Official Import Rules
The Netherlands follows EU pet regulations. EU cats: EU Pet Passport with microchip and rabies vaccination.
Non-EU from listed countries: health certificate, microchip, vaccination. Non-listed: additionally FAVN titer test with 3-month wait.
The Netherlands is one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe.
Regulatory Update — April 2026
The EU's legacy pet movement regulation (No 576/2013) transitions to the new Animal Health Law framework on 21 April 2026. Core requirements remain unchanged — microchip, rabies vaccination, EU Pet Passport or Animal Health Certificate — but border authorities are now enforcing stricter document checking. In particular, the microchip-before-vaccination sequencing rule is being scrutinised more carefully: if your cat's rabies vaccination was administered before the microchip was implanted, that vaccination is invalid for EU entry. Ensure all documents are complete, correctly sequenced, and that microchip numbers match across every certificate before travelling.
Breed Import Ban — Hairless & Folded-Ear Cats
Since 1 January 2026, the Netherlands bans the keeping of hairless cats (such as the Sphynx) and folded-ear cats (such as the Scottish Fold). This ban applies equally to travellers bringing these breeds from abroad.
A transitional exemption exists, but both of the following conditions must be met:
- The cat must have been born before 1 January 2026.
- The cat must have been microchipped before 1 January 2026.
Cats born on or after 1 January 2026, or cats of these breeds without a pre-ban microchip, cannot be brought into the Netherlands under any circumstances.
Even cats covered by the transitional exemption may not participate in exhibitions, competitions or shows.
A violation of the ban carries an administrative fine of €1,500.
Medical Roadmap
Microchip
ISO 11784/11785 compliant.
Rabies vaccination
At least 21 days before travel.
EU Pet Passport
Issued by authorised vet. Covers microchip and vaccination records.
Health certificate
Required for non-EU arrivals. Issued within 10 days of travel.
Travel
No quarantine for compliant cats.
Preparation Checklist
4 weeks before
10 days before
Travel day
Cost Breakdown
Quarantine Information
None for compliant cats.
City & Housing Tips
Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague are very cat-friendly. The Netherlands was declared the first country with zero stray dogs in 2016. Finding pet-friendly rentals is straightforward — use Funda.nl and Pararius. Dutch rental law is generally pet-friendly.
Vets & Common Parasites
Excellent veterinary care throughout the country. The KNMvD (Royal Netherlands Veterinary Association) maintains a practice directory. The KLM Animal Hotel at Schiphol provides world-class transit care. 24-hour emergency clinics available in most cities.
Find Vets in NetherlandsExit Rules — Leaving Netherlands
EU Pet Passport for EU travel. Health certificate via Official Veterinarian for non-EU destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Excellent. Strong animal welfare laws, great vet care, pet-friendly rentals, and the world-class KLM Animal Hotel at Schiphol for transit.
Community Tips
Start the paperwork at least 4–6 months before your travel date. Airline pet policies change frequently — always confirm directly with your carrier close to departure.
Have you moved to Netherlands with your cat? Share your experience and help other travellers.
CatAbroad Editorial
Researched by cat lovers with real international relocation experience. Checked against official government sources and updated regularly. Found an error? Let us know.