The USA to Netherlands is a well-travelled pet relocation route, used by expats moving to Amsterdam, The Hague, and the broader Dutch economy. The EU classifies the USA as an approved third country, meaning no titre test and no quarantine …
The United States to Netherlands pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Verify microchip is ISO 11784/11785 standard and pre-dates the rabies vaccination
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now. Non-ISO 15-digit chips (125 kHz FDX-A) are common in parts of the USA. EU scanners may not read them.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is current and at least 21 days old
Responsible: Your vet (USDA-accredited)
Allow time to update if needed.
3
Book airline cargo space. Transatlantic cargo must be booked well in advance.
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks ahead.
4
USDA-accredited vet issues health certificate
Responsible: USDA-accredited vet
Within 10 days of travel.
5
Submit certificate to USDA APHIS State Veterinarian office for endorsement
Responsible: Owner or vet office
Allow 2-5 business days for USDA endorsement. Some states offer expedited service.
6
Travel to Netherlands (Amsterdam Schiphol). NVWA inspection on arrival.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Netherlands
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before or on the same day as the first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days since primary vaccination before entry. Boosters within manufacturer's validity period.
Rabies titre test
Not required. The USA is listed as an approved third country by the EU and the Netherlands.
Quarantine
Not required for compliant arrivals.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
USDA APHIS-endorsed certificate accepted by Netherlands (NVWA). Valid for 10 days as entry document, then up to 4 months of EU travel.
Export permit (United States)
No formal US export permit for personal companion pets.
Costs
What this route typically costs
USDA-accredited vet health certificate: USD 150-350
USDA APHIS endorsement fee: USD 38 per certificate (plus any state fees)
Airline cargo USA to Amsterdam: USD 600-2,000 depending on carrier, route, and crate size
Travel crate (IATA-compliant): USD 60-300
Pet transport agent fee (optional): USD 500-1,200
Total typical range: USD 1,000 to USD 3,500
Critical points to read before you book
Microchip compatibility: the USA uses two chip standards. ISO 15-digit chips are EU-compatible. Older 9 or 10 digit chips (used in some American vets before the ISO standard was adopted) are NOT readable by European scanners. Verify your pet's chip is ISO 11784/11785 before the vet appointment.
USDA APHIS endorsement takes 2-5 business days and must happen after the vet signs the certificate. The 10-day entry window runs from the date the certificate is signed. Plan the vet appointment early enough to get the endorsement and still travel within the window.
Netherlands has strict rules on certain breeds. American Pit Bull Terriers are not specifically banned at the national level, but some municipalities have restrictions. More importantly, the Netherlands is a gateway to the EU: if you plan to travel onward to Belgium, Germany, or other countries, check breed restrictions there.
Air cargo on transatlantic routes can be affected by temperature embargoes in summer (June-August) and winter (December-January). Brachycephalic breeds face tighter restrictions year-round.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
KLM ROYAL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Multiple daily flights from major US cities to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Small pets in cabin on some transatlantic routes. KLM Cargo for larger animals.
Cabin and Cargo
UNITED
United Airlines
Newark to Amsterdam and other US cities to AMS. United Cargo for pet transport.
Cargo Only
DELTA AIR
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta and other hubs to Amsterdam. Delta Cargo service.
Cargo Only
AMERICAN
American Airlines
Philadelphia and other hubs to Amsterdam. American Airlines Cargo.
Cargo Only
The USDA APHIS endorsement: the step that trips people up
Many US owners know they need a vet health certificate for international travel. Fewer know about the USDA APHIS endorsement, which is a separate step that must happen after the vet signs the certificate.
Once your USDA-accredited vet has issued the health certificate, it must be submitted to the USDA APHIS State Veterinarian’s office in your state for endorsement (an official government seal and signature). This endorsement takes 2-5 business days at most state offices, though some offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
Here is why the timing matters: the health certificate is valid for 10 days from the date the vet signs it. If you have the certificate signed on Monday and it takes 4 business days to get the USDA endorsement, you receive the endorsed certificate on Friday. You then have 6 days left to travel. Build this into your schedule.
Microchip compatibility: the most common problem on US-to-EU moves
The United States historically used a 10-digit chip standard (125 kHz FDX-A) that is not compatible with ISO 11784/11785, the global standard used in Europe and most other countries. Many dogs vaccinated in the USA before 2016 have the older chip format.
European border scanners may not read the older 10-digit chip. If the chip cannot be scanned at the Dutch border, the microchip requirement is treated as not met, which triggers a problem with the health certificate.
Ask your vet to check the chip format and provide written confirmation of the chip number and standard. If it is not ISO 11784/11785, you need a new ISO-compatible chip implanted. The new chip must go in before any vaccination that counts toward EU entry requirements.
FAQ
Common questions about United States to Netherlands pet transport
No. The USA is listed as an approved third country by the EU, including the Netherlands. No titre test is required. Your pet needs a USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, a valid ISO microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), and a current rabies vaccination (at least 21 days since primary). No quarantine is required.
Typically 2-5 business days at most state USDA APHIS offices. Some states offer next-day or same-day expedited processing for an additional fee. Check the endorsement processing time for your specific state at aphis.usda.gov. Factor this into the 10-day window between the certificate being signed and your travel date.
Probably not. Older 9 or 10-digit chips used in the US are not ISO 11784/11785 standard and may not be readable by European scanners. Get your vet to check the chip standard and provide written confirmation. If it is not ISO, have a new ISO-compatible 15-digit chip implanted. The new chip must pre-date any vaccination that counts toward EU entry.
KLM is the natural choice for USA to Amsterdam, with extensive US departure cities and a well-established cargo pet programme at Amsterdam Schiphol. United Airlines from Newark is another strong option. Delta and American also fly to Amsterdam. For large breeds, all of these are cargo-only. Book well in advance, as transatlantic cargo spaces for large crates fill quickly.
Get a free, fully itemised quote for your United States to Netherlands pet move. Our specialists will map out the entire timeline and costs. No surprises.