Pet Transport from the Netherlands to Canada
Moving a dog or cat from the Netherlands to Canada is straightforward compared with moves to Australia or New Zealand. Canada does not require quarantine, titre tests, or import permits for personal pets from the Netherlands. The key requirement is a valid …
The Netherlands to Canada 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: Licensed veterinarian in the Netherlands
Responsible: Owner or vet
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: Owner
What your pet needs to enter Canada
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
Critical points
Rabies vaccination certificate must be in English or French. Dutch-only certificates are not acceptable at the Canadian border.
KLM direct Amsterdam-Toronto and Amsterdam-Montreal services are among the most convenient options for this route. Book cargo space early as KLM pet cargo fills quickly on summer transatlantic routes.
Brachycephalic breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines including KLM. Verify before booking.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
What does Canada require for pets arriving from the Netherlands?
For personal pets over three months of age, Canada requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate under the Health of Animals Regulations (SOR/91-525). The certificate must be in English or French, identify the animal (breed, colour, weight, microchip number where applicable), be signed by a licensed veterinarian, and specify the duration of vaccine immunity.
No titre test, no quarantine, and no import permit are required. No formal export health certificate from the NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) is required by CFIA for personal pets. Source: CFIA, inspection.canada.ca (2026).
How does KLM compare with other options for pets from Amsterdam to Canada?
KLM’s direct Amsterdam-Toronto (YYZ) and Amsterdam-Montreal (YUL) flights are the most direct routing for Dutch pets heading to Canada. Small pets (under 8kg including carrier) can travel in the cabin on some KLM flights; larger pets travel as checked baggage or cargo via KLM Cargo or Air France-KLM Cargo.
Connecting options via Frankfurt (Lufthansa) or Paris (Air France) are alternatives if KLM cargo space is unavailable or if the breed is restricted from KLM cargo. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs and cats) face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Confirm your breed’s eligibility before booking.
What is the language requirement for the rabies certificate in the Netherlands?
The rabies vaccination certificate must be in English or French for Canadian entry. Dutch vets typically issue certificates in Dutch. Ask your vet to include English notation, or obtain a certified translation before departure. A Dutch-only certificate will be refused by the CBSA officer at the Canadian port of entry.
If your vet is not familiar with the English format, an IPATA-registered pet transport agent in the Netherlands can help ensure your documentation meets Canadian requirements before you travel.