Importing Your Pet to Netherlands

The Netherlands is an EU member state with well-organised pet import procedures managed by the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority). The country is a major hub for international travel and the Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam) has an established animal import facility.

For pets from EU/EFTA countries, an EU Pet Passport is sufficient. For pets from listed countries (UK, USA, Canada, etc.), an endorsed health certificate is required. No mandatory quarantine for compliant pets.

The Netherlands is often a transit country for pets entering other EU destinations. The same EU rules apply whether the Netherlands is your final destination or an entry point.

NVWA inspection at Schiphol

All pets arriving from outside the EU enter through Schiphol’s dedicated animal import facility. NVWA officers check documentation, microchip, and health certificate on arrival. The inspection is thorough and any missing documentation results in immediate quarantine at the owner’s expense.

Pets arriving as air cargo are held in the cargo facility until documentation is cleared. Allow several hours for this process when planning your arrival logistics.

Travelling onward within the EU