Bringing a dog from the Netherlands to the USA: rules 2026
Taking a dog from the Netherlands to the USA is a simple route. The Netherlands is a CDC-approved country, so no titer test, no import permit, and no quarantine are required. A valid rabies vaccination and appearing healthy are the key requirements.
Destination requirements
Dogs โ always
- appear healthy;
- โฅ6 months old;
- ISO microchip (15 digits), implanted before the rabies vaccination;
- CDC Dog Import Form (free, online; the receipt is valid 6 months).
From rabies-free / low-risk countries (EU, UK, Canada, etc. โ NOT on the CDC high-risk list): the CDC Dog Import Form receipt is enough. Any airport/port/border. No titer, certificate or quarantine.
From a HIGH-risk country, vaccinated in the USA: also a Certification of US-Issued Rabies Vaccination (CDC-endorsed); via an approved port.
From a HIGH-risk country, vaccinated abroad: also a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip + EITHER a valid titer (CDC-approved lab; vaccine โฅ30 days before the blood draw) OR a booked 28-day quarantine. Arrival by air only to 6 ports with a CDC-registered facility: JFK, LAX, MIA, SFO, ATL, IAD. Booking required.
Cats
CDC โ no mandatory requirements, must appear healthy; USDA APHIS โ no requirements; microchip not federally required (recommended). The destination state may require a rabies vaccination.
Breeds & health
No federal breed restrictions (state/city rules may apply). Extra USDA vet inspection (within 10 days of departure) for dogs from countries with New World screwworm or foot-and-mouth disease.
Official sources
- CDC โ Bringing a dog into the United States โ
- CDC โ Dogs vaccinated abroad from high-risk countries โ
- USDA APHIS โ Another country to the US (import) โ
- CDC โ High-risk countries for dog rabies โ
- โ ISO 11784/11785 microchipping before rabies vaccine timeline
- โ Rabies titer blood test (RNATT) & mandatory 90-day waiting period
- โ Airport transit zone regulations, international vet certificates & EU pet passport
โ Your Checklist is Ready!
We have reserved your guide. Download the PDF directly:
โ๏ธ IATA-Approved Pet Carriers & Spill-Proof Water Bowls
Important: airlines will deny boarding without an IATA-compliant crate or approved cabin carrier. Secure verified airline gear in advance:
IATA Airline-Approved Cabin Carrier
Fits under the seat on Turkish, FlyDubai, Lufthansa, Delta, Emirates. 3-sided mesh ventilation, waterproof bottom, safety leash ring.
Heavy-Duty IATA Live Animal Cargo Crate
Impact-resistant rigid shell, steel door with central squeeze latch, secured with metal nuts & bolts (plastic latches strictly banned).
No-Drip Water Bottle & Dual Kennel Bowl
External refill spout allows airline ground staff to replenish water without opening the crate door during flight connections.
Emergency Pet Relocation Kit ($19)
Complete digital relocation toolkit for emergency and planned travel with pets. Everything you need in one verified pack:
- ๐ International Vet Certificate filled sample templates (EU, USDA, APHIS, Non-Commercial)
- ๐จ Emergency step-by-step SOP for flight delays, boarding denials & airport lost pet protocols
- ๐ Airline dispute & complaint letter templates + 24/7 on-call relocation specialist contact
๐งณ Essential Travel Services for Flying with Pets
FAQ
Do I need a titer test to bring a dog from the Netherlands to the USA?
No. The Netherlands is CDC-approved, so no titer test is required.
Is there quarantine for dogs from the Netherlands entering the USA?
No quarantine for healthy, vaccinated dogs from the Netherlands.
Is a microchip required for a dog from the Netherlands entering the USA?
Yes โ microchip is required since the dog was vaccinated outside the US.
How long before travel should I prepare?
A few weeks is usually enough if your dog's rabies vaccination is already current. Bring all vaccination records and a vet health certificate.