Having A Pet
The Netherlands is a pet-friendly country, and many people have cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, or other animals at home. You can find pet shops, veterinarians, grooming services, kennels, and pet-friendly places throughout Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. If you are planning to adopt, buy, or care for a pet in the Netherlands, it is useful to know where to find reliable services and how to make responsible choices.
On this page, you can find information about:
Adopting a pet
If you would like to adopt a pet, there are several animal shelters and rehoming organisations in the Netherlands. Many shelters list animals online, so you can search by species, location, age, and other characteristics.
Useful platforms include:
- Ik Zoek Baas — a Dutch website with profiles of animals looking for a new home.
- Verhuisdieren — a platform for adopting and rehoming pets.
These websites are mostly in Dutch, but they can still be useful if you are looking for animals available for adoption in your area.
Buying a pet responsibly
If you prefer to buy a pet, make sure you choose a responsible breeder or seller. Be careful with sellers who cannot provide clear information about the animal’s health, origin, vaccination status, or living conditions. Avoid sellers who pressure you to decide quickly, offer very young animals, or cannot show where the animal has been kept.
Before buying a pet, check:
- whether the animal looks healthy and well cared for,
- whether the seller can answer questions clearly,
- whether health records and vaccination documents are available,
- whether the animal is old enough to leave its mother,
- whether the breeder or seller follows animal welfare rules.
If you’re getting a dog, keep in mind that you might have to register your dog and pay for Dog Taxes (hondenbelasting) in the municipality where you live.
Caring for your pet
After adopting, buying, or bringing a pet to the Netherlands, it is useful to arrange a few basic things early. This can help prevent problems later, especially if your pet becomes ill, goes missing, or needs temporary care.
Consider arranging:
- a local veterinarian (dierenarts) for vaccinations, health checks, and emergencies,
- microchip registration with your current contact and address details,
- pet insurance (dierenverzekering), if you want help covering unexpected veterinary costs,
- finding a pet shop (dierenwinkel) in your area that carries pet supplies, such as food, bedding, carriers, toys, and grooming tools,
- dog walking services (hondenuitlaatservice / hondenwandelaar), if you cannot always take your dog for a walk
- finding trusted kennels, pet hotels, and pet boarding (dierenhotel / dierenpension), if you have to travel often
- dog training (hondenschool), if you have a young dog or a dog that needs help adjusting.
Finding a veterinarian
It is useful to register with a veterinarian soon after getting a pet. A veterinarian can help with vaccinations, microchipping, health checks, parasite prevention, dental care, and advice about your pet’s wellbeing. If you bring a dog from abroad, you may also need to visit a veterinarian after arrival to arrange registration. Check the official rules before travelling or shortly after arrival.
It is a good idea to register with a veterinarian soon after getting a pet. You do not need to wait until your pet is ill. A veterinarian can help with vaccinations, microchipping, parasite prevention, dental care, health checks, and advice about your pet’s wellbeing. If you bring a dog from abroad, you may need to visit a veterinarian after arrival to arrange registration. Check the official rules before travelling or shortly after arrival.
When choosing a veterinarian, check:
- whether the clinic is close enough for regular visits,
- whether they offer emergency care or refer to an emergency clinic,
- whether they have experience with your type of animal,
- whether they can help in English,
- how appointments, payments, and insurance claims work,
- whether they can help with registration after bringing a dog from abroad.
What to do if your pet goes missing
If your pet goes missing, contact your local animal shelter, veterinarian, and municipality. You can also contact the Dierenambulance at 0900-0245 and report your missing pet through national missing-pet platforms, such as Amivedi or the NDG (Dutch Pet Database).
It is also useful to check local social media groups. Many cities and neighbourhoods have Facebook groups for missing animals, which you can often find by searching “vermiste dieren” together with the name of your city or area.
To make it easier for people to contact you if your pet is found, make sure your pet is microchipped, registered at the NDG, and that your contact & address details are up to date. You can also add an identification tag with your phone number to your pet’s collar, if your pet often goes outside.
Pet-friendly places
Some restaurants, cafés, shops, holiday parks, and public spaces in the Netherlands allow pets, especially dogs. Rules can differ per location, so always check before visiting. Some places allow dogs inside, while others only allow them on terraces or in outdoor areas.
If you are planning a day out, holiday, or restaurant visit, check the location’s website or contact them in advance. You can also search for terms such as hondvriendelijk, huisdieren toegestaan, or dogs allowed when looking for pet-friendly places.
If you rent a home, check your rental contract or ask your landlord whether pets are allowed before adopting, buying, or bringing a pet into the property. Even when pets are allowed, you may still be responsible for preventing noise, damage, or nuisance to neighbours.
FAQ about Having A Pet in the Netherlands
Where can I adopt a pet in the Netherlands?
You can adopt pets through animal shelters and rehoming platforms. You can look at your nearest animal shelters, or look at websites such as Ik Zoek Baas and Verhuisdieren, where you can find animals looking for a new home, and you can usually search by species, location, age, and other characteristics.
Are pets allowed in rental homes in the Netherlands?
This depends on your rental contract and landlord. If you rent a home, check whether pets are allowed before adopting, buying, or bringing a pet into the property. If pets are allowed, make sure that you also check their terms & conditions.
How do I choose a responsible breeder or seller?
Choose a breeder or seller who can provide clear information about the animal’s health, origin, vaccination status, and living conditions. Avoid sellers who pressure you to decide quickly, offer very young animals, or cannot show where the animal has been kept. Consider checking social media or local online forums regarding the animal you're looking for to find recommendations.
Do I need to pay dog tax in the Netherlands?
This depends on your municipality. Some municipalities charge dog taxes, while others do not. Check your municipality’s website for the current rules, registration process, and costs. Your veterinarian may also help you with this.
Do I need to register with a veterinarian?
It is recommended to register with a veterinarian after getting a pet. A veterinarian can help with vaccinations, microchipping, health checks, dental care, parasite prevention, and general advice about your pet’s well-being.