Relocating a pet from Dominican Republic to Netherlands follows a clear path once you understand what Netherlands asks for. Set aside roughly 20-26 weeks for this route and keep a close eye on the …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Dominican Republic to Netherlands
typically takes around 20-26 weeks.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Dominican Republic to Netherlands import process
01
Implant ISO 11784/11785 microchip
02
Administer rabies vaccination
03
Wait 30 days, then draw blood for FAVN titre test
04
Receive titre test result (minimum 0.5 IU/ml)
05
Observe the 90-day wait from blood draw date
06
Prepare EU health certificate and DSA endorsement
07
Book KLM Cargo or alternative airline
Costs
What this route typically costs
FAVN titre test laboratory fee (EU-approved lab; blood sample often shipped internationally)
DSA export health certificate preparation and endorsement fees
DSA export permit or notification fee
KLM Cargo or alternative airline cargo fees (SDQ-AMS for a large dog can be substantial)
IATA-compliant travel crate
Professional pet relocation agent fees (strongly recommended given the complexity)
Critical points
The microchip must be implanted BEFORE the rabies vaccination. If the order is reversed, the EU will not accept the titre test result and the process must start again from scratch.
The 90-day wait starts from the blood draw date, not from when you receive the result. Failing to account for this distinction adds weeks to your timeline.
A failing titre test result (below 0.5 IU/ml) means revaccination and a fresh 30-day wait before retesting. Build contingency time into your plan.
EU health certificates are time-limited. The certificate must be issued within the validity window the NVWA requires. Do not prepare it too far in advance.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
KLM / KLM Cargo
Iberia
Air France
Netherlands import rules, explained
Netherlands has a detailed set of import rules, and each one needs to be satisfied before travel. None of it is unusual, but the order and timing are what catch people out.
Practical tips for this move
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
The Dominican Republic is classified as an unlisted third country under EU pet import rules (EU Regulation 576/2013). Pets from unlisted countries must complete an FAVN titre test showing rabies antibody levels of at least 0.5 IU/ml, then wait 90 days from the blood draw date before entering the EU. Add the 30-day gap between vaccination and blood draw, plus paperwork time on both sides, and the minimum preparation period is around 20 weeks.
The FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralisation) test measures whether your pet has produced enough rabies antibodies after vaccination. Blood must be drawn by a veterinarian and sent to an EU-approved laboratory. There may not be an approved lab in the Dominican Republic, so the sample will likely need to be shipped internationally. Your vet or a pet relocation agent can advise on the nearest approved facility.
KLM is generally the most practical choice. It operates services between SDQ and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), either direct or via Curaçao (CUR), and KLM Cargo is experienced with live animal shipments to the Netherlands. Iberia via Madrid is a good alternative if KLM availability does not work for your schedule.
No quarantine, provided all conditions are met: microchip implanted before vaccination, FAVN titre test result of at least 0.5 IU/ml, 90-day wait observed, and the EU-format health certificate endorsed by the DSA. If any requirement is incomplete on arrival, Dutch authorities may hold your pet or refuse entry.
Airline guides
KLM / KLM Cargo
Iberia
Air France
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.