Taking Your Dog to Norway:
The Ultimate Guide (2026)
Planning a Europe dog trip?
Norway is a breathtaking destination to explore with your four-legged travel buddy. From dramatic fjords and mountain hikes to crystal-clear lakes and endless scenic drives, it's a dream destination for adventurous dogs and their humans.
If you're wondering how to take your dog to Norway from the UK, what paperwork you'll need, whether your dog needs tapeworm treatment twice, or how to travel back from Europe to the UK with your dog, you've come to the right place.
This guide covers what you need to know before setting off on your dog-friendly Norwegian road trip!
Chicken Wearing Bunana
What Does My Dog Need to Enter Norway?
1. A Microchip
Your dog must be microchipped before receiving their rabies vaccination.
2. A Valid Rabies Vaccination
Your dog needs an up-to-date rabies vaccine.
If it's their first rabies vaccination, you'll need to wait 21 days before entering Norway.
Booster vaccinations are fine as long as they haven't expired.
Most rabies vaccinations last either 1 or 3 years, depending on the vaccine your vet administers. The expiry date will be recorded in your dog's vaccination record and must still be valid for your trip.
If your dog's booster is kept up to date before it expires, you won't need to wait another 21 days before travelling.
3. An Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
If you're travelling from Great Britain, you'll need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official veterinarian.
Your dog must have a valid rabies vaccination before an AHC can be issued.
Important timing
If it's your dog's first rabies vaccination (or their previous vaccination has expired), you'll need to wait at least 21 days before your dog can travel and before an AHC can be issued.
If your dog is simply receiving a booster before their current rabies vaccination expires, there's no 21-day waiting period. As long as the booster is given before the previous vaccination expires, your dog's rabies cover remains continuous.
Your AHC must also be issued within 10 days of your departure to the EU.
How long is an AHC valid?
Once issued, your Animal Health Certificate allows:
Entry into the EU within 10 days of the date it was issued.
Travel within the EU for up to 6 months (or until your dog's rabies vaccination expires, whichever comes first).
Return to Great Britain during that same validity period (provided you've met the UK tapeworm treatment requirements where applicable).
⚠️ An AHC is valid for one trip only. If you leave Great Britain again after returning home, you'll need to obtain a new Animal Health Certificate for your next journey.
Top tip: Book your AHC appointment well in advance, but remember it must be issued no more than 10 days before you enter the EU.
4. Tapeworm Treatment
Norway has strict rules about tapeworm treatment.
Your dog must receive treatment containing praziquantel between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before entering Norway.
The treatment must be administered by a veterinarian and recorded on your paperwork/ AHC.
If you're planning multiple trips between Norway and other countries, consider asking your vet about the 28-day treatment programme, which can make travelling much easier.
For example: When travelling, we entered on Le Shuttle to France, and spent time travelling through other countries for a week before entering Norway. Therefore, we booked our Tapeworm Treatment at a vet in Sweden, 3 days before crossing the border.
Chicken Wearing Bunana
Before Returning to the UK:
Does my dog need another tapeworm treatment before I travel home?
YES! Don't forget that dogs entering Great Britain also require tapeworm treatment.
The same rules apply and this must be given by a vet between 24 and 120 hours before arriving back in Great Britain and recorded correctly in your paperwork.
Many travellers book a vet appointment while they're still in Norway or in another European country before catching the ferry or Eurotunnel home.
Before travelling back home, your dog will usually need a tapeworm treatment administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before arrival. The only exception is if you're returning directly from Ireland, Finland, Norway or Malta. But always be sure to double check.
We'd recommend booking your appointment near where you're staying, rather than waiting until you're close to the border. It's often cheaper, less stressful and gives you more flexibility if your travel plans change!
When you return to the UK, border officials will check that:
Your dog's tapeworm treatment was given within the required 24–120 hour window.
The treatment was administered by a veterinarian.
The treatment has been correctly recorded on your Animal Health Certificate.
Missing the treatment window or having incomplete paperwork could delay your journey home or cause unnecessary expense, so it's well worth checking your timings before you travel.
Chicken Wearing Frog Chérie
Driving to Norway with Your Dog?
Most UK travellers drive via:
Eurotunnel or ferry to France
Through Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany or Denmark
Ferry into Norway (or via Sweden)
Driving is often considered the least stressful option for dogs because you can stop whenever needed for walks, toilet breaks and water.
Is Norway Dog Friendly?
Absolutely. We managed to take Chicken to most places, including restaurants, Loen Skylift(!) and local attractions . But always check the rules of your accommodation rules and places you hope to visit!
Do Dogs Need to Stay on a Lead?
From 1 April to 20 August, Norway has a general lead requirement in some areas to protect wildlife and livestock during breeding season.
Outside these dates, local rules can vary, so always check signs before letting your dog off lead.
Wildlife to Be Aware Of?
Norway is home to incredible wildlife.
You may spot animals such as:
Moose, Reindeer, Musk ox, Sea eagles, Puffins (We saw LOADS at Runde!), Otters and more.
Keep your dog under control around wildlife and grazing animals, particularly in national parks.
Can Dogs Swim?
Norway is full of crystal-clear lakes, rivers and sheltered beaches, many of which are dog-friendly but always check the rules beforehand.
Just remember:
Mountain water can be freezing.
Rivers can have strong currents.
Some popular swimming spots are shared with wildlife.
Always check the water before letting your dog jump in!
Dog-Friendly Activities?
You'll find lots of Dog Friendly activities in Norway including:
Hiking to waterfalls, Kayaking on fjords, Scenic mountain drives, Ferry crossings, Wild camping (where permitted), Birdwatching, Cabin stays and Sunrise walks around lakes.
What Should We Pack?
Here's our basic Norway dog packing checklist:
✔ Harness and Collar w/ ID tag
✔ Lead and long line
✔ Travel water bowl
✔ Food
✔ Treats
✔ Dog bed
✔ Blankets
✔ Towels
✔ Tick remover (definitely recommended, we used our favorite TickCheck Brand and yes we did need it!)
✔ Paw balm
✔ Cooling gear (summer)
✔ Waterproof dog coat
✔ Vaccination paperwork
✔ Animal Health Certificate
✔ Poochie Suit for windy and colder weather and post-swim warm up's!
Chicken Wearing Frog Chérie
Is Norway Worth Visiting with My Dog?
Without question.
If your dog loves exploring, sniffing new trails and spending time outdoors, Norway is hard to beat. From peaceful forests and dramatic mountain roads to endless lakes and dog-friendly adventures, it's one of those places that feels like it was made for road trips with your best friend.
With a little preparation, the paperwork is straightforward and once you've crossed the border, you can focus on what really matters: making unforgettable memories together.
Happy travels!
Brooke & Chicken
Poochie Keen xo