Taking your cat or dog with you on holiday
If you want to take your cat or dog abroad with you, it will need to be microchipped and have a pet passport. This applies to countries both in and outside the European Union (EU). Your pet must also be vaccinated against rabies. This vaccination is available from your vet. Check with the country you are planning to visit whether any other conditions apply.
Last updated on 5 January 2026
Taking your cat or dog with you on holiday in the EU
Countries may set other conditions in addition to microchipping, an pet passport and rabies vaccination. For instance, your pet may need to have been dewormed.
Check the detailed rules when travelling in the EU with your dog, cat or ferret.
Taking your cat, dog or ferret with you on holiday outside the EU
If you are travelling outside the EU with your cat or dog, it will also need to have a European pet passport, and be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
Ask the embassy of country you are travelling to if any other conditions apply. Or check the detailed rules when travelling outside the EU with your dog, cat or ferret (in Dutch). Some countries may require an animal health certificate, for example.
Having a pet passport legalised
Some countries require pet passports to be legalised. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) can do this for you. Make an appointment to have the pet passport legalised well before your departure date.
Rules for the return journey
Before you go on holiday, check what the conditions are for returning to the Netherlands with your pet. These could be stricter than the conditions for taking your pet outside the Netherlands. For instance, your pet may need to have a blood test. Check the rules for ravelling to the Netherlands with your cat or dog on the NVWA website.
Please note: if your pet’s rabies vaccination expires while you are outside the EU, you cannot travel with the European pet passport. You will need an EU animal health certificate for your pet.
Travelling with other pets
Check what rules apply if you are travelling abroad with any other pets (in Dutch), such as birds or rodents. The rules for birds are often strict. For other species, an animal health certificate issued by a vet is usually sufficient. Some countries set additional requirements. The NVWA can tell you which animals may not travel abroad with you.
Laws and regulations
Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013