Animal

  1. Service
  2. Environment and transport

Pets are welcome in the town and can improve people's health. Residents are permitted to keep hens and pest control is a key part of the council's operations.

Dogs

Hafnarfjörður is a great place for dogs, there are plenty of walking route which are well-suited for outdoor activities. There are two dog areas in and around the town.

  • The dog area at Hvaleyrarvatnsveg, just after turning off the Krýsuvíkurvegur. The area is open and surrounded by lava fields.
  • Closed dog enclosure at Öldugata by the cemetery.

Key regulations on keeping dogs in Hafnarfjörður:

  • It is compulsory to register dogs before they are 4 months old or one month after an older dog comes into the home. Registration is on the website of the Health Surveillance Authority.
  • A dog must be registered at the owner's home address; the owner must be 18 years of age or older.
  • In a block of flats with a shared entrance or staircase, the consent of 2/3 of the residents is required.
  • Dogs need to be dewormed once a year.

Cats

Key regulations for keeping cats in Hafnarfjörður:

  • It is compulsory to microchip cats in the town before they are 12 weeks old.
  • Cats should wear a collar with information about the owner's address and telephone number.
  • In a block of flats with a shared entrance or staircase, the consent of 2/3 of the residents is required.
  • Neuter all female cats that go outside before the age of 6 months.

Other pets

You can apply for a licence to keep chickens at Our pages.

Other small pets, such as rabbits, rodents and parrots, do not require a licence.

Horse riding

The Riding Club Sörli Manages a bridleway area that is among the best and most beautiful in the capital region. It includes, among other things:

  • A lit bridleway between Hlíðarþúfna and Sörlaskeið.
  • Two riding rings around Gráhelluhraun.
  • A horse riding trail through Smyrlabúðarhraun, connecting the Sörla area to the riding trails in Heiðmörk.
  • A bridleway along the Pilgrims' Route which connects to the bridleway network of other equestrian clubs.

Along the riding trails, Sorli has set up rest stops. The National Federation of Horsemen has prepared an electronic map with numerous riding trails. The Sörli club facilities and riding arena are at Sörlaskeið 13a, and the equestrian club is responsible for the area.

Report pests or dead animals

Hafnarfjörður provides pest control for residents who encounter rats or mink. To have these pests removed or to report a dead or injured animal, you can send a message via the feedback portal or call the Service Centre on 585 5670. We aim to respond as soon as possible.

The role of the council's pest control service is to keep pests to a minimum through pest eradication, information provision, and preventative work such as setting traps or placing rat poison in drains.