Everything you need to know about owning a dog in Norway

In May 2022, Norway’s parliament agreed on several proposed law changes to Norway’s Dog Act which owners will need to be aware of. 

The tightening of the act saw more responsibility put on owners. Under the changes to the act, owners were made responsible for ensuring that dogs are prevented from being put into situations where they could harm people, other animals, property, or things. 

The law meant owners are required to have the necessary competence and knowledge of the dog’s needs, breed and natural instincts and ensure the dog is adequately trained. 

The decision to destroy dogs that attack people or other animals still lies with the police. The responsibility for paying kennel fees if the dog is seized will remain with the owner, something the Norwegian Kennel Club is critical of, public broadcaster NRK writes. 

At the time the kennel club welcomed the changes, which it believes will see dogs better cared for by owners than before. 

This isn’t the only law pet owners need to be aware of though.

Bringing a dog to Norway 

You can bring a dog to Norway from another country, but there are several entry requirements. Dogs needing to have a microchip, rabies vaccinations and tapeworm treatments are among the main ones. The rules will differ whether the pet comes from inside or outside the EU. 

Typically, hounds from outside the EU will need a health certificate, whereas animals from inside the EU will require a pet passport. Pets brought to Norway from other countries need to be at least three-months-old. 

For a complete overview of the rules that apply to you, you should check in with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. 

Certain breeds are banned

It is against the law to own certain breeds that the Norwegian Food Safety Authority considers dangerous. These are: 

• The Pit Bull Terrier 
• The American Staffordshire Terrier 
• The Fila Brasileiro 
• The Tonso Inu 
• The Dogo Argentino 
• The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog 

Wolf-dog hybrids and dogs bred and trained specifically for protection are also banned. The police will either deport dogs it deems dangerous or destroy them. 

In a recent ruling, the Oslo district court banned the breeding of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and English Bulldogs over concerns that the distinctive features they are known for causes them suffering. 

READ MORE: Norway bans breeding of bulldogs and cavaliers

Leash laws

Also in the Dog Act was the “leash law”. This sets out when dogs should be on a lead and where. From the beginning of April until August 20th, dogs must be kept leashed unless in a dog park. 

The rule is to protect local wildlife during the birthing, nesting and mating seasons. 

Some municipalities have rules about keeping dogs on a lead in housing areas, and others have regulations about animals being leashed while cross country skiing in areas with prepped tracks. 

The most likely outcome for being caught breaking the leash law will be a reminder to keep your dog on a lead or you could face a fine.