Bringing pets

12 Jun 2009

You may import animals to Holland if they are not meant to be traded or sold. Pets are very popular here, so pets products and services are plentiful. If you are bringing your pet from abroad, there are of course regulations to be followed.

Pet passport

If you wish to bring your cat or dog with you, it will need its own pet passport. To get this, you must have a veterinarian in the country you are moving from examine your pet.

This passport must list the following information:

The name of the owner and a complete description of the animal: breed, sex, age, colour, fur type and other specific marks.
A statement from the vet that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies and the date this was done.
A declaration from the veterinarian that your pet does not show any signs of disease.This must be dated less than 14 days before the date of departure from the country of residence.
Tatto or micro chip number

Pets being imported from an unlisted country require a blood test to confirm the rabies vaccination. The rabies vaccination must be given more than one month and less than one year before entering the Netherlands. If, upon arrival, your pet does not have a passport it will be vaccinated on the spot and will have to remain in quarantine for 30 days.

And, like all other offical documents presented in the Netherlands, this must be in in Dutch, English, French or German or it will have to be translated into one of these languages.

No quarantine is required if your pet is healthy and vaccinations are up-to-date.

Microchip implants

Pets must have a microchip implanted under the skin of the animal, programmed with an ID number that can be read using a scanner. The ID is linked to a European database containing information about the animal so that it is easier for authorities to reunite lost pets with their owners. If you have had a microchip implanted in your pet, it is worth getting it read to ensure that the number is recognised by the database. If it is not in the database, you can register it for a small fee. Do this at the vet's office.

Dog Tax (Hondenbelasting)

You do not need a permit for your dog in the Netherlands. However, there is a tax on dogs in many cities. They must be registered with the Municipal Tax Department (Gemeentelijke Belastingdienst). To do this, send a letter which includes your contact information, the date you arrived, and the number of dogs you have.
Note: Pit Bull Terriers are prohibited from import to the Netherlands.

Veterinary care

Veterinary care is excellent in the Netherlands. Most vets have a special time when you can stop by unannounced with your pet for a check up or vaccinations. You can call also them for an appointment. Usually you will receive a reminder from your vet when it's time for your pet's next vaccination.

Rules for Dog Owners

"Leash laws" apply, meaning dogs must be kept on a leash except in marked “dog run” areas (uitrengebied or uitlaatplek). Failure to do so is punishable by a €50 fine.
You must clean up after your dog everywhere in the city, including the “dog run” areas, punishable by a €75 fine.
Owners of seeing-eye dogs are not obliged to clean up after their dog.
Dog owners must carry a “pooper scooper” for this cleaning up at all times. You must be able to show that you have paper, plastic bags or a small scoop with you, punishable by a €50 fine.
No dogs are allowed in children's play areas or where posted "verboden voor honden" (dogs prohibited).