Netherlands Pet Import Requirements: How to bring a pet to the Netherlands 2026

Microchip or tattoo:
Make sure the chip complies with ISO 11784 or 11785.

Rabies vaccination:
The vaccination must be given no earlier than 21 days before entry into the Netherlands.

International veterinary passport:
All entries must be duplicated in Latin.

Veterinary certificate (European):
Obtained from your home country veterinarian and must be valid for 10 days before entry.

Rabies antibody test:
If you are importing an animal from a rabies-free country.

Owner’s declaration:
May be required in some cases.

Registration within 2 weeks:
After arrival in the Netherlands, the dog must be registered with a veterinarian.

Rabies vaccination:
The vaccination must be given no earlier than 21 days before entry into the Netherlands.

The minimum age for entry into the Netherlands is 7 months, as rabies vaccination is only possible from 12 weeks of age, and after vaccination, another 21 days must pass for the vaccine to take effect.

Dog registration:
Apply for DigiD with your BSN
Register UBN for non-commercial dog boarding, you will need your DigiD for this
Take your dog to the vet
The vet registers your dog’s entry into your UBN, you can find it in your email, which is indicated during registration, save the letter with this number and prepare it in advance before going to the vet

Cat registration:
A cat does not need to be registered as a dog, but in order to travel with it in the EU, it is necessary to obtain a European passport
To do this, you need to:
Show the cat to the vet
Register your cat’s chip number in the database or find information by searching for chipnummer registreren kat

If there are rabies antibody titers, be sure to take them to the appointment
they will enter them into the database and display the information in the veterinary passport

If you arrive in the Netherlands from another EU country by car, your animal will be checked at the first point of entry into the EU.

This information applies to:
Rabbits and rodents such as guinea pigs or hamsters
Ornamental fish
Reptiles and amphibians
Invertebrates (except bees, bumblebees, molluscs and crustaceans)
Unless the animal is for sale, but is a companion animal.

When you arrive at the airport or ferry terminal in the Netherlands, you must go to the “goods declaration” of customs with your pet. Customs will check your pet and the health certificate, as well as any accompanying documents.

What do you need for your animal?

You will need a general health certificate from a veterinarian.

The veterinarian should include as much identification information about the animal as possible on the certificate:

• Species, sex, colour, age and any distinguishing features
• Current health information about the animal
• Owner’s name and contact information
• Veterinarian’s name, contact information and signature

The veterinarian certifies that the animal is clinically healthy and fit to travel.

The certificate must be issued as close to the departure date as possible and must not be older than 10 days. The certificate can be in English, Dutch, German or French.

In addition, you must bring a written statement that the animal is a companion animal and that the trip is not commercial. You can complete and sign a standard declaration

List of countries with requirements for titer testing

Entry points for travelers with pets in European countries