At Pets in Transit, we make moving your pet to the Netherlands stress-free and straightforward. From coordinating veterinary requirements to booking flights and managing import paperwork, our team ensures every detail is handled with care. We stay up to date on import regulations, vaccination schedules, and microchip standards so your pet meets all entry requirements without hassle. Whether you’re relocating a dog, cat, or other companion, we’ll create a personalized travel plan that prioritizes comfort, safety, and peace of mind—so you can both enjoy a smooth journey to your new home.
Once you’ve confirmed your booking with us, we partner with your veterinarian to collect and review all necessary vaccination and health records. Our team ensures every document meets Dutch and EU entry standards, catching potential issues early for a stress-free start.
We coordinate the completion of your EU Health Certificate, verify your pet’s ISO microchip, and confirm that vaccination dates align with import timelines. Every detail is handled carefully so your paperwork is accurate and ready for USDA endorsement.
Next, we secure the safest and most efficient flight route for your pet’s journey to the Netherlands. We carefully select airlines experienced in animal transport, prioritizing comfort, reduced travel time, and professional handling from departure to arrival.
Before travel, you’ll receive a complete itinerary outlining flight details, travel timelines, and important check-in information. We walk you through what to expect on travel day, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for your pet’s upcoming journey.
Our experienced handlers arrive at your chosen location—whether it’s your home, vet clinic, boarding facility, or another preferred location—to safely collect your pet. We provide calm, attentive care and make sure your companion is settled comfortably in their crate before departure.
During travel, we keep you connected with updates at each stage of the trip. From airport check-in to takeoff and arrival in the Netherlands, you’ll know exactly where your pet is and how they’re doing throughout the journey.
When your pet arrives in the Netherlands, our trusted team oversees customs clearance and any required veterinary checks. Once approved for entry, your pet is safely delivered to your new home.
Preparing your pet for travel to the Netherlands requires careful planning and attention to detail. Pets must meet strict microchip, vaccination, and documentation requirements to enter the country smoothly. From ISO-compliant microchipping and rabies vaccinations to completing the correct EU Health Certificate and meeting airline crate standards, Pets in Transit guides you through the entire process.
Every pet traveling to the Netherlands must have a working ISO-compliant microchip before receiving their rabies vaccination. This microchip ensures your pet is properly identified, and all microchip numbers must appear on their health documents. If your pet’s microchip is non-compliant, a second ISO-compliant chip or a personal scanner may be required to meet EU entry rules.
Note: ISO-compliant microchips typically contain a 15-digit identification number.
To enter the Netherlands, pets must be vaccinated against rabies and have documentation showing the vaccine was administered after microchip implantation. The vaccination must be performed by a licensed veterinarian, and the certificate must clearly indicate the vaccination date, vaccine type, and microchip number.
Here are the rules for rabies vaccinations in the Netherlands, according to the USDA website.
A primary rabies vaccination is the first shot your pet receives after microchip implantation or following a lapse in coverage. In the EU, this vaccination is only valid for one year, regardless of the vaccine’s original duration. Pets must receive a booster within 12 months to maintain continuous protection.
A booster rabies vaccination follows a primary shot given within one year. The validity of a booster depends on the vaccine manufacturer, typically ranging from one to three years. Pets can travel less than the standard immunity period after a booster, but documentation must include both the primary and booster vaccinations to confirm continuous coverage.
Pets must have an EU Health Certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the USDA. This certificate confirms your pet’s health, microchip, and vaccination compliance. For travel to the Netherlands, the certificate must be accurate, complete, and submitted within 10 days of your pet’s arrival.
When all vaccination and documentation requirements are met, pets traveling to the Netherlands typically do not require quarantine. Pets that fail to meet EU health standards may be denied entry or placed in quarantine at the owner’s expense until requirements are satisfied. Proper preparation minimizes the risk of delays or isolation.
Airlines transporting pets to the Netherlands require IATA-approved travel crates. Crates must provide secure containment, proper ventilation, and enough space for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Airlines may have additional rules regarding weight limits, pet types, and documentation, so compliance is critical for a smooth journey.
The Netherlands has breed restrictions primarily focusing on short-snouted breeds, genetic disorders, and certain potentially dangerous breeds. Breeding of dogs with short snouts like pugs and French bulldogs is prohibited. Additionally, breeding dogs with serious genetic disorders is illegal, and ownership of certain dangerous breeds may require aggressive personality testing. If you are unsure whether your dog’s breed could be restricted, our team reviews breed-specific rules and entry policies to help you determine eligibility before travel.
Let us handle all of the details and effortlessly manage your pet’s relocation from start to finish!
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