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Taking pets abroad

The rules for taking your pet abroad vary by country. Find out what you need to arrange before you go.

Important to know

  • Follow the rules of all countries you are travelling to or through with your pet. For instance, if you will travel through Belgium and France on your way to Spain, you must follow the rules of all those countries.
  • Make sure that your pet meets the rules for returning to the Netherlands.
  • These rules only apply to pets from the Netherlands.
  • If your pet does not meet the rules, it may be sent home at your expense. 
  • These rules only apply if you will remain the owner of the pet.
  • If you are travelling by air, check the rules of the airport and airline as well.

Travelling abroad with a dog, cat or ferret

The rules for taking a dog, cat or ferret abroad depend on the country you are travelling to. The rules for EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are different from those for countries outside the EU. The rules for bringing pets from EU countries to the UK are the same as they were before Brexit.

The following requirements always apply for dogs, cats and ferrets within the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland:

  • Your pet must have an EU pet passport. You can get this from your vet.
  • Your pet must have an ID chip. Dogs also have to be registered.
  • Your pet must have been vaccinated against rabies (information in Dutch) at least 21 days before departure. This must be recorded in the pet passport.
  • Many EU countries will not allow you to enter with animals younger than 15 weeks old because a rabies vaccination is not effective at this age. 
  • If you are travelling to Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway, your pet must have been treated for worms.

Additional regulations

Additional rules may apply in some countries. These may concern third-party liability insurance, transporting pets and leashing or muzzling dogs, for instance. Certain dog breeds are banned in some countries, or subject to strict rules.

You can find the requirements for each country (in Dutch) on the website of the National Pet Information Centre (LICG).

The rules for travelling with a dog, cat or ferret outside a non-EU country vary by country. Take account the following requirements:

  • Your will usually need an EU pet passport. You can get this from your vet. You may have to have the pet passport legalised (information in Dutch).
  • Your pet must have an ID chip.
  • Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies (information in Dutch).
  • Many countries require a blood test. If you ar still in te EU, have the blood test done before you travel abroad.

Additional rules

Some countries may require additional certificates, an import licence and/or third-party liability insurance for your pet. There may also be rules for transporting pets and for leashing and muzzling dogs. Certain dog breeds are banned in some countries.

You can find the requirements for many countries (in Dutch) on the website of the National Pet Information Centre (LICG).

Additional certificates

You may need additional certificates for the country you are travelling to. For example an import licence, blood test results or special health certificates. These must usually be signed by an NVWA vet.

Contact the NVWA (information in Dutch)

Travelling with other pets

The rules for taking other pets abroad depend on the country you are travelling to. The rules for EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland are different from those for countries outside the EU.

If you are travelling within the EU or in Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland:

For more information about travelling with your pet within the EU and in Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland:

For more information about travelling with your pet outside the EU:

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.