Country Compliance
Netherlands Pet Import Requirements
Official veterinary regulations, microchip standards, rabies rules, and breed restrictions for entering Netherlands.
1. Microchip & Identification
Your pet must have a working microchip (also called a “transponder”) before getting its rabies vaccination for travel to the EU, and your veterinarian must always scan the microchip before giving your pet a rabies vaccination. The animal must be microchipped and have a pet passport.
If you are planning to import a dog, you must have it microchipped and registered within two weeks of its arrival in the Netherlands. The microchip must be implanted by a vet.
When buying a pet abroad it must already have a microchip. Within two weeks after arrival your pet must be registered with a vet. In the event of importing a dog from abroad you need to register yourself first (municipal) to get an UBN number before going to the vet.
More info on: Identification and registration of dogs
2. Rabies Vaccination
A rabies vaccination must be given at least 21 days prior to export. The validation of the vaccination will be accepted as stated by the manufacturer of the vaccine. The export requirements for validation may diver per country. As of 2022 the USDA only accepts a one year rabies vaccination for export to the EU.
If your pet is entering from a high rabies country, it must wait for a minimum of 30 days after the primary vaccination before a blood samples can be taken to test on Rabies.
3. Titre Tests & Bloodwork
A Rabies Titer Test (FAVN) is required for dogs, cats and ferrets entering the Union from a high risk rabies country. Rabies blood test required at least 30 days after the primary rabies vaccination. At least three calendar months must elapse between the sample date and entry into the country. Samples must be processed through EU approved laboratories;
Designated laboratories for performing rabies antibody titration tests - European Commission
*If entering the Netherlands from Malaysia and Australia: You must show documentation stating your pet has not had contact with pigs in at least 60 days prior to export. Your pet has not lived in a place where cases of Nipah disease have been confirmed during the past 60 days, and your pet must be tested with negative results to a IgG capture ELISA test carried out in a Laboratory approved for testing for Nipah disease viruses within 10 days of export.
4. Quarantine Requirements
In case a pet arrives in The Netherlands that does not apply with the import requirements it will be confiscated and placed into quarantine. When you follow the regulations and make use of a local IPATA agent this barely happens.
Quarantine is not something you can book upfront in case the pet needs to leave and it does not apply with the import regulations yet.
5. Breed Restrictions
No breed restrictions on importing pets that move with the owner. In case of commercial import/ adoption and non-domestic cat/dog species please make contact with a local agent for more info.
Netherlands Enterprise Agency
Done-for-You Service
Breed rules in Netherlands can mean a border denial.
Our IPATA-certified team verifies your specific breed against Netherlands's current import rules and manages every document — so you arrive cleared, not turned away.
Get a Netherlands Relocation Quote6. Customs & Import Rules
Relocation (no VAT applicable)
When relocating to The Netherlands, please provide owners passport copy, e-ticket, residency permit and/or work letter stating the relocation.
Purchase (VAT applicable)
When importing a puppy or kitten, an invoice is required and customs taxes are applicable.
Common Questions
Netherlands pet travel — frequently asked
Are there breed restrictions for pets entering Netherlands?
Yes, Netherlands enforces breed restrictions for incoming pets. Review the Breed Restrictions section on this page for the specific breeds affected, or contact our team for a breed-specific compliance assessment.
Does Netherlands require quarantine for dogs and cats?
Yes, quarantine requirements apply for pets entering Netherlands. See the Quarantine Requirements section for holding periods, conditions, and approved facilities.
What documents do I need to bring my pet to Netherlands?
Pets entering Netherlands typically require an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, plus a rabies titre (antibody) test. Requirements vary by origin country — check each section above for the most current rules.
Pet Travel Guides
Where are you heading in Netherlands?
Each city guide covers hotels, vets, experiences, and airport concierge— fully coordinated with Netherlands's import requirements above.
Amsterdam
Schiphol airport concierge with real-time customs coordination.
Full Amsterdam pet travel guideRotterdam
NVWA import coordination via Rotterdam port and Schiphol — Europe's largest harbour.
Full Rotterdam pet travel guideThe Hague
NVWA compliance for the seat of Dutch government — arrivals via Schiphol or Rotterdam Airport.
Full The Hague pet travel guideUtrecht
NVWA compliance for Utrecht — medieval canal city served by Schiphol (AMS).
Full Utrecht pet travel guidePopular Airlines
Airlines flying pets to Netherlands
Each airline has its own breed restrictions, weight limits, and cargo embargo windows. Check policies before you book.
