Netherlands
The Netherlands, informally Holland, lies in Northwestern Europe, bordering Germany to the east and Belgium to the south, with a North Sea coastline. As an EU member state, it follows the EU’s harmonized framework for pet entry, with no national breed restrictions for pets travelling with their owner.
At a Glance
The Netherlands, as an EU member state, requires an EU Health Certificate and rabies vaccination for pet entry. No blood test or quarantine is required for pets arriving from EU or low-risk rabies countries.
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Health Certificate
Required
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Blood Test
High-risk origins only
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Import Permit
Not required
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Min. Age
15 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Min. Prep Time
3–4 weeks (longer if high-risk origin)
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter from low-risk origins, accounting for the 21-day wait after rabies vaccination (given no sooner than 12 weeks of age). Pets from high-risk rabies countries need significantly more time due to the additional titer test and waiting period. Pregnant pets may only be shipped during the first two-thirds of pregnancy.
Microchip Before Vaccination
A working microchip is required before the rabies vaccination — the vet must always scan it first. The microchip must be implanted by a veterinarian.
Rabies Vaccination
Required for all dogs, cats, and ferrets, given after 12 weeks of age, with a 21-day wait before entry for pets from low-risk origins. As of 2022, the USDA only validates a 1-year rabies vaccine for export to the EU.
Rabies Titer Test — High-Risk Origins Only
Required only if the pet is travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. The blood sample must be taken at an EU-approved laboratory at least 30 days after the primary vaccination, and at least 3 calendar months must pass between the sample date and entry into the Netherlands. Pets entering from Malaysia or Australia also need documentation confirming no contact with pigs or Nipah-affected areas in the past 60 days, plus a negative Nipah virus test within 10 days of export.
EU Health Certificate
Required for pets entering the EU from outside, plus a written declaration of the move’s non-commercial nature. The exact certificate template depends on whether the move is accompanied, commercial, or involves a change of ownership.
EU Pet Passport — For Onward Travel
Not used for the initial entry into the EU. Once the pet is in the Netherlands, an authorised veterinarian can issue an EU Pet Passport, which then replaces the Health Certificate for any further travel within EU member states.
Customs Broker & Destination Agent
A customs broker is required for all KLM arrivals and for commercial arrivals on any airline, and recommended for other arrivals. A destination agent is highly recommended for all imports.
Registration After Arrival
If importing a dog, you must first register yourself with your municipality to obtain a UBN number before visiting a vet. The pet itself must be registered with a vet within 2 weeks of arrival.
Number of Pets
A maximum of 5 pets per person under the non-commercial route. Travelling with 6 or more pets, or without the owner travelling within 5 days of the pet, classifies the move as commercial and requires the commercial health certificate instead.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
This is the standard timeline for most origins. Pets travelling from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test step and a longer overall timeline — see Key Requirements above.
1
Microchip Implanted
Before rabies vaccination
2
Rabies Vaccination
At least 21 days before entry
3
Titer Test (high-risk origins only)
30 days after vaccination; 3-month wait before entry
4
EU Health Certificate Issued
Within 10 days before travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EU Pet Passport to travel to the Netherlands?
Not for the initial trip. Pets entering the EU from outside need an EU Health Certificate. The EU Pet Passport is only issued once your pet is already in the EU, and is used for travel between EU countries afterward.
Are there breed restrictions in the Netherlands?
No — the Netherlands lifted its national breed ban in 2008. There’s no restriction for pets travelling with their owner, though local municipal rules may apply.
Is there quarantine in the Netherlands?
No quarantine required for compliant pets travelling within the EU framework.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter the Netherlands?
Only if travelling from a country the EU classifies as a high-risk rabies country. In that case, a rabies titer test is mandatory, with entry only possible at least 3 months after the blood sample is drawn. A certified agent can confirm your origin country’s status →
Do requirements differ depending on where my pet is travelling from?
Yes. Pets from EU countries or countries the EU considers low-risk for rabies only need standard vaccination and a health certificate, with no blood test and no quarantine. Pets from high-risk rabies countries need an additional titer test at least 30 days after vaccination, plus a 3-month wait before entry, and pets from Malaysia or Australia need extra documentation regarding Nipah virus.
What is a UBN number and do I need one?
If you’re importing a dog, you need to register with your local municipality to get a UBN number before your first vet visit in the Netherlands. This is separate from registering the pet itself with a vet, which must happen within 2 weeks of arrival.
Which major airports have direct flights to the Netherlands?
Amsterdam Schiphol is the main entry point, with Maastricht Aachen as an alternative. Direct flight availability depends on your departure country — check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to the Netherlands?
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.