FR
NL

Pet Transport from France to Netherlands

France to Netherlands is classic EU intra-move territory. Valid EU Pet Passport, current microchip and rabies vaccination, complete. No titre test, no quarantine, no permits of any kind. Paris to …

Get your free quote
0-1
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
0
Days quarantine on arrival
Very Low
Route complexity
4
Airlines on this route
Step by step

The France to Netherlands import process

01
Immediate.
Confirm EU Pet Passport current (microchip, valid rabies vaccination)

Responsible: Your vet

02
Book 1-2 weeks ahead.
Choose Thalys rail or air

Responsible: You

03
Day of travel.
Travel. No border inspection.

Responsible: You

Requirements

Netherlands entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Recorded in EU Pet Passport.
Rabies vaccination
Required and current.
Rabies titre test
Not required. France is an EU member state.
Quarantine
Not required.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
EU Pet Passport sufficient.
Leaving France

Export requirements

Export permit
No export permit required for intra-EU movement.
Health certificate
EU Pet Passport sufficient.
Costs

What this route typically costs

Thalys Paris-Amsterdam (EUR 35-90, pet supplement if applicable)
KLM cabin pet fee (EUR 50-70)
EU Pet Passport renewal if expired (vet fee)

Critical points

Confirm rabies vaccination is current in the EU passport.

Netherlands breed restrictions apply on arrival, check for restricted breeds.

Thalys high-speed rail is the most practical option for most Paris-Amsterdam pet moves.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

AirlineNotesType
Thalys / Eurostar Rail (recommended)Cabin: Paris to Amsterdam by high-speed rail takes about 3h20m. SNCF and Thalys services. Small pets in carrier permitted. Direct, no cargo separation. Best option for this corridor.Cabin and Cargo
KLMCabin: small pets in carrier on KLM Paris CDG-Amsterdam AMS route. Under 1-hour flight but airport overhead is significant on this short route.Cabin and Cargo
Air FranceCabin pets on Air France Paris-Amsterdam intra-EU services.Cabin and Cargo
TransaviaCabin pets on some Transavia intra-EU routes. Confirm current pet policy.Cabin and Cargo

Rail vs air on this corridor

FactorThalys/Rail (Paris-AMS)KLM (CDG-AMS)
Journey time~3h20m~55min flight + airport
Door-to-doorCompetitiveSlower once airport is added
Pet in cabinYes (carrier)Yes (carrier, small pets)
Pet separationNoneNone for cabin
Stress for petLowerHigher
CostEUR 35-90 + supplementEUR 80-180 + pet fee

Paris to Amsterdam is one of Europe’s iconic high-speed rail corridors. Thalys and SNCF run regular services throughout the day. For most Paris-to-Amsterdam pet moves, it beats flying on almost every metric.

EU Pet Passport: the complete documentation

The EU Pet Passport is everything you need for this move. Check three things: microchip number recorded and matching the chip in your pet; rabies vaccination current and within validity; passport issued by an EU-authorised vet.

If the vaccination has lapsed, visit your French vet for a booster. A booster within the validity period of the previous vaccination takes effect immediately, no waiting period. A new vaccination course (first vaccination ever, or after a long lapse) requires a 21-day wait before travel.

Breed restrictions: France and Netherlands

France operates a two-category system. Categorie 1 (fighting-type dogs) are prohibited in France and therefore cannot travel legally as pets from France. Categorie 2 (Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers) require owner permits and registration in France.

The Netherlands restricts Pit Bull Terrier-type dogs under national legislation. If you’re moving with a breed that might fall under Dutch restrictions, check the current rules before travel. The EU Pet Passport handles documentation; breed compliance is separate.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

No. A valid EU Pet Passport with current microchip and rabies vaccination is all that’s required under EU Regulation 576/2013. No titre test, import permit, or quarantine applies.
Yes. SNCF and Thalys services allow small pets in approved carriers. Check current pet policies with SNCF and Thalys before booking as specific rules vary by service.
If your EU Pet Passport and vaccinations are current, you can travel within days. If the rabies vaccination has lapsed, allow 21 days from a first vaccination in a new course.
Yes. The Netherlands restricts Pit Bull Terrier-type dogs under national legislation. Check the current rules for your breed before travel.
EU free movement applies at the France-Netherlands border. Keep your EU Pet Passport accessible in the vehicle. No scheduled inspection occurs, but random checks do happen at EU internal borders.
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet
to Netherlands.

Get a free, fully itemised quote for this route. We map the complete preparation timeline and costs. No commitment required.

Get my free quote
Chat with us