Moving to Norway with a pet: how much does it cost and how to save money (2025 guide)

Our Norwegian friends are animal lovers through and through. They're so kind that they make it possible for our four-legged friends to ride the tram for free and even get their own insurance! But the first step is moving, and that can be a bit of a challenge. International rules, microchips, vaccinations and invisible airline fees can make preparation feel like a quest. To help you out, we've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions we've received about the cost and procedures for importing pets in 2025. We've included the current prices and some tips on how to reduce your budget without compromising on safety (for your pet or your wallet).

How much does the basic ‘EU pet passport + chip’ cost in the country of departure?

Don't worry - in any EEA member country, the procedure is carried out by veterinary clinics authorised to issue EU Pet Passports, so your pet will be in safe hands! The lovely people at the clinic said that the cost of the chip and rabies vaccine and passport registration is between €45 and €60 (that's about 500 and 650 kr). They also said that if your pet doesn't have a chip, it will cost an extra 250 kr. Please remember that it's really important to insert the chip before giving your pet their vaccinations. If you forget, don't worry - just give them their vaccinations again and they'll be all set! The vet will enter the date and sign the passport — without this, Norway will turn the animal away at the border, which would be such a shame. Hey, here's a little tip for you: keep an eye out for EU partner shelters. They've got a sweet deal going on — for just €30, you can adopt a furry friend and save half the cost!

Do I need a rabies titer test and how much does it cost?

Absolutely! If you're flying from outside the 'rabies-free' list (Russia, Turkey, Thailand, etc.), then you're all set! The test is carried out by the lovely people at Vetlab Europa, who will take your blood 30 days after your vaccination. At Oslo Vetlab, we understand that pet owners want to give their furry friends the best care possible. That's why we're offering a special price of 650 NOK for results and a certificate. Don't worry, you'll get the results in three months, so you've got plenty of time to plan your move. If you're flying earlier, there's just one more thing to bear in mind: a four-month quarantine at Mattilsynet-Kennel (320 kr/day → 38,000 kr). Hey, I've got an awesome life hack for you! You can get your blood tested at an EU lab for just €50. Just make sure you bring the original with you, and they'll be good to go in Norway.

How much does the airline charge for transporting an animal and where is it cheaper?

Don't worry – Norwegian, SAS and Flyr charge just €75 in the cabin (up to 8 kg, including the bag) and €275 in the cargo hold (up to 23 kg for a cage). We're delighted to tell you that Widerøe now offers fantastic regional flights for just 430 kr (cabin). Just a heads-up that the number of seats is limited, so it's a good idea to book in advance (just hit us up in the online chat box). Otherwise, you might have to pay an extra €45 'administrative fee' at the airport, which is just a shame. Hey, just so you know, a second-hand IATA #200 cage will set you back 649 kr at Oslo Petshop. But don't worry, you can rent one from a cargo agent for just 125 kr a day, with a 600 kr deposit. Don't worry, you can still save money at the counter! If you do choose the wrong size, your pet won't be allowed on board, but you'll still be able to save some money.

How to avoid customs duties and registration?

When you get there, just follow the 'Red Corridor' at Gardermoen and present your pet's passport and you're all set! And the best news is that from 2023, registration with Mattilsynet DyreID will be totally free! All you need to do is have an officer scan your chip, and they'll send you an email receipt right away. If you go through the green corridor and let the service ask the dog a few questions later, you'll be fined 6,700 kr. Once you've registered, please go to DyreID.no and add your BankID. This will help the veterinary clinic to find you in an emergency, which is always a good idea.

How much does Agria insurance cost and what does it cover?

The most popular policy, Agria Katt Hund Basis, costs just 110 kr/month for cats and 145 kr/month for dogs, with a treatment limit of 50,000 kr/year and a deductible of only 1,500 kr + 15% of the bill. Hey, I just wanted to let you know about the extended 'Pluss' policy. It's got a limit of 85,000 kr, and it covers castration and physiotherapy. The cost is from just 185 kr a month, which is really affordable! We are delighted to offer you a 10% discount for the first 12 months. Don't worry - Agria will refund 30% of the cost of the paid titer test and passport as 'preventive costs' (this is called 'helsebonus'). I know how much vet visits can cost, so I'm really happy to tell you that with just one injury per year, the policy pays for itself. That's because without insurance, a visit to the vet costs 975 kr for the consultation and 2,500 kr for an X-ray.

How much do vets charge and how can I save money on microchipping, neutering and vaccinations?

A visit to the vet at Oslo Dyresykehus will set you back 975 kr, while the cost of sterilising your cat is 3,900 kr and 6,400 kr for your dog. Don't worry - the microchip is just 799 kr, and registration is included! Great news for anyone looking to save a little money: the University Veterinary Clinic at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute has slashed its prices in half! The brilliant reason behind this is that the procedures are carried out by residents under the supervision of a professor. There's another option for you, and that's the 'Kastreringskampanje' in March. This is when clinics offer a 25% discount on cats and 15% on dogs (just follow Dyrebeskyttelsen Norge). Hey, just so you know, you can get all the jabs you need for less when you buy them together. You can get the basic jab, the calicivirus jab and the rabies jab for 1,120 kr instead of 1,490 kr each.

And if you need to leave, how much would a hotel or temporary accommodation cost?

I totally get it, kennels around Oslo can be pricey! You're looking at 320–450 kr per day for dogs and 280 kr for cats. Don't worry - this includes food, two walks and liability insurance! You'll be pleased to hear that pet sitters on Finn.tjenester charge just 250 kr for a three-day block. Hey, just so you know, pet sitting through Nab nepr is totally free! The only thing to bear in mind is that it's only suitable for pets that don't need any special medication. Hey, do you fancy going on a hike in the national park? Hey, why not try the Dør-til-dør Hundepass app? You can find a lovely student to look after your dog for just 150 kr/day!

I would love to know if I can travel with my pet on public transport for free?

Oh, yes! On Ruter (Oslo), your furry friends can travel for free in a carrier, and if they don't have a carrier, you'll just pay the child fare (22 kr). Hey, just so you know, on Vy trains, if you're travelling with a small animal, you won't have to pay a penny! For larger animals, you'll only be asked to pay half the adult fare. Don't worry about the cost of bringing your furry friend with you on your Hurtigruten ferry trip, as there is just a small fee of 100 kr for each kennel. Please remember that during the busiest times of day (7am–9am and 3pm–5pm), all dogs must wear a muzzle. Hey, here's a little life hack for you: the Oslo Pass 'pet friendly' option is the perfect way to travel for free with even the biggest pooches on weekends in zones 1–2.

Is an echinococcus test required and how much does it cost?

If your pooch is from most countries, just a heads-up that they'll need a small dose of Decortin Eprinatel 24 to 120 hours before they head over the border. It'll only set you back about €15 to €25 in Europe, and in Norway, it'll be a modest €350 at the border. Your vet will be happy to administer the tablet, and they'll make sure to write the date, time and their signature in your pet's passport. Don't worry, just give it another go after 28 days, that's all there is to it! Mattilsynet just wants to make sure you're getting the best possible care. Don't worry - if you don't have the mark, there's no need to fret. The penalty for not having it is just 8,000 kr + quarantine. Hey, I totally get it – you want to save money where you can. So, here's a little trick I learned: you can get the tablet from your friendly neighbourhood vet for just €15, and you won't have to pay any extra 'border' prices.

Final ‘cost estimate’ for moving with a cat to Oslo (actual calculation)

All you need is your chip, your EU passport and your vaccine, and you're good to go for just 550 kr!

Hey, I totally get it, the air ticket (Norwegian) is €75, which is the same as 900 kr.

You'll be thrilled with this IATA carrier bag, which also comes with a certificate! It's yours for just 649 kr.

Hey, just so you know, there's no need to worry about the Mattilsynet registration - it's totally free!

Hey, I just wanted to let you know that Agria Basic insurance is only 1,320 kr for a whole year!

The initial examination at Oslo Dyreklinikk will cost 975 kr, but don't worry, we've got your back!

Hey, just wanted to let you know the total is €380. That's about £4,394. And don't forget, there are monthly expenses to think about: premium food at 179 kr/month and insurance at 110 kr → 289 kr. Now, think about the 'international relocation' package for €1,200 offered by a pet agency. Doing it yourself can save you more than 6,000 kr!

And the best news is that moving to Norway with a pet doesn't have to cost more than the owner's ticket! If you get the timing right (chip → vaccine → titer → booking a place) and you know the rates, you can even cut the budget in half! When you add things like student clinics, sterilisation campaigns and Agria insurance, you'll be amazed to see that the annual cost of a healthy pet is actually comparable to the cost of two fancy restaurant dinners in central Oslo. The land of fjords is a welcoming place, not just for people but also for their four-legged friends. With free bus travel, clean water, and lots of dog-friendly cafés, your pet will feel right at home, and you might even feel a little less heavy in your wallet.