Pet dogs and cats are popular pets in Denmark, and most cities in the country, including Copenhagen, are extremely pet-friendly. More than half a million households in Denmark own a dog, and about 120,000 homes have both dogs and cats.

Though Copenhagen is home to so many dogs, the city is not considered as pet-friendly as other cities in Europe. For instance, not all restaurants and shopping malls allow pets inside, and you cannot bring your dog to many of the city’s tourist sites. Nevertheless, Copenhagen has many attractions for pet parents, and living in the city with your dog is a fantastic experience.

If you plan to move to Copenhagen with your pet dog, here’s all you need to know about living in the Danish city with a doggy.

Doggy rules in Copenhagen

Though there are several rules and regulations for dog ownership in Copenhagen, the city is a great place to own a dog. Pet dogs must be cared for and live in a clean, hygienic and safe place. They must be exercised regularly and socialised with other dogs. Pet dogs must be fed healthy food and have access to veterinary care whenever necessary. Here are some essential pet parent responsibilities in Copenhagen:

• Registration and microchip – All pet dogs must be registered in the Danish Dog Register (Dansk Hunderegister) within four weeks of moving to Denmark. You can register your dog yourself at the local council or ask your vet to do it for you. Your dog’s microchip number, dog breed, age and other details are required for the registration. Once you register your dog, you will receive an ID number for your dog.
• Dog walking in Copenhagen – Copenhagen has plenty of parks and gardens where you can walk your dog. Remember to always pick up after your dog and make sure your dog does not attack other people and animals or create a nuisance by barking incessantly.
• Taking your dog into the countryside – According to Danish law, your dog must be on a lead unless you are in designated dogwoods. Designated dogwoods are small fenced off areas where your dog can exercise off lead without disturbing the wildlife.
• Going to the beach – Some beaches in Copenhagen prohibit the entry of dogs; remember to look for the signage before bringing your dog to the beach. Dogs are allowed to play off-lead on the beach between 1 October and 31 March. During the summer season, they must be on a lead.

The Danish Act on Dogs

Danish law prohibits the ownership and breeding of 13 aggressive dog breeds. Importing these breeds and their mixed breeds for commercial purposes or as household pets is also banned in Denmark. The banned breeds are:

• American Bulldog
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Boerboel
• Caucasian Shepherd Dog
• Central Asian Shepherd Dog
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Kangal
• Pitbull Terrier
• Sarplaninac
• South Russian Shepherd Dog
• Tornjak
• Tosa Inu

According to the Danish Act on Dogs, authorities are allowed to euthanise a dog that grievously attacks a person or another dog.

Dogs on public transport in Copenhagen

Dogs are allowed on buses, trains and the Metro in Copenhagen. Small dogs in pet carriers can travel for free on public transport, but they must not occupy a seat. You must place the pet crate on the floor or your lap.

Large breeds must always be on a lead. Certain parts of the bus or train are pet-free zones designated for people with allergies. It is best to find out where the pet-friendly zones are before bringing your dog on public transport. Large dogs do not travel free in Copenhagen; they will need a child’s ticket to travel. If you are travelling on the train with your dog, remember that one pet can travel per person. 

Dog-friendly restaurants in Copenhagen

Danish law states that pets are not permitted in the cooking and food preparation areas of restaurants. Most restaurants in Copenhagen allow pets in the outdoor seating, and very few let dogs inside the restaurants. It is always a good idea to check if dogs are allowed before bringing your dog to a restaurant. Here are some of Copenhagen’s favourite dog-friendly restaurants:

• Café Atelier September
• Toldboden
• Street food stalls at Torvehallerne
• Restaurant Karla

International pet travel to Copenhagen

Travelling to Copenhagen with your pet dog can be perplexing, especially if you have never travelled with a pet before. A competent pet travel agency can make the process simple and easy to understand and ensure you and your pet have a safe and stress-free pet travel experience.

If you are travelling to Copenhagen with your dog, reach out to Petraveller for more information on pet import regulations in Denmark and a free pet travel quote.