Why are there no stray dogs in Norway?
Why homeless animals in Norway are mostly cats, not dogs.
Short answer
Nearly 90 percent of the homeless animals helped by Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge are cats, while dogs are often ID-marked and easy to trace to a responsible owner. Stavanger kommune notes that with cat colonies, by contrast, it is hard to hold an owner responsible. Dyrebeskyttelsen also says cats have a lower status than dogs in society.
Why
- Stavanger kommune writes that dogs are often ID-marked, so it is easy to know who owns the animal and is responsible for it.
- DyreID, owned by the Norwegian Veterinary Association, is the main register for ID-marking pets in Norway and runs a service for lost and found animals.
- The Dog Act is administered by the police and sets out duty-of-care rules for dog owners.
Details
The government says all dog owners must have the competence needed to prevent unintended situations or injuries, and breaking the dog rules can lead to a fine. Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge names impulse purchases, abandonment and lack of neutering as reasons why animals end up homeless.
Tip
If you find a loose dog or cat, report it through DyreID's lost and found service, Savnet og funnet.
Common misconception
Norway has no homeless animals at all.
What actually happens
Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge estimates that there are several tens of thousands of homeless animals in Norway, most of them cats.
People also ask
- Are there stray dogs in Norway?
Sources
- Animal Protection Norway: Campaign for homeless animalsChecked at:
- Stavanger Municipality: Draft animal welfare planChecked at:
- DyreID: Pet ID registerChecked at:
- Store norske leksikon: The Dog ActChecked at:
- Norwegian Government: Travelling with dogs in NorwayChecked at:
Information checked on 20 October 2026.
Related questions
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Are emotional support animals recognised in Norway?
Emotional support animals do not count as service dogs in Norway, as NAV does not provide service dogs for psychological challenges and SAS carries them as pets.
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How do you find a dog sitter, dog daycare or kennel in Oslo?
One way to find a dog sitter in Oslo is Pawshake, an online service that connects dog owners with local sitters for dog walks, day care and overnight stays.
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How do you adopt a dog or a cat in Norway?
You can adopt a dog or cat in Norway through the 25 local branches of Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge, which take in homeless animals and find them new homes.
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Where are the dog parks in Oslo?
Oslo kommune runs ten dog parks where dogs may run off the lead, including Hundejordet in Frognerparken, Styggedalen at Bogstad and Ola Narr at Tøyen.