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Moving pets to the Netherlands from the UK involves specific health documentation, microchipping and travel rules. The rules differ depending on whether your pet is a dog, cat or other animal. They also depend on which route you take. Since the UK left the EU in January 2021, the rules have changed. Pets can no longer travel on just a UK pet passport.
The Netherlands' food and consumer product safety authority is the NVWA (Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit). NVWA governs the import of pets from third countries, including the UK. The rules are strict. Start the process at least four months before your planned move date.
International Removals Companies is a free matching service run by DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD. We don't carry out pet transport. We match each pet relocation enquiry with one FIDI-certified partner who handles animals as part of their service. We work with specialist removal companies and moving companies for Netherlands routes. They advise on the documentation and route. Free. No obligation.
Free matching. One FIDI-certified partner. No obligation.
The Netherlands follows EU rules for pet imports from third countries. The UK is now a third country. These rules apply from January 2021 and can be updated — always check the latest at english.nvwa.nl and GOV.UK Netherlands.
Pets can travel to the Netherlands by road via Eurotunnel or by ferry. Not all ferry routes accept pets in the same way. Check with the ferry operator before booking.
Folkestone to Calais: 35 minutes. Pets stay in the vehicle. A common choice for pet owners. Amsterdam is under 4 hours from the Channel. Check pet rules with Eurotunnel before travel.
Overnight. Pets may travel in a kennel on board or stay in the vehicle on the car deck. Check P&O's specific pet policy before booking. Rotterdam in the morning.
About 7 hours. Stena Line has pet-friendly cabins on some routes. Check their policy before booking. Lands in South Holland.
Overnight. DFDS has pet-friendly cabins. Check their latest policy at dfds.com. Lands near Amsterdam. Good for North England and Scotland.
Since January 2021, the UK is outside the EU. All goods shipped from the UK to the Netherlands need Dutch customs clearance. The vrijstelling voor verhuisboedel exemption removes import duty and 21% BTW on goods you've owned for at least six months. You must import everything within twelve months of taking up residence. Your partner mover files the claim through the Dutch Customs AGS system with a signed inboedellijst. You can't self-file.
Your matched partner mover picks the best crossing for your UK postcode and Dutch address. These are the four main options.
Folkestone to Calais: 35 minutes. Best for London and South East. Amsterdam in under 4 hours from the Channel.
Overnight ferry. Goods stay in vehicle. Rotterdam Europoort in the morning. Best for northern UK.
About 7 hours. South Holland near Rotterdam and The Hague. Good for East Anglia.
Overnight. Docks 20km from Amsterdam. Best for northern UK moves to Amsterdam and North Holland.
Actual prices depend on your volume, UK postcode, Dutch city and access. These are rough planning guides only. Your matched partner mover gives a firm quote after a survey.
£800 – £1,500
3 to 7 days
£1,200 – £2,000
1 to 2 days
£2,200 – £3,800
1 to 2 days
£3,500 – £5,500+
Priced after survey
The Netherlands uses the euro. The currency code is EUR. Once you arrive, most costs will be in euros. That includes rent, bills and food. Sort your currency exchange early. It saves money. It saves stress.
Your dog needs an ISO 15-digit microchip (implanted before the rabies vaccination), a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel, an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by an official UK vet within 10 days of travel, and a tapeworm (Echinococcus) treatment by a vet 1 to 5 days before entry. The old UK pet passport is no longer accepted. Check english.nvwa.nl for the latest rules.
Yes. Since January 2021, cats travelling from the UK to the Netherlands need an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by an official UK vet within 10 days of travel. They also need an ISO 15-digit microchip and a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before travel. The UK pet passport is no longer sufficient.
P&O Hull to Rotterdam, Stena Line Harwich to Hook of Holland and DFDS Newcastle to IJmuiden all allow pets, subject to their own policies. Rules vary by operator and route. Always check directly with the ferry company before booking. The Eurotunnel via Folkestone is also commonly used for pet travel, with pets staying in the vehicle.
At least four months before your planned move date. Your dog or cat needs a microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an EU Animal Health Certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Booking a vet appointment and organising the certificate takes time. Don't leave it until the week before.
Pets are not goods and don't trigger standard customs duty. However, they do need to enter through an approved entry point in line with NVWA rules. Your partner mover advises on the correct procedure for pets accompanying a household removal from the UK.
The NVWA (Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit) is the Netherlands' food and consumer product safety authority. It governs the import of animals from third countries, including the UK since January 2021. Compliance with NVWA rules is required for all pets entering the Netherlands from the UK. Check english.nvwa.nl for the latest guidance.
Different rules apply to rabbits, birds, reptiles and other animals. Some species require CITES permits. Birds from the UK need specific import authorisations. Check the NVWA website and your vet well in advance for the rules that apply to your specific animal.
FIDI FAIM is the top quality standard for removal companies. Ernst and Young audit each firm against more than 200 criteria every three years. We match pet relocation enquiries with FIDI FAIM-accredited partners, so the company coordinating your pet transport is fully vetted.
International Removals Companies is a free matching service. We don't carry out pet transport. Submit your enquiry and we match it with one vetted FIDI-certified partner who handles pet relocation to the Netherlands. They advise on documentation and route. No obligation. No charge.
FIDI FAIM is the top quality standard for removal companies. Ernst and Young audit each firm against more than 200 criteria every three years. The audit covers insurance, Dutch customs knowledge, staff training and claims handling. We only match Netherlands enquiries with FIDI FAIM-accredited partners.
International Removals Companies has operated since November 2010. We don't carry out removals. We connect each enquiry with one FIDI-certified removal company, free of charge. DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company 07425576, ICO ZB022743. Norman House, Saint Saviours Estate, Abbey Street, London, SE1 3DH. Working Member of AGM Group since 2010.
Send your UK address, Dutch delivery city, details of your pet and preferred travel date. We match you with one FIDI-certified partner for pet relocation to the Netherlands. Free. No obligation.
Get a Netherlands QuoteFree matching. One FIDI-certified partner. DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, operating since November 2010.
We connect pet relocation to the Netherlands and moving pets to Netherlands enquiries with one vetted FIDI-certified partner. DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, company 07425576, ICO ZB022743. Norman House, Saint Saviours Estate, Abbey Street, London, SE1 3DH. Working Member of AGM Group since 2010.
Prices, transit times, insurance and customs paperwork are confirmed by your partner mover before booking.