NL
DK

Pet Transport from the Netherlands to Denmark

The Netherlands to Denmark is one of the most relaxed international pet transport routes in Europe. Both countries are EU members, both apply standard EU pet travel rules, and the Amsterdam-Copenhagen …

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1-4
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
0
Days quarantine on arrival
Very Low
Route complexity
7
Airlines on this route
Step by step

The Netherlands to Denmark import process

01
Check records. Microchip number must match passport.
Verify microchip and EU pet passport are current

Responsible: Your veterinarian

02
21-day wait required after primary vaccination. Booster with no lapse: no waiting period.
Ensure rabies vaccination is valid

Responsible: EU-authorised veterinarian

03
1-2 weeks before travel for a direct KLM or SAS route.
Book flight and confirm cabin or cargo space

Responsible: You

04
Arrive early. EU pet passport at check-in.
Travel day

Responsible: You

Requirements

Denmark entry requirements

Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.

Microchip
Required (ISO 11784/11785). Implanted before or on same date as first rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. 21-day wait after primary vaccination before entry into Denmark.
Rabies titre test
Not required for pets from the Netherlands (EU country).
Quarantine
No quarantine for compliant pets.
Import permit
Not required.
Health certificate
EU pet passport is sufficient.
Leaving Netherlands

Export requirements

Export permit
{'required': False}
Health certificate
EU pet passport accepted for intra-EU travel. No separate health certificate needed.
Costs

What this route typically costs

Cabin pet fee (typically EUR 40-75 with KLM or SAS on this short route)
Cargo fee for larger pets (EUR 120-350)
IATA-approved carrier bag or crate
EU pet passport (if not already issued)

Critical points

Budget carriers on this route (Ryanair, easyJet) do not accept pets. Check policy before purchasing your own ticket.

21-day post-primary-vaccination wait applies. If vaccination is newly administered, delay travel until the wait has elapsed.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

AirlineNotesType
KLMNetherlands' own carrier. Excellent Amsterdam-Copenhagen connectivity. Small pets in cabin (up to 8kg). Larger pets as cargo. Direct flights typically under 2 hours.Cabin and Cargo
SASScandinavian Airlines. Small pets in cabin on European routes. Direct Amsterdam-Copenhagen services. Copenhagen is a SAS hub -- reliable routing for Denmark-bound pets.Cabin and Cargo
easyJetDoes not accept pets on any route. Not suitable for pet transport.No Pets
RyanairDoes not accept pets on any route. Not suitable for pet transport.No Pets
TransaviaTransavia (KLM's low-cost subsidiary) generally does not accept pets in cabin. Confirm directly before booking.No Pets
British AirwaysCargo only via London Heathrow. Indirect for this route -- only relevant if no direct options are suitable.Cargo Only
LufthansaSmall pets in cabin. Cargo for larger animals. Indirect via Frankfurt or Munich but an option if direct seats are unavailable.Cabin and Cargo

Airline comparison: Netherlands to Denmark

KLM and SAS are the two obvious candidates. KLM departs from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), which is convenient for most of the Netherlands. SAS connects Amsterdam to Copenhagen directly and Copenhagen is a SAS hub, meaning strong frequency and schedule reliability.

Both accept small pets in the cabin on this route. For larger dogs that must travel as cargo, both KLM Cargo and the cargo divisions of other major carriers handle the Copenhagen route competently.

Budget carriers easyJet and Ryanair operate on this corridor but do not accept pets. Transavia, KLM’s low-cost subsidiary, should be checked directly – their policies differ from KLM on pet acceptance.

For this short route (under 2 hours), in-cabin is strongly preferred for your pet’s welfare. Cargo is fine, but the journey is short enough that cabin travel is genuinely comfortable for a well-prepared animal.

EU pet passport: your key document

Both the Netherlands and Denmark recognise the EU pet passport as the definitive document for intra-EU pet travel. The passport records your pet’s microchip number, rabies vaccination history, and any other health treatments.

Make sure the passport is current. The microchip number should match exactly, and the rabies vaccination should be within its validity period. If the vaccination has expired, get a booster before travel – and allow the 21-day wait if the original vaccination certificate has lapsed and you are starting fresh.

No customs declaration is needed for pets travelling within the EU, though the passport may be checked by an official at the border or airport. The inspection is typically brief.

Dogs and Denmark: any special requirements?

Denmark has a list of breeds that are banned within the country. Pitbull Terriers, Tosa Inu, American Staffordshire Terriers, and several other breeds are prohibited. If you have one of these breeds, contact the Danish authorities before making any plans.

For most pets, no special requirements apply beyond the standard EU rules. Denmark does require tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus) for dogs arriving from some countries, but the Netherlands is covered under standard EU provisions. Ask your vet to confirm for your specific situation.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

No. An EU pet passport is sufficient for intra-EU pet travel. Both the Netherlands and Denmark are EU members. No separate health certificate or import permit is required for a compliant, vaccinated pet.
No. There is no quarantine for pets arriving from other EU countries with a valid EU pet passport. Your pet returns home with you on the day of arrival.
Yes. KLM and SAS both accept small pets in the cabin on Amsterdam-Copenhagen routes. The pet must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. Check the specific weight limit and carrier dimensions with your chosen airline.
Yes. Denmark prohibits certain breeds including Pitbull Terriers, Tosa Inu, and several others. Check the current Danish list before travel if you have a large or muscular breed. Banned breeds may be refused entry and confiscated.
Dogs over 8kg (including carrier) must travel as cargo. Both KLM Cargo and SAS handle larger pets. The hold is pressurised and temperature-controlled. Book cargo space in advance and ensure your crate is IATA-compliant.
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

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