Pet Shipping to the Netherlands from the U.S.
Guidelines, Regulations and Travel Advice for a Smooth Relocation
Relocating your pet to the Netherlands involves compliance with both EU regulations and Dutch requirements. Our comprehensive guide provides essential steps to ensure a seamless, safe, and stress-free journey for your dog, cat, or ferret. Need help coordinating? Explore our international pet shipping solutions and connect with our pet travel experts ready to assist.
Entry Requirements & Travel Advice
- Microchip Identification: Your pet must be implanted with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip before the rabies vaccination is given.
- Rabies Vaccination: After microchipping, your pet must receive a rabies vaccination. For entry into the Netherlands from a non-EU country, the vaccination must be valid and administered at least 21 days before travel.
- Health Certificate / EU Pet Passport: If your pet originates outside the EU, you’ll need an EU animal health certificate issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA. If from an EU country, an EU pet passport may suffice.
- Rabies Titer Test (if required): Pets arriving from a high-rabies-risk non-EU country must have a rabies blood titer test (minimum 0.5 IU/ml) performed at an approved EU lab, and wait at least 3 calendar months after the sample before travel.
- Age & Ownership/Transport Thresholds: Pets must generally be at least 15 weeks old when entering the Netherlands from another EU country; for non-EU high-risk countries the age may be 7 months to satisfy all steps (microchip, vaccination, titer, wait period).
- Approved Entry & Non-Commercial Rules: For non-commercial movement (owner traveling with pet, ≤5 pets), the owner should accompany the pet or the pet must arrive within five days of the owner.
- Registration of Dogs: If you will remain in the Netherlands for more than 3 months, you may need to register your dog with a veterinarian and obtain a unique business number (UBN).
Choosing the Right Travel Crate
International flights into the Netherlands require a travel crate that complies with IATA standards. Ensure your pet has enough space to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably. Our crate-size guide is a great tool to help you get it right.
- Size: Your pet should be able to stand upright, turn around, and lie down naturally.
- Ventilation: Crates must allow ventilation on at least three sides.
- Security: The door must be metal with secure locking mechanism.
Are you ready? Use our departure checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Popular Pet-Friendly Destinations in the Netherlands
Here are some pet-welcoming cities to consider when relocating your pet to the Netherlands:
- Amsterdam (AMS): A vibrant capital with pet-friendly parks, canalside walks, and many dog-friendly cafés.
- Rotterdam (RTM): Known for its modern architecture, waterfront promenades, and welcoming pet-services.
- Utrecht (UTC): A historic city with compact size, pet-friendly accommodations, and easy green space access.
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