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Netherlands

Updated: April 26, 2026 Source: April 17, 2026

Pet Bird Regulations

Select the animal regulations you want to view:

Vaccinations

Description:

Rabies vaccination is required for entry into the Netherlands under EU rules. Timing and documentation requirements apply.

Primary rabies vaccination must be administered by a veterinarian at or after 12 weeks of age.
A minimum waiting period of 21 days after the primary rabies vaccination is required before entry.
Booster vaccinations must be kept current per the vaccine manufacturer’s validity; if a booster is administered before the previous vaccination expires, no new 21-day wait is required.

Certifications

Description:

For movements from other EU Member States, an EU Pet Passport documenting the pet’s microchip and valid rabies vaccination is used.

Description:

Pets arriving from outside the EU must enter with an EU Animal Health Certificate completed by an official/USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the competent authority (e.g., USDA). APHIS VEHCS is used for creating/submitting and obtaining USDA endorsement; carry a printed, endorsed certificate.

Certificate must be issued by an official/USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by the competent authority (USDA for U.S.-origin).
Certificate validity for entry is 10 days from the date of official issuance/endorsement for non-commercial movements.

Description:

EU non-commercial pet movement rules apply.

Maximum of 5 pets per traveler under non-commercial rules.
The pet must accompany the owner or an authorized person within 5 days of the owner’s travel.
Pets must not be intended for sale or transfer of ownership.
Entry must be via a designated EU travelers’ point of entry (TPE).

Microchip

A microchip compliant with ISO 11784/11785 must be implanted before (or on the same day as) the rabies vaccination. The chip must be readable at the border; if not ISO-compatible, bring your own reader. Tattoos are acceptable only if applied before 3 July 2011 and clearly legible.

Origin Requirements

No origin-specific requirements for this pet.

More Info

Travel from EU vs. third countries

Pets arriving from another EU country travel on an EU Pet Passport. Pets from third countries (non‑EU) require an EU Animal Health Certificate and, depending on the country of origin, may also need rabies serology and a 3‑month wait.

Entry points

Pets entering from third countries must arrive via designated EU entry points for travelers (TPE). The NVWA references the EU’s official list of TPEs.

Dog registration in the Netherlands

There are differing Dutch notices on timing: Government.nl indicates all imported dogs must be registered within 2 weeks of arrival, while NVWA indicates registration applies if the stay exceeds 3 months. Confirm with NVWA and your municipality for your situation.

Import-Specific Links

Government of the Netherlands – Can I bring a pet from another country to the Netherlands? NVWA – Travelling from EU countries to the Netherlands with your cat or dog NVWA – Travelling from third countries to the Netherlands with your cat or dog APHIS – Using the Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS) VEHCS Step‑by‑Step User Guide (PDF)

Official Source(s)

USDA Endorsement Offices Netherland_official website Travelling from third countries to the Netherlands Travelling from EU countries to the Netherlands NVWA – Travelling from third countries to the Netherlands with your cat or dog NVWA – Travelling from EU countries to the Netherlands with your cat or dog

Vaccinations

Description:

No routine vaccination is specified for entry; compliance is based on one of the EU pet bird certificate options below.

Certifications

Description:

Pet bird is isolated for at least 30 days prior to export under required conditions.

Bird must be identified (e.g., leg band, microchip/transponder, tag).
Exam and EU health certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 48 hours before departure; USDA endorsement required.

Description:

Pet bird is isolated for at least 14 days prior to export and tested for Avian Influenza H5/H7 at least 7 days after the start of isolation, with negative results.

Bird must be identified (e.g., leg band, microchip/transponder, tag).
Exam and EU health certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 48 hours before departure; USDA endorsement required.

Description:

Pet bird undergoes quarantine in an approved facility upon arrival in the EU/Netherlands, under official supervision.

Pre‑approval/arrangements are required for quarantine on arrival.
Exam and EU health certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 48 hours before departure; USDA endorsement required.

Description:

Travel under specific conditions authorized by the Netherlands as the Member State of destination (derogation). Prior authorization is required.

Obtain derogation/authorization from the Netherlands before travel.
Exam and EU health certificate issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 48 hours before departure; USDA endorsement required.

Microchip

Pet birds must be individually identifiable (e.g., leg band, tag, or microchip/transponder) as recorded on the EU pet bird certificate.

Origin Requirements

No origin-specific requirements for this pet.

More Info

General conditions

Up to 5 pet birds may travel under non‑commercial rules, must accompany the owner or an authorized person within 5 days of the owner’s travel, and are not for sale. Entry from third countries must be via designated EU travelers’ points of entry (TPE). Ensure the chosen option and endorsements are completed before travel.

Import-Specific Links

EU pet bird veterinary certificate – Option 1: 30‑day isolation (PDF) EU pet bird veterinary certificate – Option 2: 14‑day isolation + AI H5/H7 test (PDF) EU pet bird veterinary certificate – Option 3: quarantine on arrival (PDF) EU pet bird veterinary certificate – Option 4: derogation by MS of destination (PDF)