NL
DK
Pet Transport from the Netherlands to Denmark
1-4
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Very Low
Route complexity
7
Airlines on this route
Official rules on this page checked
Step by step
The Netherlands to Denmark import process
01
Check records. Microchip number must match passport.
Verify microchip and EU pet passport are current
Responsible: Your veterinarian
02
21-day wait required after primary vaccination. Booster with no lapse: no waiting period.
Ensure rabies vaccination is valid
Responsible: EU-authorised veterinarian
03
1-2 weeks before travel for a direct KLM or SAS route.
Book flight and confirm cabin or cargo space
Responsible: You
04
Arrive early. EU pet passport at check-in.
Travel day
Responsible: You
Which Denmark rules depend on a pet coming from the Netherlands?
The EU sorts non-EU countries into groups, and the Netherlands 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 Denmark, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Denmark guide.
What does the Netherlands require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: NVWA fee for legalising a passport or certificate for dogs, cats or ferrets: EUR 65.87 (tariffs valid from 1 January 2026, no VAT). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the Netherlands where legalisation is required.
NVWA-tarieven exportcertificering 2026, checked 1 October 2026
Costs
What this route typically costs
Cabin pet fee (typically EUR 40-75 with KLM or SAS on this short route)
Cargo fee for larger pets (EUR 120-350)
IATA-approved carrier bag or crate
EU pet passport (if not already issued)
Critical points
Budget carriers on this route (Ryanair, easyJet) do not accept pets. Check policy before purchasing your own ticket.
21-day post-primary-vaccination wait applies. If vaccination is newly administered, delay travel until the wait has elapsed.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| KLM | Netherlands' own carrier. Excellent Amsterdam-Copenhagen connectivity. Small pets in cabin (up to 8kg). Larger pets as cargo. Direct flights typically under 2 hours. | Cabin and Cargo |
| SAS | Scandinavian Airlines. Small pets in cabin on European routes. Direct Amsterdam-Copenhagen services. Copenhagen is a SAS hub -- reliable routing for Denmark-bound pets. | Cabin and Cargo |
| easyJet | Does not accept pets on any route. Not suitable for pet transport. | No Pets |
| Ryanair | Does not accept pets on any route. Not suitable for pet transport. | No Pets |
| Transavia | Transavia (KLM's low-cost subsidiary) generally does not accept pets in cabin. Confirm directly before booking. | No Pets |
| British Airways | Cargo only via London Heathrow. Indirect for this route -- only relevant if no direct options are suitable. | Cargo Only |
| Lufthansa | Small pets in cabin. Cargo for larger animals. Indirect via Frankfurt or Munich but an option if direct seats are unavailable. | Cabin and Cargo |
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. An EU pet passport is sufficient for intra-EU pet travel. Both the Netherlands and Denmark are EU members. No separate health certificate or import permit is required for a compliant, vaccinated pet.
No. There is no quarantine for pets arriving from other EU countries with a valid EU pet passport. Your pet returns home with you on the day of arrival.
Yes. KLM and SAS both accept small pets in the cabin on Amsterdam-Copenhagen routes. The pet must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Check the specific weight limit and carrier dimensions with your chosen airline.
Yes. Denmark prohibits certain breeds including Pitbull Terriers, Tosa Inu, and several others. Check the current Danish list before travel if you have a large or muscular breed. Banned breeds may be refused entry and confiscated.
Dogs over 8kg (including carrier) must travel as cargo. Both KLM Cargo and SAS handle larger pets. The hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled. Book cargo space in advance and ensure your crate is IATA-compliant.
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations