Pet Transport USA to Netherlands 2026 | Complete Guide
The Netherlands is a top destination for US expats, particularly those working in Amsterdam’s financial district or at US multinational European headquarters. Moving your pet from the USA to the Netherlands involves the standard EU titre test pathway: it is a well-known route that any experienced pet relocation agent can manage smoothly.
The five-to-six-month rule
The EU does not accept pet arrivals from the USA under the simplified entry rules it applies to other approved third countries. This means your pet needs a titre test.
The sequence is: microchip first, then rabies vaccination, then blood draw for titre test (at least 30 days after vaccination), then wait at least three months from the blood draw before travelling. There is no way to accelerate the three-month waiting period.
The blood sample must be sent to an EU-approved laboratory. In the USA, the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory is the most commonly used. Allow two to four weeks for results.
USDA APHIS endorsement
Once you have all records in order, your USDA-accredited vet completes a health certificate (APHIS Form 7001) within 10 days of travel. Submit to USDA APHIS for endorsement, which takes three to five business days. Some APHIS regional offices offer a priority service for urgent cases.
Arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol
Schiphol (AMS) has one of Europe’s best-equipped animal handling facilities. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) operates the Border Inspection Post. Inspectors will check all documents and scan the microchip before releasing your pet.
Pets arriving as manifest cargo go through the cargo terminal handling agents. Several specialist pet cargo agents operate at Schiphol and can coordinate documentation submissions in advance, reducing clearance time.
Registering in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has a national pet registry and all dogs must be registered with the municipality (gemeente) where you live. Dutch law requires microchipping of all dogs. Failure to register can result in fines.
There is no national breed ban in the Netherlands, though some municipalities have local regulations. Amsterdam itself has no breed ban.
Getting your pet to the Netherlands
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the obvious choice for the route and accepts pets as cargo and excess baggage on many transatlantic routes. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and other carriers also serve AMS from major US cities. Confirm pet acceptance and booking requirements at least six weeks before your departure date.