Pet Shipping - Pet Import Requirements in Netherlands

Pet Import Requirements in Netherlands

There is significant difference between pet animals (dogs, cats and ferrets, with a maximum 5 animals per owner) and commercial animals (dogs, cats and ferrets).

An animal is considered a pet animal when the proprietor or a representative of the proprietor accompanies the animal during travel from the exporting country and is familiar with the history and environment of the pet in the exporting country.

Pet animals under 3 months of age originating in a country mentioned in Annex II to Commission Regulation EC 998/2003 (USA is on the list) may enter the EU without a valid anti-rabies vaccination if the proprietor, travelling with the pet, can certify that the pet resided in the exporting country in the same place as its place of birth, and had no contact with animals which could have been infected with rabies.
When the animal is travelling alone it is considered a commercial animal, even if it is not intended for sale and is kept as a pet by its proprietor. Such animals can’t be imported without a valid anti-rabies vaccination. The anti-rabies vaccination cannot be administered before the age of 3 months and is only valid 3 weeks after vaccination.

For commercial animals from countries mentioned in Annex II to Regulation EC 998/2003 (including USA) import to the EU is not permitted before the age of 3 months and 3 weeks.