Denmark

Two aspects of this article have been examined;

1. Rail travel
    
2. Guide dogs

Rail

National Rail Travel
Regional Rail Travel
Urban Rail Travel
Transnational Rail Travel
Visiting Denmark
 

National Rail Travel

In Denmark the visually impaired and the guide or guide dog all receive a discounted rate (up to 50% each or one full fare ticket to cover both passengers) on the national rail network. Semi-private and private carriers operating at national level do not always apply the concessions endorsed by public rail companies.
 

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Regional Rail Travel

There are several concession schemes operating at regional level, with variation from one location to another. Public carriers provide the same concession level at national and regional level however semi-private and private carriers operating at regional level do not always apply the concessions endorsed by public rail companies.
 

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Urban Rail Travel

There are several concession schemes operating at urban level, with variation from one location to another. Public carriers provide the same concession level at national and regional level however semi-private and private carriers operating at regional level do not always apply the concessions endorsed by public rail companies.
 

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Transnational Rail Travel

The Danish Railways (DSB) signed the IUR Agreement on Rail Transport for Blind People and their Guide issued in 1997 and amended in 2005. Visually impaired people residing in and travelling to any of the countries who signed this Agreement are entitled to a free ticket for their guide or guide dog provided that the return ticket is purchased in the country where the disability card was issued. In practice the Agreement does not apply to additional fees such as ‘reservation' or ‘couchette' which must be paid in full for both passengers. Furthermore, a survey conducted by EBU in 2000 revealed that in many countries the Agreement was not well known or was simply ignored by transport operators and authorities.
 

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Visiting Denmark

In theory, it is impossible to benefit from Danish schemes as a foreign visitor as locally-financed concessions are limited to local residents. In practice, concessions are sometimes granted depending on the willingness of ticket vendors.
 

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Guide Dogs

1. How many guide dog users are there in your country? The number of guide dogs varies on a day to day basis as new dogs enter service and others are withdrawn. Please provide an estimate figure.

   Approximately 260 users.

2. What regulations, if any, govern guide dogs access to:

    

   1. Public buildings (administration, hospitals, schools, etc.)

      No regulation

   2. Cultural and sports facilities (cinemas, theatres, museums, libraries, stadiums etc.)

      No regulation

   3. Leisure facilities (restaurants, hotels, holiday centres, beaches, etc.)

      Restaurants and other facilities selling food are allowed through the law to let guide dogs in. That means when there is no risk of contamination of food, and only in areas for customers

   4. Retail facilities (supermarkets, department stores, shops, etc.)

      Same rules apply as in 2.3

   5. Public transport

   They have unrestricted access, backed up by law.
    

   1. trains
       

   2. underground
       

   3. buses
       

   4. taxis

      Taxis are required to allow guide dogs through the law. Only when the driver is allergic to animals and is able to prove that via a certificate he or she is allowed to say no to a guide dog.
       

   5. planes
       

   6. ships

3. What are the regulations for the import and export of dogs into/from your country, including quarantine and vaccination procedures?

   To go to most European countries you need vaccinations for your dog four weeks in advance. The rules are even more strict if you want to travel to Sweden.
    

   1. Are exceptions made for guide dogs?

      No

   2. Are the regulations such as to restrict spontaneous voyages?

      Yes

   3. How much time is needed to fulfil the requirements?

      1.  For the first time

         For the first time at least 4 weeks

      2. For subsequent visits with the same dog

         As long as you maintain the dog's vaccinations you are free to go to most European countries.
                          

4. Is there a certification process for the training and provision of guide dogs? If yes, please provide basic details, in particular on the difference between mandatory and optional certifications.

   There is no certification process in Denmark.

5. Is there an allowance or other financial aid to help guide dog users with the upkeep of their animals (food, veterinary, etc.)?

   Danish Association for the Blind administers on behalf of our local authorities the Danish guide dog program. The local authorities pay for the acquisition, education and veterinary fees. The user pays the food and insurances.
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