Pet Transport from the Netherlands to Australia
Moving a dog or cat from the Netherlands to Australia is a thorough process, though the Netherlands' DAFF Group 2 status (rabies-free/controlled) means one major requirement is removed from the process: the titre test. Dutch pets do not need the RNATT, which …
The Netherlands to Australia import process
Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Veterinarian
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: NVWA-certified official veterinarian
Responsible: Airline cargo
Responsible: DAFF / MARS
What your pet needs to enter Australia
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport (MEL). No other Australian airport accepts international pet imports.
The Netherlands is DAFF Group 2 (no titre test). Confirm this classification is current at agriculture.gov.au before booking.
Quarantine fee must be paid in full before release. Budget AUD 1,877+ per pet.
Health certificate valid for 10 days from issue. A rebooked flight requires a new certificate.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
Does my pet from the Netherlands need a titre test for Australia?
No. The Netherlands is DAFF Group 2, covering countries where rabies is absent or effectively controlled. Dutch pets are therefore exempt from the rabies neutralising antibody titre test (RNATT). This removes a significant time requirement compared with countries in higher-risk groups.
What is still required: ISO microchip before any vaccination, current rabies vaccination within its validity period, DAFF import permit via BICON, quarantine booking at Mickleham, cargo reservation to Melbourne (MEL), and the official NVWA health certificate in DAFF’s required format. Source: DAFF, agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/cats-dogs (2026).
Which airlines carry pets from Amsterdam to Melbourne?
There is no direct Amsterdam-to-Melbourne pet cargo route via a single carrier. The most commonly used options involve routing through Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Singapore (Singapore Airlines, or KLM connecting via Changi). KLM operates out of Amsterdam Schiphol but does not fly direct to Melbourne; cargo is handed off or routed via KLM/Air France-KLM Cargo partner networks.
All airlines carry pets as manifest cargo. Book eight to twelve weeks ahead. Routes via the Gulf are subject to summer heat embargoes. All pets must arrive at Melbourne International Airport; no other Australian airport accepts international pet imports.
What is the NVWA's role in the export health certificate?
For pets leaving the Netherlands to Australia, the export health certificate must be issued by an NVWA-certified official veterinarian (officieel dierenarts). The NVWA (Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit) regulates animal health certification for international exports. The certificate must follow the exact format DAFF specifies for Dutch-origin Group 2 animals, and it is only valid for ten days from the date of issue.
From 1 October 2026, the new EU export format under EU Regulation 2026/131 applies to all Netherlands-to-third-country movements. Confirm the current required format with your NVWA official vet before the appointment. Source: NVWA, nvwa.nl (2026).