Access and rights for service dogs

However, it is the manager of the establishment who, according to the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration’s Hygiene Guidelines, has the authority to allow service dogs access, for example, to customer areas in restaurants and food businesses.

Identification of a service dog

STH service dogs accompanying a person with a physical disability are allowed in public places where pet dogs are normally prohibited, provided the establishment permits it.

STH service dogs can be recognized by a blue vest with a clearly visible STH service dog logo, indicating that the dog is working and has the necessary qualifications to assist its user when needed. This makes it clear to the public that the dog is specially trained.

Additionally, the service dog user carries an identification card with a photo, which can be shown upon request. STH follows the international guidelines and standards set by Assistance Dogs International (ADI).

Only dogs trained by STH wear these blue vests. They cannot be purchased for private dogs.

Grocery stores and restaurants

As a general rule, pets are not allowed in areas where food is handled, prepared, or stored. However, a service dog may have certain rights that ordinary pet dogs do not. According to the law, the manager of an establishment can allow service dogs access, for example, to customer areas in restaurants and food businesses.

According to Section 12.1 of the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration’s Hygiene Guidelines, guide and service dogs are allowed in store customer areas and restaurant dining areas, provided they do not contaminate the food. It is the establishment’s responsibility to ensure this does not happen. Dogs are not allowed in areas where food is prepared. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration considers that contamination is very unlikely if guide or service dogs are allowed in restaurant dining areas or store customer areas. Service animals must remain under full control of the user, who is responsible for ensuring that the dog does not take, lick, or sniff food.

The dog must be kept on a leash, and there must be no occasion for the dog to be in contact with foods. Check first with the policy of the restaurant you’re planning to visit.

Transportation

A service dog has access to transport in taxies together with the service dog user. Only when the driver is allergic to animals and is able to prove that via a certificate he or she is allowed to say no to a guide or service dog.
A service dog has unrestricted access to the bus, train and in the metro, as long as the dog is wearing the special blue STH ID vest, and the user carries his or hers unique identification card or mobile app referring to the public test and STH.

Travelling abroad with your service dog?

If you are planning to travel with your servicedog, remember - well in advance! - to talk to the vet about which vaccinations, dog passes, etc. that is required. The airlines requires a lot of documentation, so apply in due time.

Flying with your service dog

You must notify the airline that you are travelling with a service dog when you book your ticket, and be prepared to complete a lot of documents. Not all airlines include service dogs in the cabin, so check this first.

For further information, check ADI's website. 

Visiting Denmark with your service dog

Dog are very welcome in Denmark. Visit the website of the Danish Embassy in your country to find all information about travelling with dogs to Denmark.

If you bring a dog from an European Union (EU) country to Denmark, it is very important that the animal can be identified by a chip. The dog must also have an EU pet passport issued by a veterinarian, in which the veterinarian confirms that a vaccination or re-vaccination against rabies has been carried out. It is important that the last vaccination or re-vaccination is not older than the tattoo or the insertion of the chip. A new vaccination must have been carried out at least 3 weeks before entry. The duration of vaccination protection is based on the instructions of the vaccine manufacturer.

Bringing your pet to Denmark from a non-EU country: Requirements for pet travel are slightly stricter. You should also get a pet passport if at all possible or have your vet complete a standard Veterinary Certificate. Your dog or cat must also be vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days before traveling to Denmark. When you arrive in Denmark with your pet, enter customs and request a pet inspection. Danish customs personnel will help you with the process and will check the papers.

From April 1st to September 30th, you have to keep your dog on a leash on the beaches. In forests, it is mandatory to keep the dog on a leash all year round. Dog friendly areas – In Denmark, you can bring your dogs in some sections of the forest. In fact, you are allowed to let your pet run freely in the dog friendly areas, but be sure to check the local tourist office first. Other areas that are friendly to dogs include campsites, holiday cottage rentals.

The keeping, breeding and importation of the following 13 dog breeds is prohibited in Denmark if they were acquired after March 17th, 2010. Offenses are punished with a fine or a prison sentence of the dog owner, as well as with the dog being put to sleep: 1) Pit Bull Terrier, 2) Tosa Inu, 3) American Staffordshire Terrier, 4) Fila Brasileiro, 5) Argentine Dog, 6) American bulldog, 7) Boerboel, 8) Kangal, 9) Central Asian Ovtcharka, 10) Caucasian Ovcharka, 11) South Russian Ovcharka, 12) Tornjak, 13) Sarplaninac.

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