The Netherlands is truly one of the best countries in Europe for pet owners. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere — in cafes, restaurants, trains, and many shops — and the country even prides itself on being the first in the world to have eliminated stray dogs entirely. Cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam are especially welcoming, offering off-leash parks, dog-friendly terraces, and a culture that genuinely embraces four-legged companions.

Planning to relocate to the Netherlands with a pet? This complete guide has you covered. From microchips, vaccinations, and breed rules to finding a pet-friendly rental in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and beyond, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. Moving here does require paperwork, planning, and awareness of a few rules that often catch expats off guard. Use this checklist to prepare before you travel, navigate what to sort out upon arrival, and manage the ongoing responsibilities of pet ownership in the Netherlands.

Part 1: Before You Travel

‍Step 1 - Check Whether Your Pet Can Enter

The first question is whether your pet is even permitted to enter the Netherlands in its current state. The key requirements are:

• Microchip: Your pet must have an ISO-standard microchip (15-digit). This must be implanted before — or on the same day as — the rabies vaccination. A tattoo is only accepted if it was applied before 3 July 2011 and is clearly legible.
• Minimum age: Pets must be at least 15 weeks old to enter the Netherlands.
• Rabies vaccination: All dogs and cats over 12 weeks must be vaccinated against rabies, and the vaccination must have been given after the microchip was implanted. First-time vaccinations require a 21-day waiting period before travel. Booster vaccinations are immediately valid if given before the previous one expires.

Coming from the US, UK, or non-EU country? You will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official veterinarian — not just any vet. The AHC must be issued no earlier than 10 days before your arrival in the Netherlands. It is valid for 10 days for entry, then for 4 months of onward EU travel (or until the rabies vaccine expires, whichever comes first). Book your official vet appointment well in advance as availability can be limited.

Coming from another EU country? Your pet needs a valid EU Pet Passport with an up-to-date rabies vaccination recorded by a vet. No additional certificate is required for travel between EU member states.

Step 2 - Get the EU Pet Passport (Once You Arrive)

If you're arriving from outside the EU with an AHC, your first priority after landing is to obtain an EU Pet Passport issued by any authorised vet in the Netherlands. This document replaces your AHC for all future European travel and stays valid for the life of your pet, as long as the rabies vaccination remains current. The passport costs between €20 and €70 depending on the vet.

Step 3 - Check Breed Restrictions

The current system assesses individual dog behaviour rather than breed. However, individual municipalities retain the right to impose their own rules — around 20 breeds are considered higher risk, and some require owners to complete a mandatory handling course and may require dogs to be muzzled in public.

If you own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa, or American Bully, check the specific rules of your destination municipality before you arrive. This is especially important if you’re moving to a larger city like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, where local rules may be stricter.

New from January 2026: It is now prohibited in the Netherlands to keep Scottish Fold cats (folded ears) or hairless cats as new pets, due to the suffering caused by their genetic traits. If you already own one of these breeds, you may keep them but they must be microchipped. You cannot breed from them or acquire new ones.

Step 4 - Sort Out Your Travel Arrangements

Airlines and routes vary significantly in their pet policies. Key things to confirm:

• Cabin vs. hold: Small cats and dogs (typically under 8kg including carrier) can often travel in the cabin. Larger dogs must travel in the hold. Some airlines do not permit pets in the hold at all — check early.
• IATA-approved carrier: Your pet's travel crate must meet IATA standards — sturdy, ventilated, and large enough for your pet to stand and turn.
• Fly direct to Amsterdam Schiphol where possible: This minimises stress and avoids transit complications. Schiphol is an approved Border Inspection Post for dogs and cats entering from outside the EU.

Part 2: When You Arrive

Step 5 - Register Your Dog with the Municipality

Dogs must be registered with your local municipality (gemeente) within 14 days of arrival. You will need your BSN (citizen service number), your address, and your dog's microchip number. Cats do not need to be registered with the municipality. If you’re settling in Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam or Den Haag, registration can usually be done online through the gemeente website.

Step 6 - Find a Vet (Dierenarts)

Register with a local vet as soon as you settle in. Ask neighbours or colleagues for recommendations, or search Google Maps for "dierenarts." Most Dutch vets speak English.

Part 3: Practical Life with a Pet in the Netherlands

Leash rules and public spaces: Dogs must be kept on a leash in residential areas and on paved public roads. Off-leash areas (losloopgebieden) exist in most cities and are marked with signage. Your vet or municipality website can tell you where these are. You must always clean up after your dog (opruimplicht). Fines for failing to do so can be up to €150 depending on the municipality.

Trains and public transport: Small dogs and cats in a carrier (able to sit on your lap) can travel free on NS trains. Larger dogs require a day ticket (dagkaart hond, approximately €3.30–€3.70) and must be leashed. Dogs on trams and metro are generally permitted for free but must stay off seats. Always check NS and GVB websites for current rules.

The Netherlands is very dog-friendly: If you're worried your dog will be made to feel unwelcome, put those concerns aside. Dutch culture genuinely embraces dogs. Many cafes, restaurants, and shops allow well-behaved dogs inside. Supermarkets and some office buildings are the main exceptions. Amsterdam, in particular, has more dogs per capita than almost any city in Europe.

Let Expat Home Finders Help

You've got enough to think about between microchips, vet appointments, and travel crates. Finding a home that actually welcomes your pet shouldn't be another concern.

At Expat Home Finders, we specialise in matching expats with pet-friendly homes across the Netherlands — Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Haarlem, Den Haag and beyond. We handle viewings, offers, negotiations and paperwork so you can focus on your move, not the search.

Ready to find a home your whole family — pets included — will love? Explore our services and let’s get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I bring my dog to the Netherlands? Yes, you can. Your dog needs a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if you’re coming from outside the EU. EU residents need a valid EU Pet Passport.‍
• Do I need a pet passport to move to the Netherlands? If you’re coming from another EU country, yes — your existing EU Pet Passport is all you need. Coming from outside the EU, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate first, then get an EU Pet Passport once you arrive.‍
• Are there dog breed restrictions in the Netherlands? The Netherlands no longer has a national breed ban. However, around 20 breeds are considered higher risk and some municipalities have their own rules. Always check your specific city — Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht may each have different requirements.‍
• How long does it take to get my pet ready to move to the Netherlands? At minimum 3 weeks — due to the 21-day waiting period after a first rabies vaccination. If you need to find an official vet and book appointments, start at least 6–8 weeks before your move.‍
• Can I find a pet-friendly rental in the Netherlands? Yes, but it requires the right search. At Expat Home Finders we specialise in finding pet-friendly homes for expats across Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and the wider Randstad — we handle the whole process so you don’t have to worry about it.
• ‍Are cats allowed in the Netherlands? Yes. The requirements are the same as for dogs — microchip, rabies vaccination, and AHC or EU Pet Passport depending on where you’re coming from.‍
• Do I need to register my dog when I move to the Netherlands? Yes. Dogs must be registered with your local municipality (gemeente) within 14 days of arriving. You’ll need your BSN number, your address and your dog’s microchip number. Cats don’t need to be registered.
• ‍Can I take my dog on public transport in the Netherlands? Yes. Small dogs and cats in a carrier travel free on NS trains. Larger dogs need a day ticket (dagkaart hond) which costs around €3.30–€3.70. Dogs are generally allowed on trams and metro for free but must stay off the seats.
• ‍Are dogs allowed in cafes and restaurants in the Netherlands? Yes — the Netherlands is very dog-friendly. Most cafes, restaurants and shops in Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam welcome well-behaved dogs. Supermarkets and some office buildings are the main exceptions.
• ‍Do I need to keep my dog on a leash in the Netherlands? Yes, dogs must be on a leash in residential areas and on public paved roads. Most cities have designated off-leash areas called losloopgebieden — your vet or municipality website can tell you where these are.
• ‍What happens if I don’t clean up after my dog in the Netherlands? You can be fined up to €150 depending on the municipality. Cleaning up after your dog (opruimplicht) is a legal requirement.‍
• Can I keep a Scottish Fold cat in the Netherlands? From January 2026 it is no longer permitted to acquire new Scottish Fold or hairless cats in the Netherlands due to animal welfare concerns. If you already own one you can keep it but it must be microchipped and cannot be bred from.

^{Written by Amy & Anna, Relocation Specialists at Expat Home Finders}

^{Published March 2026 on expathomefinders.nl — your local experts for expat housing in the Netherlands}

^{Disclaimer: Pet import requirements and regulations can change. Always verify current rules with the NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) and your veterinarian before travel.  |  Sources: NVWA | USDA APHIS — US to Netherlands | Your Europe — EU Pet Travel Rules | Government.nl — Pet Welfare | ExpatINFO Holland — Pets | DutchReview — Relocating Your Pet | IWCN — Dog Taxes}