Netherlands (NL)
The Netherlands is a small, densely populated constitutional monarchy in Northwestern Europe, consistently ranked among the world's most liveable and progressive countries.
Bringing Pets to Netherlands
Requirements, costs and process for relocating with your pets.
Vaccinations
Restricted Breeds
Plus Some municipalities have additional restrictions — check with your gemeente
💰 Costs
Vet health check before travel: €60–150. EU Pet Passport (if issued abroad): €30–60. Microchip (if not already done): €25–60. Rabies vaccination: €30–60. Annual vet check in Netherlands: €50–100. Dog tax (hondenbelasting): varies by gemeente (see below).
🐕 Dog Tax / Registration
Hondenbelasting (dog tax): charged by some municipalities. Not all municipalities charge it. Amsterdam: €116.88/year for the first dog (2026); Utrecht: similar. Some municipalities (e.g., Rotterdam) abolished the dog tax. Check with your gemeente.
Register with a Dutch vet (dierenarts) as soon as possible after arrival. Find a vet via dierenkliniek.nl or referrals from expat communities. Dutch vets are generally excellent and costs are reasonable. Pet health insurance (dierenverzekering) is available and recommended for dogs and cats — costs €15–50/month.
📋 Relocation Process
1. Microchip your pet (ISO 15 digit standard chip — inserted BEFORE rabies vaccination). 2. Vaccinate against rabies (at least 21 days before travel for newly vaccinated animals). 3. Obtain an EU Pet Passport from your vet (if in the EU) or a health certificate from an accredited vet (if from a non-EU country). 4. For travel from approved non-EU countries (USA, Canada, Australia, etc.): USDA/government-endorsed health certificate. 5. On arrival in the Netherlands: no quarantine required for pets from EU countries or approved listed countries. 6. Register with a Dutch vet. 7. Register the dog with your gemeente if required (hondenbelasting). 8. Some municipalities require registration in a pet database.
The Netherlands is generally very pet-friendly. Dogs are welcome in many Dutch cafés (café / eetcafé), parks, and cycling paths. You can take small dogs on public transport (NS trains) in a carrier during off-peak hours. Dogs must be on a leash in most public areas. The Dutch are fond of dogs — expect friendly interactions. Some Amsterdam neighbourhoods require dog poop bags and enforce strict rules — poepzakjes dispensers are common in parks. Cats and dogs must be dewormed and defleaed regularly. For travel from the UK (post-Brexit): the UK is now a third country — tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus) is required for dogs entering from the UK, administered by a vet 1–5 days before arrival.