With some planning you can bring your pets with you to Norway. Of course, there is a lot of paperwork and a few visits to the vet to do before bringing your pet to a new country. Once you’ve managed to jump through those hoops, there is a lot to discover in Norway.

Who do you turn to when you need a pet-sitter and your friends and family live a plane ride away? What about long-term care when you are off on holiday? Dog walkers during the usual M-F 9-5? Socialisation, finding the right food, bio doggie bags, cat-friendly housesitters… you are not alone with your questions.

Vets:The Norwegian Veterinærforening is an organisation in Norway that guarantees the quality of veterinarians. The vet’s office is where you get the EU Pet Passport, if you don’t have one already. Be sure to have all of the paperwork for your pet with you in order to meet the criteria for getting this document.

The Smådyrklinikken in Hillevåg is where we go. You can get your pet an EU Pet Passport, microchip, even cat and dog toothpaste. Most vets have English speaking vet technicians which helps if you aren’t comfortable in Norsk. The prices are high compared to what we are used to in mainland Europe, but this klinikk seems to be less costly than others in the city.

Hinna Dyreklinikk is listed as a high quality veterinarian clinic by vetnett.

Pet Medicine: All pet medicine is by prescription and you get the drugs at the regular pharmacy. Even normal, monthly medicine like Frontline. I noticed that there is a fee to write a prescription (kr100) if you need one without a regular appointment.

Where do you take your pets? Any place to recommend, or advise others to avoid?

Dog-friendly areas:

One area I have been pleased to find and utilise are the off-lead dog parks in Stavanger.  There are several impromptu (i.e. unofficial) parks, but the fenced off-leash area on Åsen is particularly well-organized and used. The most popular times seem to be just after work, and while you are there, be sure to pick up some complimentary doggie poop bags!

From the end of August to early April, dogs are allowed off-lead in many areas. The rest of the year they need to be leashed, to protect birds and pedestrians as things get crowded during the lighter months.

Near the city: the Strømvik-Godalen-Ramsvik trail around Storhaug is beautiful and varied. The Sørmark Ruta on Ullandhaug is great for off leash walking. Stokka Lake and Mosvatnet are great recreation areas and dog friendly, although leashes are required there. A friend takes her dogs to a trail near Sandnes, where they can joyfully romp around while she walks behind them, although I do not know what it is called. I have heard of one of the beaches north of Sola is a dog beach… anyone know? Please share your tips!

Hiking:There are many trails to be explored in Rogaland. Post tips for dog-friendly hiking in the comments section below! We had fun hiking Vårli Vården, which is just east of Sandnes. It is the “other Dalsnuten”, with incredible views.

Pet Minders: When your neighbor is not enough, and your family lives in another country – who do you call? The Yahoo Stavanger Expats group has listed several people interested in minding pets, as well as other pet owners interested in pet-watching swaps.

Update: there is a new Pet service company in Stavanger! Run by local expat Cynthia, this company fills a major gap missing in the city. Dogs can be walked during the day, boarded in your home or hers on holidays, and even transported to-and-from the kennel or vet for those without cars or time. Find her services listed on her website here.

Dog-sitters: Two German women have been advertising at the Åsen dog park (with a very cute sign!) that they are in business to take your pet out while you are away at work. The sign says that they have dogs of their own and will let you know prices-conditions after speaking with you. Ring 40245182 or 92011750 to reach them.

There is a local American Expat also happy to walk your dogs or care for your pets while you are on holiday. Read more about Mary here, or reach her at m.c.cannon@hotmail.comXX (remove XX)

Kennels: There are several out in the countryside. A friend’s vet says he wouldn’t leave his pets in any of them, but when there are no better options sometimes you have to choose one. These are not pet hotels by any means, but apparently some are better than others.

Randaberg Dyrpensjonet is well recommended for their friendly webpage, clean kennels, and the ability to purchase extra outside time and walks for your pets. The prices are reasonable starting at 150 kr for a dog and 135 kr for a cat. For two dogs the price is less than paying for two dogs separately.

Viking Kennel Dogs and cats stay in cages (“bur”) here. They care for horses as well.

Other kennels in the Stavanger region.

More listings, as well as reviews, will be added soon.

Agility: There are several agility courses in Stavanger. The Randaberg Dyrpensjonet advertises one on their website. I have noticed a nice looking agility course by the dog park on åsen, in Stavanger, but do not have any further details.

Dog Training School: Oftentimes veterinarians offer courses on dog training. There are schools offering courses as well. The Siddis Hundeskole i Stavanger comes up at the top of the google lists.

For puppy training, Fokus Hundeskole tops the search result rankings. They have eight-week training courses, weekend classes, and basic dog training classes.

There is an online dog forum (in Norwegian) that has a lot of activity as well.

Here is a blog from a local (Norwegian) dog owner.