If you are travelling with your dog or cat, the steps you need to take depend on the country from which you are travelling to the Netherlands.
From an EU country
If you are travelling from an EU country to the Netherlands, you will need the following for your pet:
- An EU pet passport. You can get this from your vet.
- A vaccination against rabies. This must be recorded in the pet passport. You can get your pet vaccinated if it is 12 weeks or older. This must be done no later than 21 days before you travel. Rabies vaccinations are valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine used. 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 pet passport.
If 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).
From a non-EU country
If you are travelling from a non-EU country to the Netherlands, you will need the following for your pet:
- An EU pet passport or valid 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 veterinary certificate. You can get your pet vaccinated if it is 12 weeks or older. This must be done no later than 21 days before you travel. Rabies vaccinations are valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the vaccine used. 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 pet passport or on the veterinary certificate.
- A blood test. Find out which conditions the blood test needs to meet on the website of the 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).
If you are transiting through the Netherlands to another EU country find out more about the rules that apply when transiting in the Netherlands on the website of the 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 still have to submit a customs declaration.
Good to know
- Follow the rules of all countries you are travelling to or through with your pet. If you are travelling to the Netherlands via another country, you must follow the rules set by that country.
- If you do not follow the rules, your pet may be sent back, at your cost.
- The same rules apply to service and assistance animals.
- The rules apply to pets you own and will continue to own during your journey to and stay in the Netherlands. If your dog or cat will get a new owner in the Netherlands, find out which rules apply on the website of the NVWA (information in Dutch).
- If you are travelling by air, check the rules of the airport and airline as well.
Contact
If you want to know whether you can take your pet into the Netherlands, you can call the Customs Information Line (DouaneTelefoon).
If you have a question about anything else, contact Shanghai Traveller.