Moving to the Netherlands with a pet
For the majority of us, pets are the equivalent of family members. So when you're moving overseas, you don't want to leave them behind. Thankfully, there are ways to move to the Netherlands without keeping Fido back in your home country. Find out the laws and regulations regarding bringing your pets to this country.
What are the requirements for traveling to the Netherlands with a pet?
The Netherlands is a rabies-free country, which means they work hard to keep it that way. As a result, requirements for bringing pets to the Netherlands may be a bit more stringent than in other countries.
In general, all cats and dogs within the country must have an ISO 11784/11785-compliant 15-digit microchip implanted underneath their skin.
Also, they must be vaccinated against rabies, and this must be documented in their pet passport. A pet passport is another requirement to bring your pet over.
Moving from within the EU
Are you moving from within the EU? Then your pet will need a microchip, pet passport, and rabies vaccination. Also, your pet has to be older than 15 weeks and vaccinated at 12 weeks old. If it's younger and only just gotten its first rabies shots, you have to wait at least three weeks before you can bring it into the country.
Your pet also needs to have a treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis as well. This must be done between 24 to 120 hours before entering the Netherlands.
If you're bringing a dog over, you have to register it and its microchip within two weeks of your arrival in the Netherlands. Make sure you do this promptly, as failure to do so can result in prison time or a fine of up to €19,500.
Moving from outside the EU
If you're moving from outside of the EU, your pets will still need a microchip, pet passport, rabies vaccination before they're 12 weeks old, and parasite treatments. However, there's one additional requirement: a virus titer test. This is a blood test that proves your pets have active antibodies to the rabies virus.
This test needs to be done within one month of your pets' vaccination shots and at least three months before you leave for the Netherlands.
You must also receive a health certificate from your vet. This should include vital details like vaccinations, blood sampling data, and proof of treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis.
What types of pets can you bring to the Netherlands?
Most rules and regulations apply to dogs and cats, as well as ferrets. However, you're free to bring other types of pets; you just have to do further research on what additional permits and/or documentation you need. You can also contact the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) to get further clarification.
How to fly to the Netherlands with your pets?
If you're planning on flying to the Netherlands with your pets, you're required to purchase a kennel where your pet can adequately move around and be ventilated. You'll want to check the International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements before you buy one so you're 100% sure it fits onboard. You can also buy one at Schiphol Airport, but not at other airports.
For those who are traveling on flights lasting less than 10 hours, some small dogs and cats can be brought into the cabin. Most airlines allow one pet per passenger and a maximum of two in the cabin. Most airlines will charge between €30 to €200, depending on the airline itself and your destination.
Your pet's container has to fit under your seat, and it must have proper ventilation. The bottom also has to be waterproof.
