GB
United Kingdom
✈️
NL
Netherlands
Pet Transport UK to Netherlands: 2026 Field Guide
4-8 weeks
Typical preparation
None
No quarantine required
Medium
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Regulations verified
Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities. How we source our data →
Overview
Moving a pet from the UK to the Netherlands requires an Animal Health Certificate, since GB pet passports are no longer valid for EU entry post-Brexit. The Netherlands has no import permit or quarantine for documented pets. You have good options: KLM allows pets in the cabin, the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry has pet cabins, and the Eurotunnel via France is a stress-free drive. Allow 4-8 weeks.
Step by step
The United Kingdom to Netherlands process
1
Verify now.
Confirm microchip pre-dates rabies vaccination and 21-day wait is complete
Responsible: Vet
2
Before booking. KLM cabin and the ferry to Hook of Holland are both popular.
Choose route: KLM (cabin possible), BA cargo, Eurotunnel drive, or ferry
Responsible: Owner
3
Ahead of travel; book early for peak dates.
Book flight, Eurotunnel crossing, or ferry
Responsible: Owner or agent
4
Within 10 days of travel.
Official Veterinarian issues Animal Health Certificate
Responsible: APHA-authorised OV
5
On travel date. Present AHC at EU point of entry if required.
Travel to the Netherlands
Responsible: Owner / airline / ferry
Checklist
Netherlands: entry requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. |
| Rabies vaccination | Required. At least 21 days must have passed since the primary vaccination course before EU entry. |
| Quarantine | Not required for pets with correct documentation. |
| Import permit | No import permit required for companion animals entering the Netherlands. |
| Health certificate | AHC issued within 10 days of travel, valid for EU entry and 4 months of onward EU travel. |
Leaving United Kingdom
Export requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No formal UK export permit required. |
| Health certificate | Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. GB pet passports are not valid for EU entry post-Brexit. |
Costs
What this route typically costs
| 1 | KLM cabin pet fee: approximately EUR 75 to EUR 125 per leg for small pets |
| 2 | Air cargo fee (larger pets): £600 to £1,800 from the UK to Amsterdam |
| 3 | Eurotunnel pet fee: £22 to £45 per pet, plus the vehicle booking |
| 4 | Ferry (Harwich to Hook of Holland) pet fee: £30 to £80 plus the crossing |
| 5 | AHC from Official Veterinarian: £150 to £400 |
| 6 | IATA-compliant travel crate (if cargo): £80 to £350 |
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ GB pet passports are NOT valid for EU entry post-Brexit. UK pets need an Animal Health Certificate for each journey into the Netherlands, even with an old GB passport.
⚠ The AHC is valid for 10 days from issue for EU entry and cannot be reused for a return trip. Each journey from the UK into the EU needs a new AHC.
⚠ KLM's cabin allowance is an advantage for small pets, but the pet plus bag must not exceed 8kg and must fit under the seat.
⚠ Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination, and the 21-day wait must be complete before EU entry.
⚠ For the return journey to the UK, dogs require tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before GB arrival, and a new AHC or equivalent.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Allows dogs and cats in the cabin (up to 8kg including bag) and cargo for larger pets. Amsterdam Schiphol hub.
British Airways
Heathrow to Amsterdam. Pets via IAG Cargo. No cabin pets on BA.
Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
Drive option via France. Pet stays in the car through the tunnel, then drive on to the Netherlands.
Stena Line / P&O (Hook of Holland)
Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland. Pet-friendly cabins and kennels on overnight sailings.
The post-Brexit AHC requirement
Since Brexit, GB-issued pet passports are no longer accepted for EU entry. To take your pet from Great Britain to the Netherlands, you need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
The AHC covers microchip, rabies vaccination, and health information. It is valid for EU entry and then 4 months of onward EU travel, and cannot be reused. The core animal requirements are unchanged: an ISO microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, and at least 21 days passed since the primary vaccination course.
Choosing how to travel
The Netherlands route offers several comfortable options. KLM allows small dogs and cats (up to 8kg including the bag) in the cabin, flying into Amsterdam Schiphol, which is convenient and low-stress for small pets. For those relocating with a vehicle, the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry (Stena Line) has pet-friendly cabins and kennels on the overnight sailing, letting you bring your car and pet together. Alternatively, the Eurotunnel via France keeps the pet in the car through the tunnel, then you drive on to the Netherlands. British Airways offers cargo for larger pets that cannot use the cabin.
FAQ
Common questions
No. GB-issued pet passports are not valid for EU entry post-Brexit. You need an Animal Health Certificate issued by an APHA-authorised Official Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. This applies even if your old GB passport has valid, current vaccinations recorded in it. The vaccinations remain valid; it is the GB passport document that the EU no longer accepts.
Yes, on KLM. KLM allows small dogs and cats in the cabin provided the pet plus bag weighs no more than 8kg and fits under the seat, flying into Amsterdam Schiphol. This is a comfortable option for small pets. British Airways does not allow cabin pets, so for BA your pet travels as cargo. For small pets, KLM cabin travel keeps your pet with you throughout the flight.
Yes, particularly if you are relocating with a vehicle. The Harwich to Hook of Holland route (Stena Line) is an overnight crossing with pet-friendly cabins and kennels, letting you bring your car and pet together. It avoids cargo handling entirely. The Eurotunnel via France is another drive option, keeping the pet in the car through the tunnel before you continue to the Netherlands.
No. The Netherlands does not quarantine pets arriving with correct documentation. With a valid AHC, an ISO microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, and a current rabies vaccination (21-day wait complete), your pet enters the Netherlands without quarantine and without an import permit.
Start your journey
Get Your Free Quote
Enter your pet's details and route
Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.