2026 guide
Travelling to Denmark with your dog
Everything about the crossing to Denmark with your dog – entry requirements, documents and tips on board
- On the short Scandlines ferries, dogs can often stay in the car
- Entry follows EU pet passport rules – microchip & rabies vaccination required
- Denmark's rule: third-party dog liability insurance is compulsory
Entry requirements
What your dog needs for Denmark
Denmark follows the standard EU rules. Third-party dog liability insurance is compulsory!
EU pet passport
ISO microchip
Rabies vaccination
Liability insurance
Guide
Your dog on board
Entering Denmark with a dog
Denmark follows the standard EU rules. To enter, your dog needs a fully completed EU pet passport, a microchip to ISO standard 11784/11785, and a valid rabies vaccination. The chip must be implanted before or at the same time as the vaccination, otherwise the vaccination isn't valid. A 21-day waiting period applies after the initial vaccination, and the minimum age for entry is 15 weeks.
Your dog on board
How relaxed the crossing is depends mainly on the route. The short Scandlines ferries are the easiest option:
- Puttgarden - Rødby: on the 45-minute crossing over the Fehmarn Belt, your dog can usually stay in the car or come along on a lead on the carpet-free decks.
- Rostock - Gedser: on the roughly two-hour crossing to Falster, the same rules apply, and there are areas on board for passengers travelling with a dog.
- Sassnitz - Rønne (Bornholm): the direct ferry from Rügen takes about 3.5 hours – a bit more preparation is worthwhile here.
Dogs must be kept on a lead on board. On the short ferries you're often close to your car, but access to the car deck is closed during the crossing. Bring water, bowls and anything else your dog needs up with you before departure.
Travel checklist for Denmark
Before you set off, it's worth going through these points:
- EU pet passport: fully completed, with chip number, valid vaccination record and vet's confirmation.
- Microchip: ISO standard 11784/11785 identification, implanted before the rabies vaccination.
- Rabies vaccination: valid vaccination entered, with the initial dose at least 21 days ago.
- Third-party dog liability insurance: compulsory in Denmark – arrange proof of it before you travel and bring it along.
- Breed list: checked whether your dog falls under the banned breeds.
- Ferry booking: your dog added correctly to the ticket, usually under "extras".
Frequently asked questions
FAQ – Travelling to Denmark with your dog
The key questions about travelling to Denmark with your dog, answered in brief.
What documents does my dog need to enter Denmark?+
Denmark follows the standard EU rules. Your dog needs a valid EU pet passport, an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785) and a rabies vaccination with at least a 21-day waiting period after the initial vaccination. Important: the chip must be implanted before or at the same time as the vaccination. The minimum age for entry is 15 weeks.
Is it true that third-party dog liability insurance is compulsory in Denmark?+
Yes. Unlike in many other countries, third-party dog liability insurance is required by law in Denmark. Arrange it before you travel and carry proof of it with you. Denmark also has a list of banned dog breeds, so check before your trip whether your dog is affected.
Can my dog stay in the car during the crossing?+
On the short Scandlines ferries Puttgarden - Rødby and Rostock - Gedser, your dog can usually stay in the car or come along on a lead on the carpet-free decks. On longer crossings the car deck is closed while under way, so your dog travels in the designated areas or in a cabin instead. Access to the car deck is not permitted during the crossing on any route.
Which route is best for travelling with a dog?+
The short Scandlines routes are the most relaxed for dogs: Puttgarden - Rødby takes just 45 minutes, Rostock - Gedser around 2 hours. For Bornholm there's a direct ferry from Sassnitz. If you're travelling by motorhome, the same entry rules apply – just also keep an eye on your vehicle's dimensions.
What happens if the documents aren't complete?+
Without valid paperwork, transport or entry can be refused. Before you set off, check that your pet passport, microchip record and rabies vaccination are all correct and that the waiting period has passed. In Denmark, also remember proof of third-party dog liability insurance.