Travelling from third countries to the Netherlands

 

It’s important to check whether you are coming from a low risk or a high risk country regarding rabies, because the import requirements are different.

You can check this on the link of the EU website under the topic ‘non commercial movement of pets from third countries’.

Low risk countries rabies

(Third countries listed on Annex II of Regulation (EU) nr. 577/2013)

  • ID, a microchip applied before the first rabies vaccination or a readable tattoo applied before July 2011.
  • Dogs and Cats must be vaccinated against Rabies 21 days prior to entry in the EU.
  • Veterinary certificate according to Regulation (EU) nr. 577/2013 issued by an official veterinarian from the country the animal is travelling from. Or an EU Animal Passport according to Regulation (EU) nr. 577/2013 when the animal originates from the EU.

Note: Dogs, cats and ferrets under the age of 3 months from these low risk rabies countries can not enter the Netherlands. Young dogs, cats and ferrets are at least 15 weeks of age (3 months + 21 days) before they may travel to the Netherlands.

High risk countries rabies

(Third countries NOT listed on Annex II of Regulation (EU) nr. 577/2013)

  • ID, an microchip applied before the first rabies vaccination or a readable tattoo if applied before July 2011.
  • Veterinary certificate according to Regulation (EU) nr. 577/2013) issued by an official veterinarian from the country the animal is travelling from. Or an EU Animal Passport according to Regulation (EU) nr. 577/2013 when the animal originates from the EU.
  • A blood sample testing the rabies antibody level, must be drawn at least 30 days after vaccination against rabies
  • The blood sample must be tested by an EU approved laboratory.
  • The result of the rabies antibody level test must be at least 0,5 IE/ml.
  • If the result of the test is good, meaning 0,5 IE/ml or higher, the dog or cat can enter the EU after another three (3) months after the blood drawing. This period is for the possible presence of rabies despite the vaccination and positive blood test.
    • This 3-month period shall not apply to the re-entry of an EU pet animal whose passport certifies that the titration was carried out, with a positive result, before the animal left the territory of the EU.
    • The antibody test does not need to be renewed on a pet animal which has been revaccinated against rabies before the validity of the previous vaccination expires.

Note: Young dogs, cats and ferrets are at least 7 months of age (3 months after birth + 1 month later blood test + 3 months excluding possible presence of rabies) before they may travel to the Netherlands.

For more information