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Pet Transport from Germany to Netherlands
0-1
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Very Low
Route complexity
4
Airlines on this route
Official rules on this page checked
Step by step
The Germany to Netherlands import process
01
Immediate.
Confirm EU Pet Passport shows current rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
02
Book 1-2 weeks ahead.
Choose transport: rail or air
Responsible: You
03
Day of travel.
Travel. No border inspection.
Responsible: You
Which Netherlands rules depend on a pet coming from Germany?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and Germany falls in “EU countries”.
Pet dogs and cats moving between Member States travel on an EU pet passport issued by an authorised veterinarian, with microchip and valid rabies vaccination (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131, Article 11). Tapeworm treatment applies only for dogs entering Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland and Norway. Official source
These rules apply to that group, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- Health certificate: Article 6(1) of 2026/705: an old-model passport (Part 1 of Annex III to 577/2013) is deemed to comply with the new model passport where it was issued before 1 January 2028, for non-commercial movements into a Member State from another Member State. Article 6(2) gives the same rule for old Part 3 passports used for movements from third countries or territories listed in Annex I to 2026/636. Applies to dogs and cats moving with an EU pet passport.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/705 of 20 March 2026 establishing model identification documents and model declarations, checked 1 October 2026 - Microchip: For non-commercial movements between EU countries, the microchip must contain the country code from 1 January 2028. The same FAQ lists exceptions: pets microchipped before 22 April 2026 under Annex II of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 need not be re-chipped, and pets from non-EU countries on a short stay identified under their own national rules do not need a country-code chip (Article 7(2)(a) of 2026/131 also deems transponders implanted before 1 January 2028 without the country code compliant). Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
FAQs (dogs, cats and ferrets), checked 1 October 2026 - Microchip: Article 7(1)(b) of 2026/131 (identification for movements between Member States): if the transponder does not meet the Article 70a technical requirements, the owner or authorised person must provide a reader on request. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Minimum age: Between Member States only, a destination country may allow young pets under 12 weeks unvaccinated, or 12 to 16 weeks vaccinated but within the 21-day wait (Article 9 of 2026/131). The EC table (checked 1 October 2026) lists Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland as accepting them for non-commercial moves. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
Young Animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Minimum age: Article 9 of 2026/131 defines the young-animal derogation for movement from another Member State. Applies to young dogs and cats moving between Member States.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Between Member States, pets must carry an EU pet passport (Article 11(1) of 2026/131). The EC guidance page says it is completed and issued by an authorised veterinarian. Exception (Article 12 of 2026/131): a pet whose owner lives in a third country and that entered the EU on an animal health certificate may move on to another Member State with that certificate while it is valid. Applies to dogs and cats moving between Member States.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/131 of 20 January 2026 on non-commercial movement of pet animals, checked 1 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering the Netherlands, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Netherlands guide.
What does Germany require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: Berlin example: apply to the district veterinary office three to four weeks before travel; fees are time-based under tariff 31050 of the Berlin VSGebO, from EUR 41 to EUR 615. Applies to dogs and cats leaving from Berlin (Treptow-Köpenick).
Reisen mit Heimtieren, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Rhein-Erft-Kreis example: the district veterinary office charges EUR 35 to issue a health certificate for a stay abroad; it is valid for at most 10 days. Applies to dogs and cats leaving from Rhein-Erft-Kreis.
Gesundheitszeugnis für Auslandaufenthalte von Hunden/Katzen, checked 1 October 2026
Costs
What this route typically costs
DB rail ticket Frankfurt-Amsterdam (EUR 25-80, pet supplement if applicable)
KLM or Lufthansa cabin pet fee (EUR 50-70)
EU Pet Passport renewal if expired (vet fee EUR 20-50)
Critical points
Ensure rabies vaccination in EU Passport is current and within validity period.
Rail is often less stressful than flying for pets on this short corridor.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rail (recommended) | Cabin: Deutsche Bahn to Amsterdam Centraal takes about 3h30m from Frankfurt or 6h from Munich. Small pets in carrier permitted free of charge on DB trains. Larger dogs with a ticket. No cargo separation. | Cabin and Cargo |
| KLM | Cabin: small pets in carrier on intra-EU KLM routes. Frankfurt FRA or Munich MUC to Amsterdam AMS. Flight under 1 hour. Quick but airport adds complexity. | Cabin and Cargo |
| Lufthansa | Cabin: pets in carrier on short-haul Lufthansa routes. Frankfurt to Amsterdam. | Cabin and Cargo |
| Eurowings | Cabin pets on intra-EU Eurowings routes. Lower cost option. | Cabin and Cargo |
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. A valid EU Pet Passport showing a current ISO microchip and rabies vaccination is sufficient. No titre test, import permit, or quarantine applies to intra-EU pet movement.
Yes. Deutsche Bahn allows small pets in approved carriers free of charge and larger dogs for half the adult ticket with muzzle and lead. The Frankfurt to Amsterdam route is a comfortable train journey.
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 new vaccination before travel.
Yes. The Netherlands has legislation restricting Pit Bull Terrier-type dogs. Germany applies Länder-level breed restrictions that vary by state. Check the specific rules for both your German state and your Dutch destination before travel.
EU free movement applies. No border inspection is required at the Germany-Netherlands border for pets travelling with a valid EU Pet Passport. Keep the passport accessible in the vehicle for any random checks.
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to Netherlands.
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