Prepared by Marcus Webb, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Step by step
The import process, in full
1
At the start of the planning process.
Check microchip status. Confirm with your vet that the chip is ISO 11784/11785 compliant and that it was implanted before the first rabies vaccination.
Responsible: Your vet
2
Several weeks before the health certificate appointment.
Ensure rabies vaccination is current. If the booster is due soon, schedule it with enough lead time before the health certificate appointment.
Responsible: Your vet
3
Immediately after the vet appointment.
USDA APHIS endorses the certificate. Mail submission takes two to five business days. Electronic VEHCS submission is faster if the vet offers it.
Responsible: USDA APHIS
4
Several weeks before travel.
Book cargo space on SAS, Delta, or your chosen airline. Copenhagen is well-served from US gateways.
Responsible: You
5
Travel day.
Travel to Copenhagen. Copenhagen Airport's cargo facility handles pet arrivals from non-EU countries through the Veterinary Border Inspection Post.
Responsible: You and airline
Which Denmark rules depend on a pet coming from the United States?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and the United States falls in “Listed third countries and territories, Annex II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/636”.
No rabies antibody titration test needed. Animal health certificate, microchip and rabies vaccination still required; entry through a travellers' point of entry with documentary and identity checks. Montenegro and Serbia were added by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1228. The EUR-Lex text of 2026/636 lists the USA as including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering Denmark, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Denmark guide.
What does the United States require before your pet leaves?
Export health certificate: All pet export health certificates must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (page updated 18 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026
Export health certificate: The accredited vet can submit the health certificate to APHIS for endorsement on the owner's behalf (through VEHCS); alternatively the vet gives the paperwork to the owner to submit to the USDA Endorsement Office. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Pet Travel: U.S. to Another Country, checked 2 October 2026
Export health certificate: VEHCS is APHIS's online system for issuing, submitting and endorsing export health certificates (page updated 9 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), checked 2 October 2026
Export health certificate: Endorsement windows after the vet signs are limited and vary by destination (e.g. 30 days). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026
Other conditions: APHIS endorsement fee (page updated 18 June 2026): USD 101 per certificate with no lab tests; USD 160, 206 or 275 for 1 to 2, 3 to 6 or 7+ tests, plus small per-extra-pet amounts. Paid before endorsement; none for ADA service dogs. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US. Cost To Endorse Your Pet's Health Certificate, checked 2 October 2026
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We handle the regulations for every animal, every country, every airline, so nothing on your United States to Denmark move gets missed.
Pet Transport Global
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.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines
SAS operates from multiple US gateways including New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX) to Copenhagen Airport (CPH). Pets travel as manifested cargo. No cabin pets on transatlantic routes. Good infrastructure for pet cargo at CPH. Brachycephalic breed restrictions apply.
Cargo Only
Delta Air Lines
Delta has direct services from Atlanta (ATL) and Minneapolis (MSP) to Copenhagen. Delta Cargo accepts pets on transatlantic routes. Seasonal heat and cold restrictions apply. Confirm breed eligibility before booking.
Cargo Only
United Airlines
United Cargo from EWR and other gateways to Copenhagen, often with a European hub connection. Confirm that the connecting routing accepts pet cargo throughout.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
Via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC) to Copenhagen. Useful for pets originating from mid-western or southern US cities with stronger Lufthansa connectivity. Brachycephalic restrictions apply.
Cargo Only
Costs
What this route typically costs
USDA-accredited vet health certificate: USD 100 to USD 300
International pet cargo (USA to Copenhagen): USD 600 to USD 1,800
IATA-compliant travel crate: USD 80 to USD 350 if needed
Total typical range: USD 820 to USD 2,500
Critical points
Denmark has a Dangerous Dogs Act that bans 13 specific breed types, including American Staffordshire Terriers, Pitbull Terrier types, and Tosa Inu. Before travelling, confirm your dog's breed is not on Denmark's prohibited list (Bekendtgørelse nr. 454 af 20/04/2020). Source: Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.
The health certificate validity runs from the date of the vet examination to arrival in Denmark, not from US departure. A direct transatlantic flight generally fits comfortably within the 10-day window.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines and other transatlantic carriers apply brachycephalic breed restrictions. Confirm your breed is accepted before booking cargo space.
FAQ
Common questions
Yes. Denmark bans 13 specific dog types under Bekendtgørelse nr. 454 af 20/04/2020, including Pitbull Terrier types, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Tosa Inu. Before starting the pet move process, confirm your dog’s breed is not on Denmark’s prohibited list. Cats are not subject to breed restrictions. Source: Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen).
Your pet clears the Veterinary Border Inspection Post (BIP) at Copenhagen Airport (CPH). Border vets check the health certificate, microchip, and vaccination records. For dogs and cats from the USA with correct documentation, this is typically a document review rather than a lengthy inspection. Allow extra time at the airport on arrival day for collection from the cargo facility.
SAS Scandinavian Airlines has direct services from JFK, ORD, and LAX to Copenhagen (CPH). Delta flies direct from Atlanta (ATL). Lufthansa routes via Frankfurt and Munich are another option. All accept pets as manifested cargo on transatlantic routes. No transatlantic carriers currently allow pets in the passenger cabin.
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm
current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
USDA APHIS· United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service