Documents Required to Bring a Dog from Norway

Importing a Dog from Norway: Complete Document Checklist

Moving a dog from Norway to another country requires strict compliance with veterinary and customs regulations. Requirements vary by destination country, but the core documents are universally standard.

Mandatory Documents

1. EU Pet Passport (or Official Veterinary Certificate)
   • Issued by a Norwegian authorized vet.
   • Records microchip, rabies vaccination, ownership, health checks.
   • Valid for EU/EEA entry; accepted by many non-EU countries.
2. ISO-Compliant Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
   • 15-digit, implanted before rabies vaccination.
   • Certificate of implantation required.
3. Rabies Vaccination Certificate
   • Must be ≥21 days old at entry.
   • Not expired (boosters per manufacturer).
   • Recorded in passport with batch #, date, vet signature.
4. Animal Health Certificate (AHC) / Veterinary Health Certificate
   • Issued ≤10 days before departure (varies by destination).
   • Confirms clinical health, no contagious disease, fit to travel.
   • Must be endorsed by Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) for non-EU.
5. Import Permit (If Required)
   • Countries like Australia, NZ, Singapore, UAE, Japan require pre-approval.
   • Apply weeks/months in advance.
6. Parasite Treatment Records (If Mandated)
   • E.g., tapeworm (praziquantel) 24–120h before entry (UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta, Norway).
   • Tick/flea treatment per destination rules.
7. Breed-Specific Documentation
   • Restricted breeds (Pit Bull, Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro) may need muzzle orders, insurance, behavioral assessments, or be banned entirely.
8. Airline/Transport Documents
   • IATA-compliant crate declaration.
   • Acclimatization certificate (for cargo hold).
   • Airline-specific forms (e.g., BA, Emirates, Qantas have own).
9. Customs Declaration
   • Value declaration for VAT/duty (if commercial or high-value).

Critical Steps

1. Check destination country's official veterinary authority website (not airline).
2. Contact Mattilsynet (Norwegian Food Safety Authority) for export certification.
3. Book pet-friendly routing (avoid extreme temps, long layovers).
4. Start 3–6 months early for complex destinations (Australia, NZ, Hawaii, Japan).

Non-compliance = quarantine, return, or euthanasia. Prepare meticulously.