Traveling to Iceland with Your Dog or Cat

International travel with your dog or cat can be complicated. Moreover, it is usually advised to leave your pet at home when traveling to Iceland. The requirements for bringing your dog or cat to Iceland can be quite strict, including various forms, an import application fee, and a mandatory quarantine period of four weeks.

Consequently, completing these vaccination requirements and forms can take several months. Therefore, if you want to bring your pet to Iceland, it is essential to plan well in advance.

The Process

The import applications for dogs and cats are available from the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority. Once your application is submitted with the required health proofs and treatments, it typically gets approved within 2-3 weeks. Then, you will need to pay the import fee, which is approximately 20,000 ISK, and schedule the necessary quarantine for your pet upon arrival in Iceland.

It is crucial to familiarize yourself with all the requirements regarding necessary vaccinations, which may include rabies, parvo, and distemper, as well as medical examinations and treatments. Some of these must be completed well ahead of your travel date. Notably, the Certificate of Health and Origin issued by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Iceland is the only valid documentation accepted.

It is important to remember that Iceland updates its animal import regulations annually. Therefore, by the time you travel, there may be slight procedural changes that could affect your plans. Always check for the latest official updates before considering bringing your dog to Iceland.

Interestingly, dogs are not commonly kept as pets in Iceland; they were actually banned in Reykjavik from 1924 until 1984.

No Help for Travelers

Unfortunately, no short-term permits are available for bringing your dog to Iceland for a short vacation. All the necessary paperwork is primarily aimed at individuals moving to Iceland permanently. Consequently, this process requires considerable effort for a simple two-week trip. It is likely not practical or advisable to subject your pet to such stress; therefore, leaving your dog or cat at home with trusted friends or family may be a better option. The reunion with your pet after your trip will surely be much more rewarding.

You might also consider exploring countries that are more dog-friendly than Iceland, such as Denmark or Sweden.