Europe
Pet travel to Rotterdam
NVWA import coordination via Rotterdam port and Schiphol — Europe's largest harbour.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
EU Health Certificate or valid EU pet passport
- 2
ISO-compliant microchip (15-digit)
- 3
Rabies vaccination current and documented
- 4
NVWA import notification (non-EU origin)
These are the official entry rules for Netherlands.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for Netherlands.
Rotterdam is served by Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) and by Schiphol (AMS), 60 km north. The Netherlands' NVWA handles all non-EU pet imports; we pre-file all NVWA notifications and coordinate timeslots to prevent inspection delays. Cats are exempt from tapeworm treatment.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Rotterdam.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Rotterdam.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into Rotterdam.
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) serves mainly European routes. Most international pet imports connect via Schiphol (AMS) for NVWA clearance, with onward ground transport to Rotterdam — a 40-minute drive.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
7–14 days
Ready to travel to Rotterdam?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Rotterdam.
Van Der Valk Hotel Rotterdam - Blijdorp
Van Der Valk Hotel Rotterdam - Blijdorp allows pets of any size for an additional fee of €15 per pet, per night.
Boathotel Rotterdam Wilhelmina
This houseboat in Rotterdam is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Cats are also welcome.
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Rotterdam.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Rotterdam. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Rotterdam with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Public Transit
Rotterdam's RET metro, tram, and bus network permits dogs with a valid dog ticket (same price as a child fare). Dogs must be on a lead and calm; the network covers the entire metropolitan area.
Private Cars
Our Rotterdam transfer network covers RTM and Schiphol airports and city-wide journeys. All vehicles pet-confirmed; water taxi connections to Kop van Zuid available.
On Foot
Rotterdam's Kop van Zuid waterfront and the Wilhelminakade are excellent on foot. We provide detailed maps of the park off-lead zones, the Rijnhaven harbour walk, and the Kralingse Plas circuit.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Rotterdam, with your dog.
Hondenspeeltuin Bello
Bring Fido to Hondenspeeltuin Bello in Rotterdamn, NL. This fenced recreation area offers four-legged friends a secure space to explore, exercise
270 Gordelweg, Rotterdam, NL, 3039 MG
Duikplaats Zevenhuizerplas Hondenstrand
Duikplaats Zevenhuizerplas Hondenstrand is a dog beach in Rotterdam. Bring your pooch to this sandy hangout spot for a dip in the water and to make
Slingerkade, Rotterdam, NL, 3059
Ons Park
Rotterdam, NL is home to Ons Park, a pet-friendly outdoor recreation area that welcomes two- and four-legged friends to explore together. This
Maaskade, Rotterdam, NL, 3071 LN
Royal Spido Rotterdam Harbor Tours
Royal Spido Rotterdam Harbor Tours offer a dog-friendly way to cruise around Rotterdam, NL. This top attraction offers an educational tour of the
Willemsplein 85, Rotterdam, NL, 3016 DR
Paws en Route
Want more to do with your dog? Our experts plan the perfect itinerary in Rotterdam.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
Dierenkliniek Rotterdam Centrum
Export Clinic
Veterinaire Praktijk Kralingen
Kralingseweg 145, 3062 CG Rotterdam
5 km from City Centre
Mon–Fri 8:30–17:30, Sat 9:00–13:00
Boarding & Daycare
Hondenpension Rijnmond
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Rotterdam.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to Rotterdam.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for Rotterdam: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for Rotterdam and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Rotterdam.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
