Bringing your dog or cat to the Netherlands from the USA in 2026

Last updated: September 6, 2026 — verified against official sources (European Commission, USDA APHIS, UK GOV.UK, US CDC).

The Netherlands applies the standard EU pet travel rules — and Amsterdam Schiphol is one of the busiest approved entry points for pets in Europe, so the process is well-trodden. Your USDA-endorsed EU health certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and the rabies vaccine must be at least 21 days old.

The 4 steps

• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785) first — Your pet must be microchipped BEFORE the rabies shot — a vaccination given before the chip does not count.
• Rabies vaccination ≥ 21 days before arrival — The vaccine must be given after the microchip and at least 21 days before entering the EU. It must stay valid on travel day.
• USDA-endorsed EU health certificate ≤ 10 days — A USDA-accredited vet issues the EU health certificate, then USDA APHIS endorses it. Valid 10 days from issue to arrival in the EU.
• Arrive via an approved EU point of entry — All main EU airports are approved for pets from the USA (Paris CDG, Madrid, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, Lisbon…).

Official sources

• European Commission — pet movement: food.ec.europa.eu/animals/movement-pets_en
• USDA APHIS pet travel: aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel
• US CDC dog import: cdc.gov/importation/dogs.html
• UK GOV.UK: gov.uk/take-pet-abroad