I am a person who lives for the open road and the wag of a tail. My dog is my best friend. We recently finished a trip through a country that truly understands the bond between a human and a hound.
Denmark is a dream for pet owners. It is one of the most dog friendly european cities and nations I have ever seen. People there do not just tolerate dogs. They welcome them. I want to share my personal experience to help you plan your own journey.
Is Denmark Dog Friendly?
People often ask me this question. My answer is a loud yes. Is denmark dog friendly? Absolutely. The culture is built around it. There are over 800,000 dogs registered in this small nation. In the capital city alone, about 180,000 dogs live with their families. That is a lot of four-legged residents. Danes treat their dogs as part of the family. You will see them in parks, on trains, and at café tables. It is a way of life. A relaxed vibe. A focus on “hygge.”
Preparation: Denmark Pet Import Requirements
You must plan ahead before you fly or drive. Denmark pet import requirements are quite clear because the country follows EU rules. First of all, your dog must have a microchip. This chip must meet ISO standards. Additionally, a valid rabies vaccination is a must. You have to get this shot at least 21 days before you cross the border. If you come from an EU country, you need an EU Pet Passport.
However, the rules are a bit different if you travel from outside the EU. You will need a Veterinary Certificate. This document must be signed by an official vet in your home country. Plus, you can only bring up to five pets at one time. This rule applies to those who bring a cat to denmark too.
Later, if you decide on moving to Denmark with a dog, you have more steps. You must register your dog in the Danish Dog Register within one month of arrival. It is the law. Also, you must buy dog liability insurance. This insurance covers any damage your dog might cause to others. It is a smart way to stay safe.
The Most Dog Friendly Cities in Denmark to Visit
I have visited many places, but Denmark stands out. When you search for dog friendly places in denmark, you might see results for a town in Western Australia. Please note that dog friendly places in denmark wa are different from this Nordic escape. We are talking about the land of Vikings and Hans Christian Andersen. Here are the best dog friendly cities in denmark from my travels.
1. Copenhagen: The Heart of Dog Culture
Copenhagen dog friendly levels are off the charts. It is the denmark best city for foodies who love their pups. I spent days walking through the Nyhavn District. The colorful houses are beautiful. My dog sat right at my feet while I had a beer at an outdoor terrace.
A highlight was the King’s Garden. It is the oldest and most visited park in the city center. We also took a harbour cruise. Some boat companies like Netto Boats welcome dogs of all sizes. Other companies like Stromma allow small dogs if they fit in a bag. A perfect afternoon. The wind in our hair. The city from the water.
2. Aarhus: Culture and Coastal Walks
Aarhus is the second-largest city. It is a mix of old history and new energy. I took my dog to Den Gamle By, which is an open-air museum. Dogs are allowed to walk the cobbled streets of the old town. However, they must stay outside when you go into the historic houses.
On top of that, the Aarhus Region has amazing dog forests. These are fenced areas where your dog can run free without a leash. One of them is the Hundeskove forest. It is a safe place for your dog to meet others and play.
3. Odense: A Fairytale for Pets
This city is dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen. It is a very dog friendly city. I loved the King’s Garden here as well. It was laid out as a Baroque garden in the 1720s. For a real adventure, visit the Funen Village. It is another open-air museum that shows how people lived in the past.
If your dog needs to burn energy, head to Lola’s Lund in Hedvigslund Forest. It is a fenced area of nearly 3 hectares. Dogs can romp through the trees and grass there.
Dog Friendly Things to Do in Denmark (and Beyond)
There is more to see than just cities. I took a drive to the Island of Mandø. You actually drive across a gravel causeway that is covered by water at high tide. It is a wild experience. My dog loved the salt air and the wide mudflats.
Similarly, we visited Jelling. This village has famous Viking rune stones. One is called the “birth certificate of Denmark”. It is a UNESCO site. You can walk right up to the stones with your dog on a leash.
Later, we stopped at Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. This is the castle from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Dogs cannot go inside the palace, but they can explore the massive grounds and fortifications. The view across the water to Sweden is fantastic.
Dining Out with Your Dog
I was worried about eating out at first. On my second day, a huge storm started. I stood outside a restaurant with my soaking wet dog. I asked the waiter if we could come in. He said there is no law against dogs inside restaurants in Denmark. He welcomed us with a smile.
Though not every place allows dogs, many do. Here are some of my favorites in Copenhagen:
- Café Dyrehaven: Located in the Vesterbro neighborhood. They serve Nordic brunch and beer. They give dogs water and sometimes a biscuit.
- Ricco’s Kaffebar: A cozy coffee chain. All their locations are dog friendly.
- Restaurant Schønnemann: They have served classic Danish sandwiches since 1877. Dogs are welcome, especially in the outdoor area.
- Atelier September: A very chic vegetarian café. They have their own café dog.
- Bistro Verde: This place is very dog friendly and serves plant-based food.
Additionally, do not forget the hot dog stands. The Danes love hot dogs. You can grab a gourmet dog and sit on a park bench with your pup. It is a quick and tasty way to eat.
Public Transport: Taking the Train or Bus
The easiest way to see the country is by car. However, you can use public transport with a dog. Dogs are allowed on trains, buses, and taxis.
On DSB regional trains, small dogs in a carrier travel for free. The carrier must be no bigger than 100 x 60 x 30 cm. Large dogs need a child’s ticket. They must stay on the floor and on a leash. Keep an eye out for pictograms. Some sections are dog-free for people with allergies. Therefore, you must sit in the areas where dogs are allowed.
In Copenhagen, dogs are welcome on the S-trains and the Metro. On buses, the rules can be a bit more complex. Large dogs are not allowed on “A-buses” in certain zones during peak hours. Always check the signs at the bus door.
Important Denmark Dog Laws You Must Know
I must be honest about the rules. Denmark dog laws can be very strict. First of all, 13 dog breeds are prohibited. These include:
- Pitbull Terrier
- Tosa Inu
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Fila Brasileiro
- Dogo Argentino
- American Bulldog
- Boerboel
- Kangal
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog
- Caucasian Shepherd Dog
- South Russian Shepherd Dog
- Tornjak
- Sarplaninac.
You cannot bring these breeds into Denmark even for a short vacation. If the police suspect your dog is one of these, you must prove the breed with papers. Therefore, always carry your dog’s pedigree or birth papers.
Also, there is a law about “savaging”. If a dog attacks a person or another dog, the police are obligated to euthanize it. This applies to tourist dogs too. Please, always pay attention and keep your dog under control.
Nature, Beaches, and the Great Outdoors
Denmark has over 240 Blue Flag beaches. These beaches meet high environmental standards. You can bring your dog to almost any beach. However, there are seasonal rules. From April 1st to September 30th, your dog must be on a leash. This is to protect the wildlife during the breeding season.
From October 1st to March 31st, dogs can run free on most beaches. My dog loves the winter beach. The cold sand. The salt spray. It is pure bliss. Just be careful of the Danish adder. It is a protected snake that lives in the dunes. It only bites if it feels threatened. If a bite happens, see a vet immediately for an antidote.
Health and Vet Care
I found that the veterinary services in Denmark are top-notch. But they are expensive. I recommend getting pet insurance.
Watch out for parasites like ticks. They are very common in the heather and forests. You should also know about French heartworms and lungworms. Dogs get these by eating snails or licking snail slime on grass. I check my dog for worms twice a year. Also, always pick up your dog’s poop. It is the polite thing to do. In some cities, you can get a high fine for leaving it behind.
A Note on International News
You might remember a time when Trump mentioned Denmark in the news regarding Greenland. While that was a big political story, it did not change how much the Danes love their dogs. The country remains a stable and welcoming place for travelers from all over the world.
FAQ
Is Denmark a dog friendly country?
Yes. It is a wonderful home for pets. People there see dogs as a natural part of city life. Danes love their dogs and treat them as family.
Can you move to Denmark with a dog?
You can. You have to follow the rules for a permanent relocation. You must register your dog in the Danish Dog Register within four weeks of arrival.
Is Copenhagen a dog friendly city?
It is. The capital has many cafes and restaurants where dogs can sit with their owners. Over 180,000 dogs live in and around the city. A true paradise.
Is it expensive to own a dog in Denmark?
It is. A dog owner in Copenhagen spends over $23,000 on average over the life of a pet. Veterinary services are also quite costly. A heavy cost.
Is it okay to speak English in Denmark?
It is. Most Danes speak excellent English. You can easily talk to locals or ask for help in shops. A smooth conversation.
What is the most dog friendly place in the world?
San Francisco ranks as the most dog friendly city. It has many pet stores and dog parks.
Final Thoughts on a Danish Adventure
Denmark is the perfect mix of style, relaxation, and dog happiness. Whether you want a fancy city break in Copenhagen or a quiet walk on a Jutland beach, your dog will be happy by your side. The people are kind. The streets are clean. The food is great.
A trip here requires some paperwork. It requires a bit of money. Copenhagen dog owners spend over $23,000 on their pets over their lifetime. That shows how much they care. If you follow the rules and respect the locals, you will have the trip of a lifetime.
Best dog friendly cities in denmark are waiting for you. Pack your bags. Grab the leash. Your best friend is ready for an adventure.
Imagine Denmark as a giant, cozy living room where every guest is invited to bring their favorite companion. The rug is clean, the coffee is hot, and there is always a bowl of water by the door for the furry visitors.
