Moving to Norway with a dog or cat is very doable, but it does take a bit of strategy. Compared with many countries, Norwegians are generally understanding of pets, yet you will still find plenty of listings that say “no pets.” The trick is knowing where to look, how to read between the lines, and how to present yourself so a landlord feels confident saying yes.
In short: use the right search filters and keywords, prepare a simple “pet CV,” and be proactive about offering solutions like professional cleaning and references from previous landlords. Norway’s rental market is structured and paperwork-heavy, so showing you’re organized counts for a lot. If you’re flexible on location, size, and move-in date, your chances go up fast.
Let’s dig into how the Norwegian system works and the practical steps that consistently lead to a “pets welcome” answer.
Where To Search For Pet-Friendly Rentals
The two main portals are FINN.no (the dominant property marketplace) and Hybel.no (popular for rooms, studios, and smaller apartments). Both allow filtering and keyword searches.
- On FINN, use filters for “leie” (rent) and try keywords in Norwegian like “husdyr tillatt,” “dyr tillatt,” “hund tillatt,” “katt tillatt,” or “dyrevennlig.” Many landlords write ads in Norwegian even if they’re comfortable with English, so Norwegian search terms help.
- On Hybel, listings are shorter and often posted by private landlords or roommates. Read the full text, not just the headline. Some ads don’t tick the “pets allowed” box but still say in the description that pets can be considered.
You can also look at local Facebook groups for housing in your city or neighborhood. These are active in Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Tromsø and most university towns. Be concise, include your pet details, budget, desired move-in date, and location. Direct messages with a friendly, professional tone often get faster replies than public comments.
Understand The Housing Types And Rules
In Norway you’ll see a mix of private rentals, condos in housing cooperatives (borettslag/sameie), and basement or annex apartments in a detached house.
- Private single-family homes with a basement flat often have the most relaxed attitude to pets. There’s no building board to convince, just the owner.
- Housing cooperatives have by-laws about animals in the building. These rules vary, but the general practice is that pets are allowed if they don’t cause nuisance to others. Some buildings want you to notify the board that you keep a pet; occasionally they may ask for a short application. Assistance and service animals are treated with particular consideration.
- Newer apartment buildings can be stricter about noise and shared areas. Not a deal-breaker, just expect clearer house rules and possibly extra steps like written permission.
Always ask for the by-laws and house rules before you sign. You’re responsible for following them, and it’s easier to set expectations early than to renegotiate later.
How To Read Listings Like A Local
Landlords often use “soft” language. If an ad says “kjæledyr etter avtale” it means pets are possible by agreement. That’s your invitation to pitch. If it says “ikke husdyr” it usually means no, but it’s still worth asking if your pet is small, well-trained, or hypoallergenic. A polite message that addresses concerns can change a hard no to a maybe.
Other phrases to know:
- Rolig leietaker means they want quiet tenants. If your dog barks when alone, that will be a concern in apartment blocks.
- Langtidsleie suggests they prefer stable, longer stays. Pet owners who plan to settle for a year or more have an advantage here.
- Røykfritt is smoke-free. Not about pets, but almost universal in Norway and good to acknowledge.
Make A Simple “Pet CV”
This works. Norwegians love structure, and a one-page PDF shows you’re serious and considerate. Include:
- Pet details: name, species, breed or size, age, neutered/spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, insured.
- Temperament and routines: how often the dog is walked, where the litter box is placed, how you manage alone-time and enrichment.
- Training: crate trained, housebroken, basic obedience, any courses taken.
- References: a short line from a previous landlord or neighbor is gold. If you don’t have that, a note from your vet about behavior and vaccinations helps.
- Commitments: offer professional move-out cleaning and to cover extra wear and tear if it occurs. If relevant, state that you use a robo-vacuum or do weekly hair management in common areas.
Attach this PDF when you message landlords on FINN/Hybel and bring a printed copy to viewings.
What To Say When You Contact A Landlord
Keep it short, clear, and practical. In English is fine; adding a line of Norwegian is a nice touch. For example:
“Hi! We’re a couple moving to Trondheim with a calm, neutered indoor cat, 6 years old. We both work full-time with stable income. We’re tidy and can provide references. We’ve attached a one-page pet profile. We’re happy to pay for professional cleaning at move-out and follow building rules about pets. Could a cat be considered for this apartment?”
Highlight stability (employment, studies, long-term plans) and show you’ve thought about solutions. If you have a dog, mention your daily schedule and where you’ll walk the dog. If the building has a shared garden, clarify you’ll always pick up after the dog and keep it leashed in common areas if required.
Deposits, Insurance, And Practical Money Talk
Norwegian rentals typically ask for a security deposit placed in a separate, interest-bearing account in your name. The amount varies, but three months’ rent is common. Some landlords also request a prepaid last month. Avoid any request to transfer a deposit to a private account; the standard here is a dedicated deposit account created by the bank at contract signing.
Pet-specific fees are less common than in North America. Instead of monthly “pet rent,” you’re more likely to be asked for a stronger cleaning commitment and to take responsibility for any damage. Pet liability insurance via your home contents policy is sensible and fairly priced in Norway; ask your insurer to include it and mention this to the landlord.
Timing And Seasonality Matter
The market is tightest in August around university start dates, especially in Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim. If you can move outside the student rush, you’ll find more options and more open minds about pets. Winter months can be quieter with better negotiating room.
Viewings happen fast after a listing goes up. Turn on alerts in FINN/Hybel and message within hours for the best chance, especially if the ad is vague about pets.
Location Flexibility Pays Off
If Oslo city center is stubborn about pets within your budget, look at Lørenskog, Bærum, Asker or along train lines where commute times are still short. In Bergen, check Fyllingsdalen, Åsane, Nesttun. In Trondheim, Byåsen and Ranheim often have family homes with basement flats that are pet-friendlier.
In smaller towns and suburban areas, owners are used to pets and green space. You may get more square meters for the same rent and a backyard your dog will thank you for.
Student Housing With Pets
Dedicated student housing rarely allows animals, with exceptions for assistance or service animals. If you’re a student with a pet, shift your search to private rentals near campus, or look for shared houses where one bedroom plus common areas could work. Be upfront with flatmates about the pet’s routines and allergy considerations.
Craft A Pet Agreement In The Lease
When a landlord says yes, get the details written into the lease:
- Which pet(s) are allowed, and whether future pets require permission
- Expectations about noise, cleaning, and shared areas
- Agreement to professionally clean carpets and soft furnishings at move-out if requested
- Any requirement to repair or compensate for damage
- Where the litter box goes or how balcony use is handled
Having it on paper protects both sides and avoids misunderstandings later.
Etiquette In Norwegian Apartment Buildings
Norwegians place a high value on quiet and clean common spaces. You’ll make friends with neighbors quickly if you:
- Keep stairwells hair-free and wipe paws before entering.
- Stick to quiet hours in the evening and early morning.
- Leash your dog in common areas and outdoor shared spaces when required by the building rules.
- Use designated trash, especially for cat litter, to avoid smells.
It sounds basic, but it’s exactly what keeps building boards positive toward future pet owners.
Daily Life Logistics With A Pet
Most cities have excellent dog-walking paths and forests within reach. Norway’s outdoor culture is strong, so you’ll blend right in with a reflective vest in winter, paw wax or booties for icy days, and a towel by the door for slush. Pet shops are easy to find, and vets speak English. Many cafes allow dogs at outdoor tables, and some are pet-friendly indoors; ask politely and keep a low profile.
For cats, consider balcony safety. Many Norwegians install discreet netting to prevent falls. If the apartment opens straight to the outdoors, microchipping and an ID tag are standard.
Troubleshooting Common Hurdles
- Allergies in the building: Offer to keep your pet strictly in your apartment and assure extra cleaning in common areas. If the building has a documented allergy policy, you may need to pick another unit or block.
- Noise concerns: Share your plan for training and gradual alone-time. A cheap pet camera that records barking can prove compliance.
- Owner had a bad experience before: Provide references, propose a trial period, and put your commitments in writing. Calm, practical communication goes far in Norway.
A Sample Message You Can Adapt
“Hello! I’m moving to Bergen for work and love your apartment on Ladegårdsgaten. I have a 4-year-old mixed-breed dog, 12 kg, vaccinated, insured, and crate trained. He’s used to apartment living and I work hybrid, so he’s not alone for long. I can share landlord and neighbor references. I’m happy to add a pet clause to the lease and book professional cleaning at move-out. Could a small, calm dog be considered?”
Short, respectful, solution-oriented. That’s the Norwegian style.
Final Tip: Cast A Wide Net, Then Be Ready To Move
Set alerts, prepare your documents, and line up references. When the right listing appears, message quickly with your pet CV attached and offer viewing times. With a bit of flexibility and a clear plan, you’ll find a place where both you and your furry companion are welcome. Norway’s rental market rewards people who are organized, transparent, and considerate. If you show that from the start, you’ll hear “det går fint med dyr” more often than you think.