Top 7+ Countries Where You Can't Own a Pet Without State Approval

Denmark: Strict Dog Registration from Birth

Denmark stands out as one of the most regulated countries for pet ownership in Europe. In Denmark, it is compulsory by law to register dogs, but not cats.

All dogs must be registered in the Danish Dog Register. This may be done via a microchip number or ear tattoo, and must be done before the dog is eight weeks old.

The Danish system goes beyond simple registration requirements. It is also required by law for Danish dogs to wear a dog tag with the owner's name and address.

If you are a dog owner, you must have dog liability insurance. This also applies to short stays, such as holidays.

This means even tourists visiting Denmark with their pets need to comply with these state-controlled regulations.

Norway: Permits for Dangerous Breeds and Municipal Registration

Norway implements a comprehensive pet approval system that varies by region. Dogs must be registered with the local municipality, and some regions may require an annual fee.

Certain breeds require special permits due to safety concerns. The Norwegian system is particularly strict about breed-specific legislation.

Norway has strict breed-specific regulations, with certain dog breeds banned due to safety concerns. The following breeds are prohibited: Bringing one of these breeds into Norway could result in confiscation and legal consequences.

Pet owners must navigate through the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's regulations, making state approval essential for legal pet ownership.

Singapore: Comprehensive Licensing System for All Pets

Singapore operates one of the world's most thorough pet licensing systems. You need a dog or cat license to keep keep a pet in Singapore, as well as relocate a pet to Singapore.

In Singapore, licensing your pet is a legal requirement aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership and ensuring public health and safety. The Singapore system requires extensive preparation and state approval at multiple levels.

In 2025, licensing isn't just for dogs – cats now require licenses too. All cats kept in residential areas must now be licensed.

Before applying for a pet license, you must complete a short Online Pet Ownership Course. You could face fines or penalties.

Licensing is a legal requirement in Singapore.

Switzerland: Federal Oversight for Pet Movement

Switzerland maintains strict federal control over pet ownership through its veterinary regulations. You can apply to the FSVO for a licence if you wish to bring more than five dogs, cats or ferrets into Switzerland from a third country on a temporary basis to take part in competitions or similar events.

This shows how even temporary pet ownership requires state approval. The Swiss system demonstrates government oversight in pet welfare decisions.

If an animal does not comply with all the conditions for entry into Switzerland, a request for exemption may be made. However, exemptions are only granted in special cases, e.g.

for dogs and cats with a veterinary certificate stating that they cannot be vaccinated against rabies for medical reasons.

Japan: Import Registration and Municipal Compliance

Japan requires state-level registration for all imported pets and ongoing municipal registration. For dog's importer, you need to bring the import quarantine certificate to the municipality, where the imported dog is kept, for registration within 30days of import.

Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies once a year under the Rabies Prevention Law in Japan. For further information, contact the municipality office.

The Japanese system combines federal import controls with local municipal approval requirements. Whether you're moving there permanently or just relocating for a certain period, you're required to obey all the pet import requirements published by the Ministry of Agriculture of Japan.

Bringing your pet to Japan is a complex process since Japan is a rabies-free country.

Australia: Federal Import Permits and State-Level Compliance

Australia operates a comprehensive federal approval system for pet ownership. If you intend to import cats, dogs or frozen canine semen into Australia you must comply with our import conditions.

Permit applicants may submit information and/or evidence with their application for assessment against the import conditions or to demonstrate equivalence to standard import conditions. This information will be considered during assessment of the import permit application.

The Australian system requires extensive pre-approval and ongoing compliance. This is a complex process.

Before you start the import process, we recommend you read this guide in full. Fees apply for our services, such as permit assessment and quarantine in Australia.

It will take at least 6 months to complete. You will need to make sure your dog meets a range of import conditions.

Germany: Federal and State-Level Breed Regulations

Germany implements a dual-level approval system with both federal and state regulations. What I can tell you is that in Germany pit bull terriers are banned and there are strict rules about dog ownership.

The German system varies by federal state, with some regions requiring specific permits for certain breeds. The article is based on an examination of the animal welfare legislation applying to companion dogs in the following jurisdictions: Austria, Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New South Wales, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and the USA.

Where Germany and Austria were concerned, we investigated both the federal legislation and the laws in three federal states that exhibited peculiarities of special interest vis-à-vis the legislation on state level.

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