All That For… What?

For the past 6 months I have researched, made phone calls, written emails, downloaded countless documents and worried over getting Diego into Denmark. I have been told many different things by many different people and was relieved to find out how you really get a dog into Denmark.

Here is what they tell you...

When coming from the USA, Denmark:

1.     Have your dog vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days prior to travel

2.     Microchip must be done before or on the same day as the initial rabies vaccination

3.     APHIS Form 7001 filled out by a USDA certified vet and endorsed by the USDA

4.     ANNEX II Veterinary certificate to EU filled out by a USDA certified vet and endorsed by the USDA

5.     Non-Commercial transport of five or less dogs, cats, and ferrets (Veterinary certificate to EU) Danish version filled out by a USDA certified vet

6.     Veterinary Certificate for Domestic & International Airline Travel filled out by a USDA certified vet

7.     Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 Veterinary Certificate for the European Community filled out by a USDA certified vet

8.     Same thing as above, but the Danish version filled out by a USDA certified vet

9.     Notify border inspection at least 24 hours before your arrival into Denmark so they can be ready to inspect your dog. You must include your flight number and arrival time.

The cost:

1.     $70.00 for the vet to fill out all the forms (the same information over and over and over again).

2.     $53.00 to overnight papers to the USDA in Austin and to provide a return overnight envelope

3.     $38.00 to have the forms endorsed

The reality:

Book your dog on the flight, pay the $100 one-way fee, arrive in Copenhagen and follow the crowds through the “Nothing to Declare” line.

Have a nice time in Denmark.

Will I do it this way next time? Absolutely not. I’m the person who would get caught. However, I will reuse 4 out of the 6 forms until his rabies vaccination has expired in 2016.

When I finally got the two luggage carts through the rushing crowd and over to the “red line” I had to ring a bell and wait for someone to come out. The young man knew nothing about my arrival (I was expecting someone to be waiting at the baggage claim given the seriousness of the situation which they made it seem like through our email conversations and on their websites) and only checked the rabies vaccination and scanned Diego’s microchip. I forced him to looked at the other certificates and asked what I should do next time. He didn’t quite know. Great.

So, we have been in Denmark for a week and are loving the freedom that dogs have here. Lots of four-legged friends for Diego to sniff, friendly smiles when people catch a glimpse of Diego walking towards them (a great way to meet new people), parks galore and a small dog park near our apartment.

Next steps:

Dog insurance and registration. Apparently the insurance is the law and maybe registering Diego will be a way for me to spend more money on this doggie relocation. Who knows, but I’ll do it to be “safe!”

Resting at the Hotel in Copenhagen