Getting a pet from United Kingdom to Denmark is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is one of the more straightforward routes, and roughly 3-5 weeks is usually enough. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from United Kingdom to Denmark
typically takes around 3-5 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 United Kingdom to Denmark pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Verify microchip and vaccination timing
Responsible: Your vet
Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination. Check vaccination is current.
2
Book airline space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks before travel.
3
APHA-authorised vet issues AHC within 10 days of travel
Responsible: APHA-authorised official vet
Final 10 days before travel.
4
Travel to Copenhagen. Present AHC at Danish customs.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Denmark
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 or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination before entry.
Rabies titre test
Not required. The UK is listed as an approved third country by the EU and Denmark.
Quarantine
Not required for compliant arrivals.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
AHC issued within 10 days of travel. Valid as entry document, then valid up to 4 months for travel within the EU.
Export permit (United Kingdom)
No formal export permit required.
Costs
What this route typically costs
AHC from APHA-authorised vet: GBP 150-400
Airline cargo London to Copenhagen: GBP 150-500
Travel crate: GBP 60-250
Total typical range: GBP 350 to GBP 1,100
Critical points to read before you book
UK pets going to Denmark need an AHC, not an EU pet passport. EU pet passports issued to UK pets before 2021 are no longer valid for entry to EU member states when the trip originates in the UK.
The AHC must be issued within 10 days of your travel date. It is valid for that single entry into the EU, then for up to 4 months of onward travel.
Denmark has no national breed-specific legislation, meaning all breeds of dog can be imported. However, UK law restricts certain breeds (Dangerous Dogs Act 1991) from being exported or kept. Check your breed's status in the UK before travelling.
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)
London to Copenhagen (CPH). Small pets in cabin on some routes. SAS Cargo for larger breeds.
Cabin and Cargo
BRITISH
British Airways
Heathrow to Copenhagen. Cargo pet service via IAG Cargo.
Cargo Only
EASYJET
easyJet
Some London to Copenhagen routes. Small pets in cabin only. No cargo.
Cabin Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Denmark
Denmark has a modest set of rules compared with stricter destinations. Get the essentials in place and confirm the finer points below.
How to keep this move on track
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.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
FAQ
Common questions about United Kingdom to Denmark pet transport
No. EU pet passports issued to UK pets before January 2021 are no longer valid for entry into EU member states when the journey originates in the UK. You need a current Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an APHA-authorised vet within 10 days of travel.
The position is nuanced. A pre-Brexit EU pet passport may still be used for travel between EU member states, but for UK re-entry from the EU, you will need an AHC issued by a vet in the EU country you are departing from. The old UK-issued EU passport is not valid for UK entry either way.
The AHC appointment itself is typically 30-60 minutes with your official vet. The constraint is the 10-day window: the AHC must be issued within 10 days of your travel date, so you need the vet appointment to fall in that window. Book in advance so you have your preferred vet available at the right time.
Tapeworm treatment is not listed as a standard requirement for dogs entering Denmark from the UK. The UK has no active echinococcosis issue that would trigger this. However, rules can change, and it is worth verifying with the Danish Food and Veterinary Administration (foedevarestyrelsen.dk) if there have been any recent regulatory updates before you travel.
Airline guides
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines)
British Airways
easyJet
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your United Kingdom to Denmark pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.