Pet Transport Netherlands to Brazil: KLM Direct and NVWA Export Certificate
4-8 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
Low
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
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Overview
Amsterdam to São Paulo is one of the easier long-haul pet moves because KLM operates a direct AMS-GRU flight, Brazil requires no titre test, and no quarantine applies on arrival. The NVWA-endorsed health certificate and an antiparasitic treatment for dogs (1 to 15 days before arrival) are the main requirements. Budget four to eight weeks from start to travel day.
Step by step
The Netherlands to Brazil process
1
Before rabies vaccination. Note: Netherlands pets are typically already microchipped by law for dogs.
Implant ISO microchip
Responsible: Vet
2
After microchip. Allow 21 days before departure.
Rabies vaccination
Responsible: Vet
3
Between 1 and 15 days before arrival in Brazil.
Antiparasitic treatment (dogs only)
Responsible: Vet
4
At least 3 weeks before travel.
Book cargo on KLM AMS-GRU or alternative
Responsible: Owner or agent
5
Within 10 days before arrival in Brazil.
CVI issued and NVWA endorsement
Responsible: Official vet, NVWA
6
On arrival at Guarulhos.
MAPA inspection at GRU on arrival
Responsible: MAPA
Checklist
Brazil: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Implanted before rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Inactivated vaccine. At least 21 days after primary vaccination before entry. Not more than 12 months before entry for booster schedules.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Brazil does not require a FAVN titre test from the Netherlands.
Quarantine
No mandatory quarantine for dogs and cats with complete documentation.
Import permit
Not required for up to 2 personal pet dogs or cats per passenger.
Health certificate
CVI (Certificado Veterinário Internacional) in MAPA format. Issued by official vet and endorsed by NVWA. Valid 10 days from endorsement date.
Leaving Netherlands
Export requirements
Requirement
Detail
Export permit
No formal export permit required for personal pet dogs and cats from the Netherlands. The NVWA-endorsed health certificate is the export document.
Health certificate
EU-format health certificate issued by an official veterinarian and endorsed by NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit).
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Vaccinations and vet consultation: EUR 80 to EUR 250
2
CVI issuance and NVWA endorsement: EUR 60 to EUR 180
3
Antiparasitic treatment: EUR 20 to EUR 80
4
IATA-compliant travel crate: EUR 100 to EUR 500
5
Cargo airline fees (AMS to GRU): EUR 700 to EUR 2,200
6
Pet transport agent fee: EUR 350 to EUR 1,100
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ The CVI must be NVWA-endorsed, not just signed by a vet. The 10-day validity runs from the NVWA endorsement date.
⚠ Dogs require antiparasitic treatment 1 to 15 days before arrival. Keep the treatment record for MAPA.
⚠ Netherlands dogs are legally required to be microchipped at 7 weeks. Confirm the existing microchip meets ISO 11784/11785 before booking.
⚠ Brazil allows up to 2 personal pets per passenger without a formal import permit. More than 2 requires a separate MAPA process.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
KLM Cargo
Amsterdam (AMS) to São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) direct. KLM operates a well-established direct flight on this corridor. KLM Cargo accepts pets. The direct AMS-GRU route is a significant advantage for this move.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa Cargo
AMS via Frankfurt (FRA) to GRU. Lufthansa Cargo accepts pets.
Cargo Only
TAP Air Portugal Cargo
AMS via Lisbon (LIS) to GRU. TAP Cargo accepts pets.
Cargo Only
NVWA endorsement: what it involves
The NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) is the Dutch competent authority for animal health export certification. Your official vet issues the CVI in the MAPA-required format, and the NVWA endorses it with an official stamp and signature.
This endorsement is not just a rubber stamp: the NVWA reviews the document for accuracy before endorsing. Allow 2 to 5 working days for the endorsement, and remember the 10-day validity window starts from the endorsement date. Co-ordinate this with your KLM cargo booking.
KLM direct Amsterdam to São Paulo: the practical benefits
KLM’s direct Amsterdam to Guarulhos service means your pet travels without a connecting flight. Fewer connections mean less handling, shorter total journey time, and a simpler live animal logistics chain.
KLM Cargo has a live animal handling programme and facilities at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for pets awaiting cargo loading. Confirm crate size limits when booking, as hold space for large crates can fill up. Book at least 3 weeks in advance for peak travel periods.
FAQ
Common questions
No quarantine is required for dogs and cats from the Netherlands entering Brazil, provided documentation is complete. The MAPA inspection at Guarulhos is a documentary check, not a quarantine hold. MAPA verifies the microchip, vaccination, antiparasitic treatment, and the endorsed CVI. If all are in order, the pet is released immediately.
KLM Cargo accepts pets of various sizes, including large dogs in appropriate IATA-compliant crates. However, space for large crates in the hold is limited. Book cargo space as early as possible, provide the crate dimensions and estimated weight when enquiring, and confirm acceptance before purchasing the booking. KLM has specific crate dimension limits per aircraft type.
Brazil requires a current rabies vaccination with at least 21 days having passed after the primary vaccination before entry. If your dog’s last rabies vaccination is more than 12 months old, a booster is needed and the 21-day wait applies from the booster date. Confirm the current Dutch vaccination record with your vet before booking.
The MAPA inspector at GRU checks the NVWA-endorsed CVI, verifies the microchip number by reader, confirms the rabies vaccination date and product, and checks the antiparasitic treatment record for dogs. They also inspect the pet visually for health and absence of ectoparasites. The inspection takes 10 to 30 minutes for most arrivals. If documentation is complete, the pet is cleared for entry.