Moving to Norway with pets – stress-free and animal-friendly DACHSER & KOLB: Consulting, process planning, partner for professional animal transport.
Moving to Norway with your pet requires careful planning and attention to important legal requirements—as well as the well-being of your beloved animal. Norway is known for its strict import regulations when it comes to animals.
Early planning and documents for a stress-free move to Norway with pets
The Norwegian authorities (in particular Tolletaten customs and Mattilsynet food safety authority) attach great importance to complete documentation.
✓ Identification: Your pet must be identified with a microchip (ISO standard 11784/11785).
✓ Pet passport/health certificate:
- EU/EEA countries: A valid EU pet passport with all relevant information (chip number, vaccinations) is usually sufficient.
- Third countries (outside the EU/EEA): An official health certificate (animal health certificate) is usually required.
✓ Important detail regarding VAT and customs exemption (private relocation): In order to import your pet duty-free and VAT-free as part of your relocation goods ("non-commercial movement"), you must meet the following conditions according to Norwegian customs (Tolletaten):
- You must have lived outside Norway for at least one year.
- The animal must have been in your possession during this time.
Maximum of 5 animals: For a private move, you may bring a maximum of five dogs, cats, and/or ferrets. If you have more than five animals, stricter rules for "commercial import" apply.
Related topics
- Customs regulations Norway → Find out now
- Emigrating to Norway? → All the important information
- Entry requirements Norway → What you need to know
Health and vaccination requirements for moving animals to Norway
Rabies vaccination
Usually required for dogs, cats, and ferrets + additional rabies antibody test (titer test) required for entry from third countries (outside the EU/EEA) (performed in a recognized laboratory at least 30 days after vaccination, result must be > 0.5 IU/ml and documented in the pet passport/health certificate).
Microchip & EU pet passport
The animal must be identified with a microchip (ISO standard 11784/11785). In addition, pets require an EU pet passport with details of the owner, microchip, vaccinations, etc.
Worm treatment
Mandatory only for dogs, must be carried out and documented between 24 and 120 hours prior to entry; alternatively, regular treatment every 28 days is possible (first treatment prior to entry).
Customs formalities when entering Norway
The border crossing must be carried out correctly in order to avoid problems. When crossing the border into Norway ("non-commercial movement"), the pet can be imported as part of the household goods. In this case, the animal must be listed on the declaration of household goods.
Your pet must be listed on the "Declaration of household goods," which must be submitted directly upon arrival during the import clearance process.
Red Lane
When entering the country with a pet, it is essential to go through the red customs channel (Red Lane).
Control
If you are traveling with the animal yourself, customs can process the import declaration directly upon arrival. Norwegian customs can check your pet's complete documentation.
Reporting obligation (Mattilsynet)
When entering from certain countries (especially third countries), prior notification to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) may be required, depending on the point of entry (airport, ferry, etc.).
Special cases
The importation of formerly stray animals is strictly regulated: you must be able to prove that the animal has been in your possession for at least 6 months prior to entry. Animals brought from Svalbard (Spitsbergen) to mainland Norway are subject to special checks (microchip, rabies titer test, tapeworm treatment) as well as an obligation to provide information to Mattilsynet and an obligation to enter via certain ports/airports.
Tips for moving your pets to Norway
Planning
Start early: vaccinations, vaccination intervals, microchipping, and worming treatments take time.
Experts
Contact a veterinarian: Find a veterinarian who has experience with international relocation documents (EU pet passport, titer test forms).
Authorities
Direct contact: Contact Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) for final confirmation.
Documents
Bring two copies of all documents (pet passport, vaccination certificates, parasite treatment, import documents).
Well-being
Animal comfort: Ensure a stress-free journey and sufficient comfort in the means of transport (flight, car, ferry).
Expenses
Budget: Consider the costs of microchipping, vaccinations, titer testing, and tapeworm tablets (praziquantel, approx. 15–25 €).
Transport and logistics for your pet relocation to Norway
Transporting your pet to Norway must be done safely, in a manner appropriate for animals, and in accordance with regulations:
Flight: Pay attention to airline regulations regarding transport crates, dimensions, and weight. Ensure safe and species-appropriate accommodation during the flight.
Ferry/train/car: Allow sufficient time for necessary veterinary checks and customs clearance.
Prohibited dog breeds in Norway
In Norway, there is a list of dog breeds that are either banned or require special permits. These include:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Fila Brasileiro
- Toso Inu
- Dogo Argentino
- Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Make sure your dog is not on this list to avoid problems when entering the country.
After arrival: Local rules in Norway
Local regulations
Find out about local regulations for dogs, e.g., leash requirements, especially during breeding and nesting season, as well as local regulations regarding dogs classified as dangerous.
Veterinary care
Find out how veterinary care is organized in your new home, what costs may be involved, and where it is best to register your pet.
Future trips
If you wish to travel back to an EU country with your pet from Norway at a later date, please find out in good time about the export conditions that will apply at that time.
What are the most common questions about moving to Norway with pets?
What are the requirements for bringing my pet into Norway duty-free?
To import your pet duty-free and VAT-free as part of a private move, you must have lived outside Norway for at least one year and your pet must have been in your possession throughout this period. Only then will it be considered part of your household ("non-commercial movement") and can be declared as moving goods.
What vaccinations does my pet need to enter Norway?
As a rule, a valid rabies vaccination is required for dogs, cats, and ferrets.
When entering from the EU/EEA, a correctly completed EU pet passport with documented rabies vaccination is usually sufficient.
If the animal comes from a third country (outside the EU/EEA), a rabies titer test is also required, which must be carried out at least 30 days after vaccination and must show a value of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
Do I have to declare my pet at customs?
Yes, you must declare your pet at customs: Enter via the red customs lane (Red Lane) during assessment times, presenting your pet and documentation.
Is a microchip mandatory for my pet when entering Norway?
Yes. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be clearly identifiable—in practice, this is usually done using a microchip that complies with the ISO standard (ISO 11784/11785).
The chip must be implanted before or at the latest at the same time as the first rabies vaccination. The chip number must be correctly entered in the pet passport and health documents.
Are there any banned dog breeds in Norway?
Yes. Norway has a list of breeds (e.g., Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Dogo Argentinos) and their crossbreeds that are classified as dangerous and are prohibited from being imported and kept. Be sure to check this with the Norwegian authorities before moving.
How can DACHSER & KOLB help me move to Norway with my pet?
DACHSER & KOLB provides comprehensive support for your move to Norway—including planning for your pet.
We help you keep track of important dates for vaccinations, tapeworm treatment, and documents, coordinate transport if necessary, and ensure that your pet is correctly declared as part of your move.
This reduces the organizational effort and minimizes the risk of delays at the border.
Why is it worth hiring a professional moving company?
Moving on your own can quickly become a burden—physically, in terms of time, and financially. With an experienced moving company, you not only save time and stress, but also benefit from efficient planning, insured services, trained staff, and customized offers.
Are you planning to move to Norway with pets?
Would you like to move to Norway with your pets, but still need a suitable moving company? Then let us calculate your individual price for your move in seconds. We will then contact you and do our best to accommodate all your wishes.
Donna Draganov
Teamlead Customer Service & Sales - ROAD
