Traveling to the US with a Dog or Cat: CDC Import Rules for Dutch Pet Owners

Yes, you can take your dog or cat from the Netherlands to the United States. But the rules changed in 2024: the CDC now requires every dog entering the US to be at least 6 months old, microchipped, and covered by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Cats face no CDC requirements at all. Here is exactly what Dutch pet owners need to know before booking that flight.

Can I Take My Dog or Cat to the US?

Both dogs and cats can enter the US from the Netherlands. The good news is that the Netherlands is on the CDC's list of rabies-free countries, which keeps the paperwork manageable. The bad news is that the CDC's dog import rules, which took effect on August 1, 2024, are strict — and missing one requirement can mean quarantine or being sent back.

Cats are a different story: the CDC does not regulate cat imports, so no rabies vaccination, no blood test, and no CDC form is required for cats. You only need to meet airline and general health requirements.

CDC Dog Import Rules: What Changed in 2024?

On August 1, 2024, the CDC introduced a single set of entry requirements for all dogs arriving in the US, replacing the old patchwork of country-specific rules. Every dog, regardless of origin, must now meet these five requirements:

• Be at least 6 months old at the time of arrival in the US
• Have a microchip that is ISO 11784/11785 compatible (a 15-digit chip)
• Appear healthy at the border — no signs of contagious disease
• Be covered by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt (valid for 30 days)
• Arrive at one of the 18 US airports with a CDC quarantine station, unless a special permit applies

The exact documents you need after that depend on where your dog has spent the past 6 months — and that is where traveling from the Netherlands makes things easier.

Requirements for Dogs Traveling From the Netherlands

Because the Netherlands is classified as rabies-free by the CDC, your dog does not need a rabies titer (blood) test, and a rabies vaccination certificate is not mandatory for entry. You do need to prove your dog has been in a rabies-free country for the past 6 months (or since birth).

• CDC Dog Import Form receipt — submitted online at the CDC website, free of charge
• Proof your dog has been in the Netherlands (or another rabies-free country) for the last 6 months — vet records, boarding records, or a signed statement work
• Microchip certificate or documentation showing the 15-digit ISO chip number
• EU Animal Health Certificate — issued by an approved Dutch vet within 10 days of departure

If your dog visited a country with a high risk of dog rabies during the past 6 months, the rules change: you then need a valid rabies vaccination AND a rabies titer test from a CDC-approved laboratory, with the blood drawn at least 30 days after vaccination.

Requirements for Cats Entering the US

The CDC does not regulate cats entering the US. That means no rabies vaccination, no titer test, and no CDC form is required for a cat. The requirements that do apply come from the airline and from general health rules:

• The cat must appear healthy — no signs of infectious disease
• Most airlines require a health certificate from a vet issued shortly before departure
• The EU Animal Health Certificate is still required to leave the EU with a cat
• Some US states have their own rules — Hawaii, for example, has a strict quarantine program, so check your final destination

The CDC Dog Import Form, Explained

The CDC Dog Import Form is a free online form on the CDC website (cdc.gov/dogimportform). You fill in your details, your dog's microchip number, and your travel dates. If you submit it online, you receive a receipt immediately. The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued — your dog must arrive in the US within that window.

If you use the fillable PDF version instead, the CDC reviews your submission and emails an approved receipt, which takes up to 2 business days. The online form is faster and is the recommended route for most travelers.

Step-by-Step: Bringing Your Dog From the Netherlands to the US

Here is the practical timeline, starting about 3 months before your flight:

1. Check the age and microchip — your dog must be at least 6 months old and have a 15-digit ISO microchip. If your dog is not chipped, book the procedure with your vet first (it takes one visit).
2. Rabies vaccination (if needed) — even though it is not mandatory for entry from a rabies-free country, most airlines and the EU Animal Health Certificate process require a valid rabies vaccination. The EU rule: the first vaccination must be given at least 21 days before travel.
3. Get the EU Animal Health Certificate — an approved Dutch veterinarian issues this within 10 days before departure. The certificate is valid for 10 days, so time your vet visit carefully.
4. Submit the CDC Dog Import Form — do this online after your travel dates are confirmed. Keep the receipt on your phone and print a paper copy for the check-in desk and border officials.
5. Book the flight — reserve your dog's spot with the airline early (cabin pets are limited to a few per flight). Confirm the arrival airport is one of the 18 CDC-designated airports.
6. Fly and present documents — at US border control, show your CDC receipt, EU Animal Health Certificate, and microchip documentation. Your dog is inspected and cleared on the spot in most cases.

How Much Does It Cost to Bring a Dog or Cat to the US?

The total cost depends on your pet's size (cabin vs. cargo) and which services you already have. A realistic budget for a Dutch traveler:

• Microchip: €30-60 (one-time, if your pet is not already chipped)
• Rabies vaccination: €40-80 per shot
• EU Animal Health Certificate: €40-100 from an approved vet
• CDC Dog Import Form: free
• Rabies titer test (only if your dog was in a high-risk country): €150-250
• Airline pet fee — cabin (small dogs and cats): €100-250; cargo hold (larger dogs): €300-700

Expect to budget roughly €300-800 total for a small dog traveling in the cabin, and more for a large dog that must fly in the cargo hold.

The 18 Designated US Airports for Dog Arrivals

Dogs arriving by air must land at one of the 18 US airports with a CDC quarantine station: Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), El Paso (ELP), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington Dulles (IAD).

Most direct flights from Amsterdam land at JFK, Newark, or Atlanta — all three are designated airports. If your final destination is served by a smaller airport, book a connecting flight through one of the 18, or check whether a CDC permit allows an alternative arrival.

Flying With a Pet From Amsterdam: What to Know

KLM and other airlines flying from Schiphol accept small dogs and cats in the cabin (usually up to 8 kg including the carrier, placed under the seat in front of you) and larger dogs in the climate-controlled cargo hold. Cabin space is very limited — typically 1-4 pets per flight — so book as early as possible.

One important summer warning: many airlines impose a heat embargo on pets in the cargo hold during June-August, when temperatures at US airports exceed safe limits. If you are traveling in summer with a large dog, book a morning flight or consider spring or fall travel. Cats and small dogs in the cabin are usually not affected.

Common Mistakes Dutch Pet Owners Make

1. Flying without the CDC Dog Import Form receipt — this is the #1 reason dogs are denied entry or quarantined. The form is free and takes 10 minutes online.
2. Booking a flight to a non-designated airport — your dog must arrive at one of the 18 CDC airports unless you have a special permit.
3. Trying to bring a puppy under 6 months old — the CDC age rule is absolute, no exceptions for small breeds.
4. Using a non-ISO microchip — US scanners read 15-digit ISO chips; an older 9- or 10-digit chip may not be detected.
5. Letting the EU Animal Health Certificate expire — it is valid for only 10 days, so plan the vet visit just before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats need a rabies vaccination to enter the US?

No. The CDC does not require rabies vaccination, a titer test, or any CDC form for cats entering the US. Your cat only needs to appear healthy and meet airline requirements, plus the EU Animal Health Certificate to leave the Netherlands.

Can I bring a puppy younger than 6 months to the US?

No. The CDC requires all dogs entering the US to be at least 6 months old, with no exceptions. If your puppy is younger, you will need to wait until it reaches 6 months before traveling.

How long is the CDC Dog Import Form receipt valid?

The receipt is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your dog must arrive in the US within that window. If your travel dates change, submit a new form.

Do I need a rabies titer test for my dog?

Only if your dog has spent time in a country with a high risk of dog rabies during the past 6 months. Dogs coming straight from the Netherlands — a rabies-free country — do not need a titer test.

Which airlines allow pets from Amsterdam to the US?

KLM, Delta, and United all accept pets on transatlantic routes. Small dogs and cats can fly in the cabin (subject to weight limits and space), while larger dogs travel in the cargo hold. Always confirm pet policies directly with the airline when booking.

What happens if my dog arrives without the CDC form?

The dog may be denied entry, placed in quarantine at the owner's expense, or returned to the Netherlands. Avoid this by submitting the free online CDC Dog Import Form before you fly and carrying the receipt with you.

The Bottom Line

Bringing a pet to the US from the Netherlands is very doable: the Netherlands' rabies-free status keeps dog paperwork simple (microchip + CDC form + EU health certificate), and cats face no CDC rules at all. The keys are starting early, booking cabin space or cargo space months ahead, and arriving at one of the 18 designated airports. Check the official CDC dog import page before you fly, since rules can change.

Planning the rest of your US trip? Read our complete ESTA guide for Dutch citizens, check the US airports guide, and make sure you have the right travel insurance for your trip.

Ready to apply for your ESTA? Start your application here — it takes about 15 minutes.