Bringing Your Pet to Greenland: A Complete Import Guide

Greenland's remote Arctic beauty draws adventurers, researchers, and families from around the world—and many want to bring their beloved companions along. Whether you're relocating with a rescue dog like my Tafoukt, or bringing a cat to start a new chapter in the far north, importing a pet into Greenland requires careful planning and specific documentation. This guide walks you through every step, from the first vet visit to arrival in Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq.

I've relocated rescue dogs across the Mediterranean—from shelters in Morocco to homes across France and beyond. The process taught me that international pet travel, whether for rescue animals or family pets, demands respect for biosecurity rules and genuine care for your animal's wellbeing. Greenland's requirements reflect that same commitment to animal health and safety.

Can Your Pet Enter Greenland?

Yes, both cats and dogs are allowed to be imported to Greenland as personal pets, provided they meet all health and documentation requirements. There are no breed restrictions for either species—your dog's background or appearance won't disqualify entry. This openness extends to rescue animals; Greenland welcomes pets of all origins.

Service dogs (guide dogs, hearing dogs, mobility dogs) are recognized under international standards, though they must still meet all standard import documentation and health requirements—no exemptions apply to quarantine or vaccination rules.

Your Preparation Timeline

6 Months Before Departure

Schedule a pre-travel consultation with your veterinarian. Discuss Greenland's requirements, your pet's health history, and any concerns about Arctic conditions. This is also the time to confirm your vet can issue the government-endorsed health certificate you'll need.

4–5 Months Before Departure

Obtain an ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15-digit standard) if your pet doesn't have one. This microchip must be implanted before your pet receives its first rabies vaccination—the order matters. If your pet already has a non-ISO microchip, you'll need to provide your own compatible scanner at the border, which is impractical; upgrading to an ISO chip is strongly recommended.

4 Months Before Departure

Apply for your import permit from Greenland's government veterinary authority. Permits are required and typically take 30 days to process. Start this early; delays are common during peak travel seasons. You'll need your pet's microchip number and basic health information to complete the application.

3 Months Before Departure

Ensure your pet's rabies vaccination is current and administered by a licensed veterinarian. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of vaccination. If this is your pet's first rabies vaccine, note that you must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel—this is a hard requirement. Boosters are also required; confirm your pet's booster schedule with your vet.

2 Weeks Before Departure

Schedule your health certificate appointment. The health certificate is valid for only 10 days, so timing is critical. Book your vet visit for 5–7 days before your flight to allow time for government endorsement (see below).

10 Days Before Departure

Visit your veterinarian for the official health certificate. The vet will examine your pet, confirm vaccinations, and issue the certificate. This document certifies that your pet is healthy and fit to travel. Keep the original—copies won't be accepted.

7–10 Days Before Departure

Submit the health certificate to your country's government veterinary authority for endorsement. In the United States, this is USDA APHIS; in the UK, it's APHA; in Canada, it's CFIA. This endorsement step takes 3–5 business days. Plan accordingly—you need the endorsed certificate before you travel, and it's valid for only 10 days from the vet's signature date.

3–5 Days Before Departure

Confirm your arrival airport and notify the airline. Pets entering Greenland must arrive at approved ports: Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) or Nuuk Airport (GOH). Contact your airline to confirm pet travel policies and any additional requirements they may impose.

Day of Travel

Bring all original documents in a clearly labeled folder. Have your pet's microchip number memorized or written down. Arrive early to allow time for any port-of-entry veterinary inspection. Keep your pet calm and hydrated during travel.

Key Health Requirements

Microchip

Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15-digit standard). This microchip must be implanted before your pet's first rabies vaccination. If your pet has an older, non-ISO microchip, you'll need to provide a compatible scanner—not practical for most travelers. Upgrading to an ISO chip is the sensible choice.

Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination is mandatory. Your pet must be at least 12 weeks old at the time of first vaccination. After the first dose, you must wait 21 days before traveling—this is non-negotiable. Booster vaccinations are also required; confirm the schedule with your vet. The vaccine must be current and administered by a licensed veterinarian.

Health Certificate

An official health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required. It must be endorsed by your country's government veterinary authority (USDA APHIS, APHA, CFIA, etc.). The certificate is valid for only 10 days from the vet's signature date, so schedule your appointment carefully. The original certificate must accompany your pet; copies are not accepted.

Import Permit

Greenland requires an import permit for all pets. Apply at least 30 days before your departure date. Contact Greenland's government veterinary authority for the application process and required documents. Permits are not automatically granted; approval depends on your documentation being complete and accurate.

Quarantine

If your pet arrives with complete, valid documentation (microchip, current rabies vaccine, endorsed health certificate), quarantine is typically waived—you should expect 0 days of quarantine. However, if any documentation is missing or invalid, quarantine may be required. Ensure everything is in order before you travel.

Titer Test

A rabies titer test is not required for entry into Greenland. This test is only mandatory for rabies-free countries like Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Documents Checklist

  • Original health certificate (issued by licensed vet, endorsed by government authority)
  • Import permit from Greenland
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip implantation
  • Proof of current rabies vaccination
  • Proof of booster vaccination (if applicable)
  • Airline pet travel documentation
  • Your pet's microchip number (written down)
  • Contact information for Greenland's veterinary authority
  • Copies of all documents (keep in a separate folder as backup)

Ports of Entry

Your pet must arrive at one of Greenland's approved airports:

  • Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ)
  • Nuuk Airport (GOH)

Confirm with your airline that they service your chosen airport and that they accept pet travel on your flight. Some routes may have restrictions or require advance notice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Implanting the microchip after the first rabies vaccine. The microchip must come first. If you've already vaccinated, you'll need to wait for the booster cycle and implant before that.
  • Scheduling the health certificate too early. It's valid for only 10 days. Schedule your vet appointment 5–7 days before departure, not weeks ahead.
  • Forgetting government endorsement. The vet's signature alone isn't enough. Your country's veterinary authority must endorse the certificate—this takes 3–5 business days.
  • Assuming the import permit is automatic. Apply 30 days in advance and follow up if you don't hear back within 2 weeks.
  • Traveling before the 21-day waiting period after first rabies vaccination. This is a hard requirement. Plan your departure date accordingly.
  • Using copies instead of originals. Bring the original health certificate and all original vaccination records. Copies won't be accepted at the border.
  • Not confirming the arrival airport with your airline. Pets must arrive at SFJ or GOH. If your airline doesn't service these airports, you'll need to book a different route.

A Note on Rescue Animals and International Pet Travel

As someone who rescues dogs from shelters across the Mediterranean and relocates them to loving homes, I want to emphasize: international pet travel infrastructure exists for all animals, regardless of origin. A rescue dog from a Moroccan shelter deserves the same careful documentation and care as a purebred from a breeder. Greenland's requirements reflect a commitment to animal welfare and biosecurity that protects both your pet and the local animal population.

If you're bringing a rescue to Greenland, ensure the shelter or rescue organization provides complete health records. Many international rescues are experienced with export documentation and can guide you through the process. Don't let bureaucracy discourage you—the paperwork exists to keep your companion safe.

Next Steps

Start by contacting Greenland's government veterinary authority to confirm current requirements and obtain your import permit application. Then schedule your vet consultation. The timeline is tight, but manageable if you begin 4–6 months before your departure date.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to organize your documents and track deadlines.

This guide is based on verified data from official government sources and international pet travel standards. Requirements may change; always confirm directly with Greenland's veterinary authority before traveling.

Auto-generated from verified government data · Last updated: April 21, 2026