How do I take my pet to the Netherlands?

If you are travelling from an EU country to the Netherlands, you will need the following for your pet:

• An EU pet passport or EU veterinary certificate. You can get this from your vet.
• A vaccination against rabies. This must be stated in the EU pet passport. You can get your pet vaccinated when it is 12 weeks or older. This must be done no later than 21 days before you travel. Ask your vet how long your vaccination is valid.
• An ID chip. This must be placed before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination. The date on which your pet was chipped and the chip number must be stated in the EU pet passport.

If you are travelling with a dog and you will be staying in the Netherlands for more than 3 months, register your dog with a vet.

For more information on what you will need in your situation, please answer several questions and find out what you need for your dog or cat (NVWA) (information in Dutch).

If you are travelling from an non-EU country to the Netherlands, you will need the following for your pet: 

• An EU pet passport or EU veterinary certificate. You can get this from your vet.
• A vaccination against rabies. This must be stated in the EU pet passport or on the EU veterinary certificate. You can get your pet vaccinated when it is 12 weeks or older. This must be done no later than 21 days before you travel. Ask your vet how long your vaccination is valid.
• An ID chip. This must be placed before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination. The date on which your pet was chipped and the chip number must be stated in the EU pet passport or on the EU veterinary certificate.
• A blood test. Find out which conditions the blood test needs to meet (NVWA). A blood test is not required if you are travelling from a country with a low risk of rabies.

For more information on what you will need in your situation, please answer several questions and find out what you need for your dog or cat (NVWA) (information in Dutch).

Transiting with your dog or cat

If you are transiting through the Netherlands to another EU country with your dog or cat, find out more about the rules for transiting (NVWA).

Submitting a customs declaration

You will need to submit a customs declaration if the following 3 conditions apply:

• You have bought 1 or more pets outside the EU.
• You are taking the pet or pets to the EU for the first time.
• The pet or pets costs more than € 430.

If these conditions apply to you and you do not submit a customs declaration, customs may impose a fine. And you will still have to submit a customs declaration.