How to Move Your Pet to Norway: A Guide for Pet Parents

What Do You Need to Transport Your Pet to Norway?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel

Relocating your pet to Norway can be a smooth experience with the right preparation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from Norway's pet import requirements and health certificates to travel tips and arrival procedures, so your furry companion arrives safe and sound.

For detailed information on importing pets to Norway, click here.


Important Notes on Pet Travel Timelines



What Is Needed To Transport Your Pet To Norway?

Ensuring Safe and Stress-Free Pet Travel



Planning Your Pet Relocation to Norway: A Simple Guide for Pet Parents

Relocating your pet to Norway can be a smooth experience with the right preparation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from Norway's pet import requirements and health certificates to travel tips and arrival procedures, so your furry companion arrives safe and sound.

For detailed information on importing pets to Norway, click here.


Important Notes on Pet Travel Timelines


Happy dog sitting in a red car, ready for transportation, with a joyful expression, symbolizing safe and comfortable pet travel.

Planning Lead Time for Pet Relocation to Norway
If you're relocating your pet to Norway, it's important to plan ahead.

  • For pets coming from low-risk rabies countries, allow 1–2 months of lead time.

  • For pets arriving from high-risk rabies countries, plan for 3–4 months of lead time.

Advance planning helps ensure your pet’s documentation is in order and increases the likelihood of securing your desired travel date.

Happy dog sitting in a red car, ready for transportation, with a joyful expression, symbolizing safe and comfortable pet travel.

Banned Dog Breeds in Norway


Norway prohibits the import of certain dog breeds. The following pure-bred and mixed-breed dogs are not allowed to enter Norway:

Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Dogo Argentino, Czechoslovakian Wolfdog, and all wolf-dog hybrids

If your dog resembles any of these breeds, authorities may require documentation proving otherwise. Always check with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority before planning your move.


Should I Keep My Pet's Original Health Documents When Moving to Norway?


Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!!


Minimum Age Requirement for Pets Entering Norway


To bring your dog or cat into Norway, your pet must be at least 15 weeks old.
This rule ensures that your pet has been properly vaccinated against rabies, as the vaccine can only be administered no earlier than 12 weeks of age.



Health Requirements For Pet's To Enter Norway


Microchip


Microchip Timing: Your pet's microchip must be implanted before receiving their most recent vaccinations.


ISO-Compliant Microchip: To enter Norway, your pet must be identified with an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip, which is readable by international scanners.

If your pet is traveling from a high-risk rabies country, a 9-digit AVID microchip may also be accepted—check with the destination’s authorities for confirmation.

Tip: Make sure your microchip is registered with up-to-date contact information before traveling.


Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.


Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.


A cat and dog sitting calmly at the vet's office, being examined before travel, symbolizing pre-travel health checks for pets.

A cat and dog sitting calmly at the vet's office, being examined before travel, symbolizing pre-travel health checks for pets.

What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?

Rabies Vaccine

If your pet is traveling to Norway from a low-risk rabies country, their rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old and valid for at least 1 year at the time of entry.

For pets coming from a high-risk rabies country, the vaccine must also be older than 21 days and unexpired on the day of travel.

Note: A 3-year rabies vaccine is accepted by Norwegian authorities as long as there has been no lapse in vaccination coverage.

If your pet’s vaccination record shows a lapse, a new vaccine must be administered, and the 21-day waiting period will start again before your pet can enter Norway.


Additional Vaccines


While general vaccinations are not mandatory for international pet travel, they are strongly recommended to protect your pet’s health during transit and in unfamiliar environments.

Dog Vaccinations

  • DHPP+L: This core combination vaccine protects against Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis.
    → Administer according to your vet’s or the manufacturer’s guidelines.

  • Bordetella (Kennel Cough):
    Recommended if your dog will be around other animals, such as in kennels, transit facilities, or during layovers.
    → Should be given within 6 months of travel.

Cat Vaccinations

  • FVRCP: Protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia—common but preventable feline illnesses.
    → Follow your vet’s schedule for administration.

FAVN-OIE Rabies Titre Test


If your country of origin is classified as high-risk for rabies, the following applies:

  • A government-accredited veterinarian must take a blood sample from your pet at least 30 days or more after the most recent rabies vaccination.
  • The sample must be sent to an EU-approved laboratory for testing.

  • The result must show a rabies antibody level of 0.5 IU/mL or higher.

  • Your pet can enter Norway 3 months after the date the blood was drawn, provided the result is passing.

  • The blood test is valid indefinitely for travel to Norway as long as your pet’s rabies vaccination coverage remains current (no lapses).                                                                                                                                                         →Regulations may change at any time based on updates from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority or the European Union. Always confirm the latest entry requirements before you travel.

Tapeworm Treatment Requirement for Dogs Entering Norway


Dogs traveling to Norway must receive a tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) treatment administered no sooner than 24 hours and no later than 120 hours (1–5 days) before arriving in Norway.

A government-accredited veterinarian must administer the treatment and document it accurately on the EU Health Certificate for Norway.




Document Requirements For Pet's To Enter Norway


Norwegian EU Health Certificate


To meet Norway’s pet import requirements, your pet must undergo a veterinary examination by a government-accredited vet in the country of origin and have the Norwegian EU Health Certificate completed within 10 days of travel.

If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet, your Pet Relocation Counselor, along with our team in your origin country, will coordinate these final health and documentation steps on your behalf.

Important Note: If your pet is not traveling within 5 days before or after your own arrival in Norway, the required documentation and procedures may vary. 


Fit-to-Fly Certificate for Pet Travel

A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.

Additional Document Requirements


Your pet must be examined by either your local veterinarian or a government-accredited veterinarian, and a Fit-to-Fly Certificate must be completed within 10 days of your pet’s scheduled departure.

Note: This certificate can often be completed at the same time as the EU Health Certificate and is required by most airlines to confirm your pet is healthy and safe to travel.



A white Maltese dog sitting patiently with a pet passport in the foreground, ready for an international journey, symbolizing organized and stress-free pet travel.


FAQ: Moving Your Pet To Norway




PawPrint City Guide For Norway


Planning pet transport to Norway? Explore our PawPrint Guide for safe, pet-friendly services, including veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet shops!


Oslo, Norway



Contact Us


Ready to start your pet’s journey? We’re here to help! Discover our Norway pet shipping services and see why pet parents choose us. From start to finish, we provide complete door-to-door care for your furry friend.


Request A Quote
Customer Reviews
Contact Us