Lead time needed
20-24 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
High
Airlines
3 carriers on this route
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Home/Routes/Mexico to Netherlands
MX
NL

Pet Transport Mexico to Netherlands: 2026 Guide

Planning a pet relocation from Mexico to Netherlands is easier when you work backwards from your travel date. Set aside roughly 20-24 weeks for this route and keep a close eye on the sequencing. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine entirely. The …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Mexico to Netherlands typically takes around 20-24 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

The Mexico to Netherlands import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Before vaccination
Microchip implanted

Responsible: SENASICA-registered vet or accredited vet

2
After microchip confirmed
Rabies vaccination

Responsible: Accredited Mexican vet

3
30+ days after vaccination
FAVN titre test blood draw

Responsible: Mexican vet, EU-approved laboratory

4
Begins on blood draw date
90-day wait from blood draw

Responsible: Owner to track

5
Within 10 days of travel
SENASICA health certificate and endorsement

Responsible: SENASICA-registered vet

6
4-6 weeks before travel
Cargo booking on KLM, Aeromexico, or Air France

Responsible: Pet transport agent or owner

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Netherlands

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 microchip required before vaccination
Rabies vaccination
Valid rabies vaccination after microchip
Rabies titre test
FAVN titre test (0.5 IU/ml minimum), blood 30+ days after vaccination, …
Quarantine
No quarantine if documents correct and 90-day wait from blood draw complete
Import permit
Not required for non-commercial imports up to five animals
Health certificate
EU Annex IV format for non-listed countries, within 10 days of travel, …
Export permit
SENASICA export documentation
Costs

What this route typically costs

FAVN titre test at EU-approved lab: USD 100-200
SENASICA certificate and endorsement: USD 80-200
Cargo MEX to AMS: USD 1,200-2,800
IATA crate: USD 100-400
Vet fees for full preparation: USD 200-500

Critical points

Netherlands pit bull ban applies nationally; confirm your dog's breed before starting.

90-day wait runs from blood draw date, not from when results arrive.

SENASICA endorsement can take up to a week in some regions; schedule accordingly.

Mexico is not on the EU approved list; titre test and 90-day wait are mandatory.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

KLM Cargo
MEX to AMS direct service; KLM Cargo at Amsterdam Schiphol is well-equipped for live …
Cargo Only
Aeromexico
MEX to AMS direct via Aeromexico; cargo connections at Schiphol for onward European …
Cargo Only
Air France Cargo
MEX to CDG with connecting cargo AMS; CDG-AMS is a short and well-served connection
Cargo Only

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

Book the titre test laboratory well ahead. Approved labs have limited slots and the sample takes time to process, so this is not something to leave to the final weeks.

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.

FAQ

Common questions

No. The laboratory must be on the EU-approved list. Not all Mexican labs are approved. Check the current EU-approved laboratory list before drawing blood. Your transport agent can advise which labs in Mexico City and elsewhere are currently approved.
No. The EU Annex IV format health certificate is produced in English (or another EU language) and is accepted by Dutch customs in this form. There is no separate Dutch translation requirement.
The Netherlands prohibits the import, breeding, and keeping of pit bull terriers and dogs that physically resemble them under the Hondenbesluit. If your dog is a pure or mixed breed that could be assessed as pit bull-type in appearance, Dutch authorities can seize the animal at the border. The restriction is appearance-based, not just pedigree-based. Address any uncertainty before starting the transport process.
Dogs in the Netherlands must have a chip but there is no mandatory national registration database for pet owners in the same way as some other EU countries. However, some municipalities have local rules. Confirm registration requirements in your specific municipality after arrival.
After Dutch customs clears your pet, the animal is available for collection from the cargo facility at Schiphol. You or your transport agent collects the pet from the live animal handling area. The cargo facility is not in the main terminal building; make sure you know where to go in advance. Your transport agent should brief you on the collection process.
Airline guides
  • KLM Cargo
  • Aeromexico
  • Air France Cargo
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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MX NLMexico to Netherlands
International pet transport route
Lead time20-24 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityHigh
Airlines3
ServiceDoor to door
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