As people's demand for quality of life continues to rise, more and moreimmigrantsFamilies are no longer only thinking about human members when planning a move, and the "migration" of fur kids is becoming a major concern. As one of the best countries in the world for humans and animals to live together, Norway has a well-established pet management system and high welfare standards, making it one of the leading pet-friendly countries. So, if you want to bring your favorite cat or dog with you in 2025, you can do so by visiting Norway.Immigration to Norway, what are the rules, processes and considerations? This article will analyze them all for you.
I. Why does Norway have strict regulations on the entry of pets?
Norway is a non-endemic country for rabies, and no indigenous cases have been reported since 1991. In order to maintain this low-risk status, the Government has a strict but reasonable biosecurity system for the entry of pets into the country. This is both to protect the health of the population and pets, and to ensure the stability of the ecosystem. It is therefore important that you understand the regulations before bringing your pet into Norway, so that you are not delayed or denied entry due to inadequate preparation.
II. 2025 with petsImmigration to Norwaybasic requirements
1. Types of pets allowed to enter the country
Pets generally allowed into the country include:
-
puppy
-
kitten
-
ferrets
If you are carrying other animals (e.g. rabbits, birds, reptiles, etc.), you need to contact the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) in advance for case-by-case approval.
2. Pets must meet the following entry requirements:
✅ microchip
Pets must be implanted with an electronic microchip that complies with ISO 11784/11785. The implantation of the microchip should be completed prior to vaccination and the microchip number should be registered by the veterinarian.
✅ Valid proof of rabies vaccination
-
Wait at least 21 days after vaccination before entering the country.
-
The vaccine needs to be within the expiration date (usually 1 or 3 years).
-
A recalculation of the waiting period is required after the initial or expired vaccination.
✅ Veterinary health certificate (EU pet passport or third country veterinary certificate)
-
Non-EU countries recognized by Norway, such as China, USA, Canada, etc., are required to provide an Animal Health Certificate from an official veterinarian, valid for 10 days.
✅ Deworming treatment (for dogs only)
-
All dogs must be dewormed with an anti-tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) treatment between 24 and 120 hours prior to entry.
-
Dewormers need to contain Praziquantel ingredients and certified by a certified veterinarian.
Third, do pets need to be quarantined?
For the most part.If the pet meets all of the above health and vaccine requirements, it does not need to be quarantined upon entry into the country.The
However, the following conditions may trigger temporary quarantine processing:
-
Vaccination certificates are substandard or poorly translated
-
Chip can't be read.
-
Incompatible or uncertified deworming treatments
-
Abnormalities in health status
Once quarantine is required, the cost is borne by the pet owner and the quarantine period is usually 10-21 days.
IV. Notes on air transportation of pets
Traveling to Norway with pets is usually done by air, and depending on the size of the pet, there are two ways of transporting them: by check-in and by carrying them in the passenger cabin.
✈ Consignment Notes:
-
Use of IATA International Air Transport Association certified flight cases
-
Pets should be acclimatized to the air box before the flight to avoid frightening them
-
Comes with microchip information, vaccine records and emergency contact information
🐾 Suggested Flight:
-
Direct flights preferred (e.g. possible direct flights from Beijing/Shanghai to Oslo)
-
Transfers require confirmation that the transit country allows pets to transit (avoid transfers in non-rabies clean countries)
V. How do I apply for a permit to enter Norway with my pet?
From 2025, all pets entering the country from non-EU countries must submit an entry application online in advance, with the following portal:
🔗 Mattilsynet Official Pet Entry Registration Page
Submissions include:
-
Host Information
-
Pet type, number and identification chip number
-
Flight Information
-
Vaccine and deworming certificate uploaded
It is usually recommended that at least before takeoff One week to complete registrationThe
VI. Process after arrival in Norway
Upon arrival, you are required to clear customs with your pet through the **Red Channel (with declaration)** and show it to Customs:
-
Chip Scanner or Chip Proof
-
Vaccination records
-
Certificate of deworming (for dogs)
-
Confirmation of Entry Permit
If the documents are complete, the pet will be released without any problems; if there are any problems, Customs has the right to suspend the pet and send it to the quarantine center.
VII. Welfare of pets in Norway
Norway is extremely pet-friendly and society as a whole respects animal rights. Pets enjoy:
-
High-quality veterinary resources
-
Animal Health Insurance System
-
Large number of pet-only areas in public places
-
Strong legal protection against animal cruelty
At the same time, pet owners are required to comply with strict rules, such as regular vaccines, fecal cleanup, and leash obligations.
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I bring more than one pet into the country?
Up to5 petsIf the amount exceeds this, it will be treated as a commercial import.
Q2: Can I ask a friend to bring my pet into the country for me?
Yes, but a letter of authorization from the pet owner with complete documentation is required.
Q3: Will connecting flights from EU countries affect entry?
As long as you don't enter the country's territory (stay in the connecting area) it generally won't matter. However, it is recommended to fly direct throughout or connect in a pet-friendly country.
concluding remarks
2025 with petsImmigration to NorwayIt's not complicated, as long as you prepare vaccines, microchips and health certificates in advance according to the official requirements, you can basically clear customs without any problems. Norway welcomes not only you, but also your fur kids to start a new journey of Nordic life together. For the sake of their health and safety, please make sure to check every policy and time point in detail, so that you can be prepared and have peace of mind.
For professional assistance with pet immigration procedures, it is recommended to consult an experienced pet immigration service provider to save time and avoid risks.
Your pet, too, deserves a happier future!