Cranky old man seeks move to Europe

September 9, 2024 1:38 PM

US American with reactive senior dog considering move to a European (most likely Nordic) city. What do I need to know about dog culture to prepare?

My family is considering an opportunity for a one-year move to a European city - specific city to be determined by work, but most likely Copenhagen, Stockholm, or Oslo; less likely but still possible would be Amsterdam, Brussels, or London. Part of that family is an elderly rescue dog with some well-managed-but-nevertheless-present behavior challenges (reactivity, separation anxiety) as well as some standard older-dog physical challenges. Our management strategies include medication, muzzle during vet/grooming, limited interaction with other dogs, leashing always, and highly controlled interactions with other people to avoid/manage triggers.

I know that dog culture and expectations of dog behavior vary significantly by place, and I don't know what I don't know about where we might run into challenges moving with our dog. What should I be aware of? What can we do now (this move would be in early 2025) to prep for success?

Assume we've got the logistics (shots, travel, behavioral meds, etc.) of moving covered - though I would welcome advice on rental housing with a dog as well.

posted by mosst to Pets & Animals (6 answers total)

I can only speak for London and the UK generally, but it sounds like you would be considered a very responsible dog owner. Whether the other people with dogs that you might encounter while out and about with your dog will be equally responsible is more of a gamble.

You don't mention your dog's breed, but be aware that pit bulls are banned here, as are a small number of other breeds.
posted by Rhedyn at 2:08 PM on September 9

One thing you need to research is to make sure the dog has the right vaccinations on the right timeline, make sure dog is chipped, if the country requires quarantine for the pet on entry, costs associated with all that. Some of the countries have a 5-day or 10-day rule about when the dog flies, etc., Be sure to check the breed lists for countries because some of them ban specific breeds and mixes. (I could not take my pit bull into some of these places even though she's an absolute potato of a dog.)
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 2:09 PM on September 9

One thing you need to research is to make sure the dog has the right vaccinations on the right timeline, make sure dog is chipped, if the country requires quarantine for the pet on entry, costs associated with all that.

Note that this could require literally months of advance planning, but depends entirely on the country--so start your research the minute you know where you're going!
posted by praemunire at 3:14 PM on September 9

Thanks, all - we’ve got the shots and chips covered - we started discussion with our vet on this last spring in anticipation of this possibility.

Mostly what I’m worried about are anticipating and navigating different norms when it comes to dog behavior in public or in a rental property - eg some barking at bigger dogs, needing to stay on leash himself even in places that might have different attitudes toward leash laws, etc.
posted by mosst at 3:29 PM on September 9

Mostly what I’m worried about are anticipating and navigating different norms when it comes to dog behavior in public or in a rental property - eg some barking at bigger dogs, needing to stay on leash himself even in places that might have different attitudes toward leash laws, etc.

All of that is within norms in the UK. That doesn't guarantee you won't ever encounter someone who takes offense at your dog, but that's just because people are people.
posted by Rhedyn at 3:47 PM on September 9

Europe is much more relaxed about dogs.

"leashing always" there are many areas you can go off leash. Because of this you won't find many dog parks in Europe. In fact, I have seen a dog off leash in the city of berlin that was trained to always wait for its owners permission before crossing the street.

Dogs are allowed in Trains, Trams and busses in many EU countries. My dog has travelld in a bullet train many times. Your only concern woud be muslims that are easily offended and scared of dogs in public transport. Keep an eye on that. While I never experienced something bad, they made it pretty obvious that they disapprove of dogs.

"though I would welcome advice on rental housing with a dog as well." I experienced no problems but they will ask for the kind of breed. A breed considered "aggressive" might not get accepted.
posted by maloqueiro at 12:31 PM on September 12