Shipping your dog from Germany to Netherlands is a process that rewards early planning.
This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.
The paperwork is the hard part. Once everything is in order, the journey itself is well-managed.
Germany vs Netherlands: Requirements Compared
| Requirement | Germany (exit) | Netherlands (entry) |
|---|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO standard) | Required (ISO 11784/11785) |
| Rabies vaccination | Required before departure | Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel |
| Rabies titre test | — | Not required for EU, UK, and certain third countries. |
| Health certificate | Required from official vet | Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 days from issue |
| Quarantine | — | No routine quarantine for compliant pets |
| Export permit | No formal export permit for pets. Health certificate and EU pet passport serve as documentation. | — |
| Import permit | — | EU pet passport or health certificate |
Timeline from Start to Arrival
- Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard) First step: must be done before any vaccinations. Your veterinarian
- Rabies vaccination After microchip. 21-day wait before next steps. Your veterinarian
- Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space 2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly. You (or your pet transport agent)
- Obtain official veterinary health certificate Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement) Official veterinarian
- Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk 3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin You + airline check-in/cargo desk
Cost Breakdown
| # | Factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Airlines That Serve This Route
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Documents Checklist
Leaving Germany
- Export permit
- Microchip documentation
- Vaccination records
Entering Netherlands
- Health certificate (Required. Issued by: Official veterinarian. Valid for 10 …)
- Import permit
- Titre test certificate
- Microchip verification
- Rabies vaccination record
What Owners on This Route Often Miss
Understanding Netherlands's pet import rules
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Germany to Netherlands is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
EU member state. EU pet travel rules apply.
Things to sort before you book
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Questions Owners Ask About This Route
How long does it take to prepare a pet for transport from Germany to Netherlands?
Does my pet need to quarantine when entering Netherlands?
Is a rabies titre test required for pets entering Netherlands?
What health certificate does my pet need for this route?
Compare with Similar Routes
Start your journey
Get Your Free Quote
Enter your pet's details and route
Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.