Countries:
The Netherlands
Time to read: Approximately 4 minutes
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is the Animal Quarantine Authority for the entry of dogs to the Netherlands.
There are no separate Assistance Dog Travel Rules for the Netherlands. Follow the Standard (pet) Dog links provided.
Contact The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority
Be prepared
- Confirm any specific requirements with all Animal Quarantine Authorities before booking your trip. This includes both entering/leaving any country and all airline/cruise line requirements.
- The Travel Process can take several months so leave plenty of planning time for your trip.
Travel Rules for Standard (pet) Dogs
These links detail the process for Standard (pet) Dogs, which Assistance Dogs must also follow. Visiting these links will open another website.
Bringing all dogs into the Netherlands
The process for bringing all dogs into the Netherlands. Please be aware that the requirements differ depending on whether you are traveling from an EU member state or a third (non-EU) country.
Taking all dogs out of the Netherlands
The requirements for travelling from the Netherlands to another country with a dog.
We have provided a link to the NVWA's Export Assistant tool, which you can use to find the relevant export requirements by answering a few questions. Please note that this tool is available only in Dutch. You may be able to translate it using the Google Translate browser extension, but please keep in mind that translations are not always perfect. Additionally, we have included the contact details for the NVWA's export team, known as ECOA. We recommend contacting them to confirm the specific requirements that apply in your individual circumstances.
Means of Travel
Information relevant to travel via different modes of transport in the Netherlands.
Airlines
Individual airlines have their own eligibility criteria and requirements for carriage of an Assistance Dog. We have linked the policies of two airlines that are popular in the Netherlands; KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Transavia.
Miscellaneous Information
Extra information that is specific to the region or country.
Netherlands Public Access Laws
In the Netherlands, Assistance Dogs are permitted to access;
- Public buildings like a municipal office or library.
- Restaurants, cafés and hotels.
- Shops.
- Banks.
- Sports facilities and gyms.
- Public transport and taxis.
If access to these spaces is denied, it may be considered unlawful discrimination under the Equal Treatment on the Grounds of Disability or Chronic Illness Act, which we have linked. Please note that the Act is in Dutch, but you can translate it into your preferred language using the Google Translate browser extension. Please keep in mind that the translations are not always perfect.
Transit Requirements
The link provided will direct you to the NVWA website where you can find information on travelling with your Assistance Dog from a Third (non-EU) to the Netherlands via another country, and on travelling to another EU country via the Netherlands.
Animal Food Import Policy
Requirements for importing products for animal consumption into the EU.
Please note that different requirements apply depending on whether you are travelling within the EU, or are travelling to the EU from a non-EU country. Information can be found on the Your Europe website and in European Regulation no 206 of 2009, both of which we have linked here.
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