Getting a pet from Latvia to Denmark is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. Give yourself roughly 1-3 weeks, though this route carries fewer hurdles than …
Rabies vaccinationRequired. Current and at least 21 days …
Rabies titre testNot required. Latvia is an EU member …
QuarantineNo quarantine.
Import permitNot required.
Health certificateEU pet passport.
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Latvia to Denmark
typically takes around 1-3 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
Before or on the same day as first rabies vaccination
Microchip implantation (ISO 11784/11785)
Responsible: Accredited veterinarian in Latvia
2
At least 21 days before travel
Rabies vaccination and EU pet passport issued
Responsible: Official veterinarian authorised by PVD
3
Same appointment as vaccination
EU pet passport updated with vaccination record and vet stamp
Responsible: Official veterinarian in Latvia
4
4 to 8 weeks before travel
Book flights and register pet with airline
Responsible: Owner or transport agent
5
On travel day
Travel to Copenhagen
Responsible: Owner or transport agent
Checklist
What your pet needs
Every item below must be completed and verified before your pet can travel. Expand each category for the detail.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit). Must be implanted and recorded in the EU pet passport.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current and at least 21 days old after primary vaccination. Source: Fodevarestyrelsen (Danish Veterinary and Food Administration): fvst.dk.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Latvia is an EU member state and a listed country for Denmark.
Quarantine
No quarantine.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
EU pet passport.
Export permit
Not required. Latvia is an EU member state. No export permit is needed for non-commercial pet movements.
Health certificate
EU pet passport issued by an official veterinarian in Latvia, authorised by the Partikas un veterinarais dienests (PVD). Norway, Denmark, and Finland all accept the EU pet passport as the entry document. The passport records your pet's microchip, rabies vaccination history, and issuing vet details.
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Airlines
Carriers on this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. Confirm the operating carrier's current policy for every flight segment.
airBaltic
Direct Riga (RIX) to Copenhagen (CPH). Frequent daily service. Small pets permitted in cabin with advance booking. Larger pets travel as cargo. Contact live animal desk at least 4 weeks ahead.
Cargo and Cabin
SAS
Codeshare and connecting service between Riga and Copenhagen. SAS Cargo available for larger dogs. Well-established live animal handling procedures.
Cargo and Cabin
Ryanair
Budget service from RIX to CPH. Cabin only for small pets in approved carriers. Does not accept live animal cargo.
Cabin Only
LOT Polish Airlines
RIX via Warsaw (WAW) to CPH. Cargo connection available. Suitable for larger pets needing the cargo option.
Cargo and Cabin
Costs
What this route typically costs
EU pet passport: EUR 50 to 100 (official vet fee)
Rabies vaccination update if due: EUR 40 to 80
Airline cabin fee (small pets): EUR 40 to 100 per flight
Cargo fee for larger dogs: EUR 200 to 500 depending on crate size and weight
IATA-approved travel crate: EUR 60 to 250
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200 to 500
Critical points
The microchip must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination. If the vaccination was given before microchipping, it is not linked to the chip and may not be accepted at the Danish border.
The EU pet passport must be issued by an official veterinarian authorised by the PVD in Latvia. Not all vets hold this authorisation. Confirm this before your appointment.
Book cabin or cargo space with your airline well in advance. Airlines limit the number of live animals per flight and spaces fill quickly.
Denmark does not require a tapeworm treatment for pets arriving from EU member states. This is different from Norway, which requires tapeworm treatment for all dogs.
Denmark import rules, explained
Denmark has a modest set of rules compared with stricter destinations. Get the essentials in place and confirm the finer points below.
Practical tips for this move
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
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.
FAQ
Common questions
No. Latvia and Denmark are both EU member states. No rabies antibody titre test is required. Your pet needs a microchip, a current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old), and an EU pet passport.
No. Denmark does not require tapeworm treatment for pets arriving from EU member states. This is a requirement for Norway, not Denmark. Check the specific requirements for any country you are transiting through if your route includes a stopover.
Yes, on most airlines that allow cabin pets on this route, including airBaltic. Your cat must be in an airline-approved soft carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Check the airline’s current weight and size limits when booking, as these vary. Book the cabin pet space at the same time as your ticket.
If your pet’s rabies vaccination is current and the EU pet passport is already issued, you can travel with as little as a few days’ notice (allowing time to book the airline pet space). If you need a new vaccination, allow at least 21 days for the wait period. Booking airline pet spaces 4 to 8 weeks ahead is advisable.
Ready when you are
Move your pet
to Denmark.
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