Bringing Your Pet to the Netherlands
Complete requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering the Netherlands from the United States. Verified against official sources.
the Netherlands allows pets to enter without quarantine when paperwork is complete. Here's what you need, in order.
Step-by-step timeline
What it costs
Realistic all-in costs for an already-healthy pet. Does not include airline pet fees.
| Microchip (if not already chipped) | $40 – $80 |
| Rabies vaccination | $20 – $60 |
| USDA-accredited vet exam + EU health certificate | $150 – $400 |
| USDA APHIS endorsement fee | $38 – $173 |
| Airline pet fee (in-cabin or cargo) | $125 – $300 |
| Typical all-in | $350 – $900 |
Common mistakes that cause denied entry
- Getting the rabies vaccine before the microchip is implanted. Dutch NVWA inspectors check the order precisely — microchip first, always.
- Traveling less than 21 days after the first rabies vaccination. Netherlands enforces the EU rule strictly.
- Skipping post-arrival registration. Imported dogs must be registered in the Dutch I&R database within 2 weeks of arrival. This is a legal requirement, not optional.
- Not getting a UBN number as a dog owner. Without a UBN (livestock registration number), no Dutch vet can legally provide veterinary services to your dog.
- Booking a brachycephalic breed on KLM cargo. KLM refuses to fly bulldogs, pugs, boxers, Cane Corsos, Chow-Chows, Great Danes, mastiffs, Shar Peis, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the hold.
Airline notes
KLM is the Netherlands' flag carrier and operates the Animal Hotel at Schiphol — a climate-controlled facility with overnight care for animals in transit. KLM permits in-cabin pets up to 8 kg on transatlantic routes. United, Delta, and American also fly pets to AMS. KLM has strict brachycephalic breed restrictions in cargo; confirm before booking. KLM requires pet reservations at least 48 hours before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Netherlands require quarantine?
No. The Netherlands allows dogs, cats, and ferrets from the US to enter without quarantine when paperwork is complete. Standard EU requirements apply: ISO microchip first, then rabies vaccine with a 21-day wait, then a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Pets with incomplete paperwork may be held at the Schiphol BIP for correction at the owner's expense.
What is a UBN number and do I need one?
UBN (Unique Company Number) is a Dutch livestock registration number. As a dog owner in the Netherlands, you are legally required to have one — even if you're a private individual, not a breeder. Without a UBN, Dutch vets cannot legally treat your dog or update its records. Apply at RVO (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland) after you arrive. Cats and ferrets don't need a UBN for private ownership.
What is the I&R database and when do I register?
The Identification and Registration (I&R) database is the Dutch national dog registry. All imported dogs must be registered within 14 days of arrival. Your Dutch vet performs the registration when they issue the EU Pet Passport (done in one visit, typically €30-60). The microchip number is the primary identifier. Failure to register on time can result in fines.
Are there dog breed restrictions in the Netherlands?
At the federal level, no. The Netherlands repealed its 2008 breed ban in 2020. There is no nationwide restriction on specific dog breeds. However, individual municipalities can impose local rules, landlords often restrict pet types in urban rentals, and airlines (especially KLM) have their own breed restrictions for cargo. If you own a pit bull, Rottweiler, or brachycephalic breed, research airline policies carefully before booking.
Can I fly my pet in cabin to the Netherlands?
Yes, for small pets. KLM accepts in-cabin pets up to 8 kg including carrier on most transatlantic routes. United, Delta, and American also offer in-cabin pet service to AMS. Larger pets go as cargo via KLM's Animal Hotel at Schiphol. Always book the pet spot separately from your ticket — airlines cap in-cabin pets at 2-6 per flight.
What about traveling from the Netherlands to other EU countries?
After legal entry, any Dutch vet can issue an EU Pet Passport (€30-60). This passport enables indefinite pet-friendly travel between EU member states. Your original USDA-endorsed certificate remains valid for up to 4 months of EU travel, as long as the rabies vaccination stays current. If you continue to Ireland, Finland, Malta, or Norway, dogs need tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before arrival.
Is the Netherlands actually pet-friendly?
Very. Dutch cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam are among the most dog-friendly in Europe. Dogs are welcome in most cafés, restaurants, shops, and trains. Parks have off-leash zones. Public transit (NS Trains, GVB, HTM) allows dogs with small fare. Caveats: cat ownership is similarly common but less visible; landlords in Amsterdam sometimes restrict pets or charge higher deposits; and the NVWA enforces registration rules strictly.
- NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) — Pet travel · last checked 2026-04-19
- USDA APHIS — Pet Travel to the Netherlands · last checked 2026-04-19
- EU — Travelling with pets · last checked 2026-04-19
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/country/netherlands.json (structured data) or /country/netherlands.md (markdown mirror). Full schema at /agents.md.