Considerations before taking your dog to the beach
Many people head out to the coast to the country’s beautiful beaches – especially in the summer. Many bring their dogs. Both locals and tourists.
The tourism industry would love to welcome your dog to Denmark, but there are important considerations to take into account.
During the summer months, from April to September, dogs must always be on a leash on the beach
There are several considerations to take into account when bringing your dog to the beach. During the summer months, from April to September, dogs must always be on a leash on the beach. There can be many guests on the beach – and not everyone is happy with dogs. Unleashed dogs might approach people, including children or those afraid of dogs, causing fear.
The beach is also a habitat and breeding ground for birds and wildlife
During the summer period, a number of birds breed on the beach. The nests can be difficult to detect – and the birds are easily disturbed. It may be tempting to let your dog run loose early in the morning when there are no others on the beach, but this is not allowed, among other things, out of consideration for the birds and wildlife. Please, show consideration!
When you keep your dog on a leash, you are taking into account others who enjoy nature – both people, other dogs and those who are not so fond of dogs.
From April 1 to September 30, dog owners must keep their dogs on a leash on Danish beaches, according to the Nature Protection Act. Failure to do so could result in a fine of 2,000 kroner (300 USD).
During the winter months, from October to March, dogs are allowed to be loose on the beach
During the winter months, from October to March, dogs are allowed to be loose on the beach, but only if they do not risk causing harm to others. You must always have full control over your dog! Additionally, consider other beachgoers and their comfort. Unleashed dogs might approach people, including children or those afraid of dogs, causing fear. Not everyone loves dogs!
Unfortunately, there are thousands of examples of dogs biting children and adults in Denmark every year.
Dogs can be a stress factor for birds and wild animals
During the winter, spring and autumn, there can be many migratory birds resting on the beach. Although it might be fun for the dog to chase the birds, it can be a great stress for the migrating birds.
According to the Nature Conservation Act, dogs must always be on a leash in nature areas like forests, wetlands, heathlands, etc.
Worth knowing: Proclamation of the Danish Dog Act (Hundeloven)
The owner of a dog must ensure that the dog, from the age of 4 months, wears a collar equipped with a sign indicating the owner’s name and address.
In cities and urban areas, it is prohibited to allow dogs to roam on streets, roads, paths or squares, etc., that are open to general traffic, without the dog either being kept on a leash or being accompanied next to a person who has full control over the dog.
It is prohibited to let a dog roam on private land that the owner of the dog does not have the right to use. The landowner or the person who has the right to use the private land may take or remove the dog from the land.
If a dog disturbs the peace of the residents by repeated or persistent barking or hooting, and a complaint is made about this to the police, this gives the owner orders to keep the dog indoors or, if this measure does not help, or the dog is already kept indoors, to have it removed.
Your dog is welcome but please show consideration to your surroundings – both other visitors, nature and wildlife.
Learn more: Please, keep your dog on a leash
