Pets from Ukraine

Since rabies and other serious illnesses are present in Ukraine, we must ensure that this does not increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases to humans and animals here in Norway.

Several exceptions from rules and regulations have been made for people fleeing Ukraine, which will allow them to bring their pets to Norway.

• These exceptions apply only to refugees travelling with their own pets. You are not permitted to use a transport company or similar company. You may not send animals with other people.
• Exceptions will only apply the first time you arrive in Norway after the beginning of the war. If you return to Ukraine and then wish to bring pets back to Norway, you will usually have to follow the normal rules. If your animals have been temporarily hosted in another country while you have been in Norway, then you must also follow the normal rules. In such cases, the authorities will generally not cover the cost of quarantine, tests and vaccines.

Learn more about the normal rules and regulations here: Travelling with pets to Norway

We have provided information on the requirements that apply.

Other sites with relevant information:

• Home isolation: Information for those with pets from Ukraine in home isolation
   
• The sale or rehoming of pets from Ukraine is prohibited
   
• Access to digital services from the public sector

This applies to pets of refugees from Ukraine

• Registration and checks: The Norwegian Food Safety Authority must register and check all pets that arrive in Norway. This is done to minimise the risk of spreading serious infectious diseases such as rabies to humans and other animals in Norway.
• Advance notice of arrival: If possible, pet owners should give the Norwegian Food Safety Authority advance notice of pet arrivals in Norway so that checks can be performed as quickly as possible after crossing the border. E-mail: BIP.gardermoen@mattilsynet.no
• Checks of pets arriving directly to refugee reception, hotels, or private homes: If pets are not checked at a border crossing, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority must be contacted immediately upon arrival (phone 0047 22 40 00 00). The Norwegian Food Safety Authority will then perform a check by appointment.

Requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets:

• Microchip: If a dog, cat or ferret is not already microchipped, this will be done by a veterinarian in Norway.
• Rabies vaccination: Animals that are not vaccinated against rabies will be placed in a temporary quarantine facility. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority will ensure vaccination.
• Blood test to show that the rabies vaccine is effective (rabies antibody titre): Animals that have not been tested with a rabies titre test will be placed in a temporary quarantine facility. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority will ensure that a blood test is performed. It can take several weeks before the test answer is ready, due to high demand at all analysis laboratories throughout Europe. There must be at least 30 days between vaccination and the blood test.
• If the vaccine is effective, the animal will normally remain in quarantine for another 3 months. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority will consider the option of home isolation.
• Echinococcus multilocularis: If a dog has not been treated (by a veterinarian) for echinococcus multilocularis 1–5 days prior to entering Norway, it must be treated as soon as possible after arrival. All faeces must be collected and disposed of as waste prior to and for at least 5 days following treatment.

Other pets

Pets other than dogs, cats and ferrets must undergo a clinical examination by a veterinarian in Norway.

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority is working on additional changes. Follow the updates on this website.

Costs are covered by the Norwegian Government

Refugees from Ukraine arriving with pets will not be required to pay for treatment, testing or possible quarantine for their pets.

Costs of additional veterinary services must be paid by the pet owner.

Several Norwegian animal protection organisations have agreed to pay for necessary veterinary treatment that is not covered by the Norwegian Government. The pet owner must consent to the treatment. Learn more here:

• Norwegian Society for Protection of Animals: Dyrebeskyttelsen: Ukrainian refugee / Український біженець (Norwegian/Ukrainian)
• NOAH: HOW NOAH CAN HELP UKRANIAN ANIMALS IN NEED (English(/Ukrainian)

Exceptions apply only to pets of refugees from Ukraine

These exceptions apply only to Ukrainian pets brought into Norway by their owner.

These exceptions do not apply to street dogs, dogs from shelters and similar animals. These animals must follow the rules that normally apply.

• Travelling with pets to Norway
• Travelling to Norway with caged birds, rodents and rabbits
• Travelling to Norway with stray animals

Banned dog breeds

Refugees from Ukraine who bring prohibited dog breeds into Norway must apply to the Norwegian National Police Directorate for a dispensation. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority can assist with registration and control.

• See which breeds are prohibited here: Banned dogs (breeds) in Norway

Exotic animals

Ukrainian refugees who bring other species of animals into Norway that are not permitted as pets may apply to the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and the Norwegian Environment Agency for a dispensation.

• Norwegian Environment Agency: Information to Ukrainian refugees bringing exotic pets
• Norwegian Food Safety Authority: Travelling to Norway with exotic animals