Bringing pets

From a European Union country

An EU pet passport (dierenpaspoort) is required when traveling within the European Union with your dog, cat or ferret. The pet passport is available from certified veterinarians in all EU countries. The EU Pet Passport contains the following information:

• Name and address of the owner
• Description of the animal
• Identification number
• Proof of rabies vaccination
• Record of other vaccinations

Your dog, cat or ferret will also require a special identifying ISO microchip (electronic identification system). A tattoo is only allowed if it was placed before July 3rd, 2011 and is clearly legible.

The animal must be vaccinated against rabies. The primary rabies vaccination must be given at an age of at least 12 weeks and at least 21 days prior to departure.

Note:  Importing animals younger than 15 weeks (3 months + 21 days) is not possible in the Netherlands. 

From a non-EU country

Dogs, cats or ferrets entering the Netherlands from a low-risk rabies, non-EU country must have the following documents:

• A veterinary certificate according to EU regulations (English should be used, but the Netherlands also accepts certificates in German or French) (see this link) or EU Pet Passport
• Rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days before departure)
• Microchip, or a tattoo placed before July 3rd, 2011 and clearly legible
• Application for inspection at the Animal Quarantine Services at the airport of departure.

Note:  Dogs, cats and ferrets under the age of 3 months from low risk rabies countries can not enter the Netherlands. Young dogs, cats and ferrets are at least 15 weeks of age (3 months + 21 days) before they may travel to the Netherlands.

A few days before departure you should contact the Animal Quarantine Service and send the application form with the relevant details together with a copy of the rabies vaccination form issued by your veterinarian. Once inside the EU, it is valid for four months (or until the expiration date of the rabies vaccine, whichever comes first), during which time you should obtain an EU Pet Passport.

If you travel with more than 5 animals, it is considered trade and different rules apply.

There are no quarantine requirements in the Netherlands if your pet is healthy and its vaccination is up-to-date. There is no list of restricted dogs that are aggressive or considered fighting dogs.

Pets entering The Netherlands from a country with a high-risk of rabies must have all of the above, plus a Blood Titer Test one month after vaccination and three months prior to departure.

Note: Young dogs, cats and ferrets are at least 7 months of age (3 months after birth + 1 month later blood test + 3 months excluding possible presence of rabies) before they may travel to the Netherlands.

Compliance with these regulations may mean that quarantine will not be necessary when you arrive.