or on the same date as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Must be administered after microchipping. 21-day wait required after the initial primary vaccination before entry.
Rabies titre test
Not required for pets travelling from Italy (EU country in good standing) to Denmark.
Quarantine
No quarantine required for compliant pets arriving with valid EU pet passport.
Import permit
Not required for EU-origin pets.
Health certificate
EU pet passport is sufficient for travel between Italy and Denmark.
Leaving Italy
Export requirements
Export permit
Not required
Health certificate
EU pet passport accepted for travel within the European Union. Issued by an EU-authorised veterinarian.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cabin or cargo fee (typically EUR 40-80 in-cabin for budget/low-cost carriers that accept pets; EUR 150-400 cargo for larger pets)
EU pet passport (if not already issued)
Veterinary check-up to confirm fitness to fly
IATA-approved carrier bag (for cabin travel)
Pet transport crate (for cargo travel)
Critical points
EU pet passport must show the 21-day wait has been completed after initial rabies vaccination. If your pet is travelling before this wait is up, they cannot legally enter Denmark.
Always verify tapeworm treatment requirements for dogs. Some EU states have different obligations.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Ryanair
Ryanair does not accept pets in the cabin or hold on any route. Not suitable for pet transport.
No Pets
Lufthansa
Small pets allowed in-cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo. Routes typically via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC). Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo.
Cabin and Cargo
Air France/KLM
Small pets in cabin on this intra-European route. Larger pets as checked baggage or cargo. Routing via Paris or Amsterdam. Good connectivity between Italy and Denmark.
Cabin and Cargo
easyJet
easyJet does not accept pets in the cabin or hold. Not suitable for pet transport.
No Pets
SAS
Scandinavian Airlines accepts small pets in cabin within Europe. Pets must be in an approved soft-sided carrier fitting under the seat. Larger pets as cargo. Direct or via Copenhagen hub.
Cabin and Cargo
British Airways
Cargo only. No cabin pets on any route. Pets via British Airways World Cargo. Routing via London Heathrow (LHR).
Cargo Only
ITA Airways
Italy's national carrier accepts small pets in cabin (up to 10kg including carrier). Larger pets as cargo. Direct flights between major Italian cities and Copenhagen.
Cabin and Cargo
Denmark import rules, explained
Denmark keeps its import requirements relatively light, which makes preparing easier. Even so, the basics still need to be right and in the correct order.
Practical tips for this move
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No, for EU-to-EU travel a valid EU pet passport is sufficient. Both Italy and Denmark are EU member states, so the standard EU pet travel rules apply. No separate health certificate or import permit is needed for a compliant, vaccinated pet.
No. There is no quarantine requirement for pets arriving from Italy with a valid EU pet passport showing current vaccinations. Denmark follows standard EU rules for intra-EU pet movement.
ITA Airways, Lufthansa, SAS, and Air France/KLM accept small pets in cabin on European routes. Ryanair and easyJet do not accept pets. Confirm the specific policy and cabin pet fee with your chosen airline before booking.
Larger dogs must travel as cargo (in the hold) on commercial airlines. Lufthansa Cargo, British Airways World Cargo, and the cargo arms of other full-service carriers can handle this. Book cargo space well in advance and ensure you have an IATA-approved crate of the correct size.
There is a mandatory 21-day wait after the primary rabies vaccination before a pet can enter an EU country using the EU pet passport. If your pet received a booster (with no lapse in vaccination validity), this wait does not apply. Check with your vet which situation applies to your animal.
Airline guides
Ryanair
Lufthansa
Air France/KLM
easyJet
SAS
British Airways
ITA Airways
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.