Travelling with a pet through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is relatively straightforward when the correct airline reservation and veterinary documents are arranged in advance. However, the requirements can change significantly depending on whether you are travelling within the European Union or arriving from a country outside the EU. Schiphol allows dogs in its departure and arrival halls, but they must remain on a lead or otherwise secured. The airport does not provide dedicated dog toilets, so passengers travelling with pets should prepare for this before entering the terminal.

Pets Inside Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Schiphol allows passengers to bring dogs into the terminal, but there are a few airport-specific rules worth knowing before you arrive.

Keep Dogs on a Lead
Dogs in Schiphol’s departure and arrival halls must remain on a lead or otherwise secured.
No Dedicated Dog Toilets
Schiphol does not have dedicated dog toilets. Bring bags and anything else you may need to clean up after your pet.
Kennel Rules After Arrival
If your pet travels in a kennel, Schiphol states that you may take the animal out in the arrival hall only after passing Customs when leaving the reclaim hall.

How Can Your Pet Fly From Amsterdam?

Your airline determines whether your pet can travel in the cabin, in the aircraft hold or as cargo. Availability can also depend on aircraft type, route, breed and destination.

In the Cabin

Some airlines accept small dogs and cats in an approved carrier under the seat, usually subject to a combined pet-and-carrier weight limit.

In the Hold

Larger pets may be accepted in a ventilated and temperature-controlled section of the aircraft hold on eligible flights.

As Cargo

Cargo transport may be required for some animals, routes, larger kennels or pets travelling separately from their owner.

Airline Pet Policies and Fees at AMS

Pet policies vary considerably between airlines. The table below provides a planning guide for 20 major airlines serving Amsterdam Schiphol. Fees can change according to route, kennel size, weight and booking conditions, so always confirm the final price directly with your airline.

Airline Cabin Hold / Cargo Pet Fee Guide
KLM Up to 8 kg Hold up to 75 kg on eligible flights Cabin: around EUR 200
Hold: around EUR 400 on applicable routes
Air France Small pets on eligible flights Hold on eligible routes Route and transport option based
Lufthansa Small dogs and cats Medium/large kennels From about EUR 50 cabin
Hold from about EUR 100–200
SWISS Small pets on eligible flights Hold available Route and kennel-size based
Austrian Airlines Small pets on eligible flights Hold available Route and transport option based
Turkish Airlines Up to 8 kg Above 8 kg in hold Route and weight based
Finnair Small pets on eligible flights Hold on eligible flights Route based
TAP Air Portugal Small pets on eligible routes Hold available Route and weight based
Iberia Small pets accepted Hold on eligible routes Route and transport option based
Vueling Eligible pets in cabin No Regular Hold Pet Service Route based
SAS Small pets on eligible flights Hold available Route and booking based
LOT Polish Airlines Small pets in cabin Hold available Route and weight based
ITA Airways Small pets on eligible flights Hold depending on route Destination and weight based
Emirates Regular pets generally not in cabin Hold / cargo depending on journey Weight and kennel-size based
Qatar Airways Regular cabin pets restricted Hold / cargo Weight and route based
Delta Air Lines Eligible small pets in cabin Restrictions apply International cabin guide: around EUR/USD/CAD 200
United Airlines Eligible small pets in cabin Regular passenger pet hold service limited Route-specific cabin fee
American Airlines Cabin subject to route restrictions Cargo arrangements may apply Route-specific pricing
Air Canada Small pets on eligible routes Hold on eligible flights Route and transport option based
British Airways Regular pets generally not in cabin Pet cargo service Cargo quotation required
Before booking: Pet fees are separate from normal baggage allowances and can change by route. Aircraft restrictions can also prevent pets from travelling in the hold on particular flights.

KLM Pet Travel From Amsterdam

As Schiphol’s main hub carrier, KLM is one of the most important airlines for passengers travelling with pets through Amsterdam.

Cabin
One cat or dog may travel in an approved carrier on eligible flights, with a combined pet-and-carrier limit of 8 kg.
Hold
Larger dogs and cats may travel in the hold on eligible aircraft, subject to kennel and combined-weight restrictions.
Reservation
Pet space is limited. Add the animal to your booking as early as possible rather than waiting until airport check-in.

Bringing a Pet From Another EU Country

Travelling to Amsterdam from another EU country is generally simpler because pet travel rules are harmonised across the European Union.

Microchip
Your pet must have an approved identification microchip.
EU Pet Passport
The passport records identification and vaccination information.
Rabies Vaccine
A valid rabies vaccination must be recorded in the pet passport.

The 21-Day Rabies Rule

21 Days
After the First Rabies Vaccine

A primary rabies vaccination can be given from the age of 12 weeks.

After the first vaccination, at least 21 days must pass before the pet can normally enter the Netherlands.

Minimum age: This means dogs and cats younger than approximately 15 weeks cannot normally be brought into the Netherlands.

Bringing a Pet From Outside the EU

For pets arriving at Schiphol from outside the European Union, the requirements depend heavily on the rabies status of the country of origin.

Requirement Low-Risk Country High-Risk Country
Microchip Required Required
Rabies Vaccination Required Required
EU Health Certificate Usually Required Usually Required
Rabies Antibody Test Normally Not Required Required
90-Day Waiting Period No Usually Required

Rabies Blood Test for High-Risk Countries

Pets arriving from a high-risk rabies country need additional preparation before travelling to Amsterdam.

Rabies Vaccination
Make sure the pet has a valid rabies vaccination after being microchipped.
Wait at Least 30 Days
The blood sample must normally be taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination.
Approved Laboratory Test
The sample must be tested by an EU-approved laboratory and show at least 0.5 IU/ml of rabies antibodies.
Wait 90 Days
In the normal high-risk-country procedure, you must then wait at least 90 days from the blood-sampling date before entering the EU.
Plan months ahead: A young dog or cat entering from a high-risk rabies country can be at least around 7 months old before becoming eligible to travel.

Documents for Non-EU Arrivals

Passengers arriving from outside the EU should keep all original pet documents together and accessible for inspection at Schiphol.

EU Animal Health Certificate
For many non-EU arrivals, the certificate must be issued or endorsed by the competent veterinary authority and is valid for entry for a limited period.
Rabies Vaccination Record
The microchip and vaccination dates must satisfy EU requirements.
Rabies Blood-Test Report
Carry the laboratory report when travelling from a country where the rabies antibody test is required.
Owner’s Declaration
This declaration is required in applicable non-commercial movements using the EU health certificate.

Arriving at Schiphol With a Pet From Outside the EU

If Amsterdam is your pet’s first point of entry into the European Union, the animal and its documents must be presented for the required entry check.

Use the Goods to Declare Exit
After arrival, report your pet to Customs and follow the Goods to Declare route rather than simply leaving through the green exit.
Customs May Check
Microchip identification
Health certificate
Rabies records
Supporting documents

Will My Pet Be Quarantined?

The Netherlands does not normally quarantine a pet simply because it has arrived from outside the EU.

Requirements Met
If your pet meets the applicable EU import requirements and the documents are correct, quarantine is normally not required.
Requirements Not Met
An NVWA veterinarian may decide that the animal must be quarantined or returned to its country of origin. The owner is responsible for resulting costs.

Connecting Through Amsterdam With a Pet

Pet transit rules at Schiphol depend on where your journey begins, where it ends and whether Amsterdam is your first entry point into the EU.

Non-EU → EU via Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the first EU entry point, so the pet must satisfy EU import requirements and be presented for inspection in the Netherlands.
Non-EU → Amsterdam via Another EU Country
The pet is normally inspected in the first EU country entered rather than again at Schiphol.
Non-EU → Non-EU via Amsterdam
A limited transit exception can apply if the pet remains entirely inside the international transit zone and has no contact with other animals. Pets transferred through cargo facilities generally need to satisfy EU import requirements.

Continuing to Certain European Destinations

Dogs continuing from Amsterdam to certain destinations may need an additional treatment that is not required simply for entering the Netherlands.

24–120 Hours
Before Entry
Echinococcus Treatment for Dogs
Dogs travelling onward to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Norway or the United Kingdom require treatment against Echinococcus multilocularis. It must normally be administered by a veterinarian 1–5 days before entering the destination.

Schiphol Does Not Have a Pet Relief Area

Unlike several large international airports, Schiphol states that it does not provide dedicated dog toilets inside the airport.

Plan Before Entering the Terminal
Allow your dog to relieve itself before entering the airport when possible, and carry suitable clean-up bags throughout the journey.

Short-Nosed Dogs and Cats

Brachycephalic breeds can face additional airline restrictions because they are more vulnerable to respiratory problems during air travel.

An airline that accepts other pets in the hold may restrict particular short-nosed breeds or require a different transport arrangement.

Larger Dogs and Hold Travel

Larger dogs generally cannot travel under the passenger seat and may need an approved kennel in the aircraft hold or a cargo arrangement.

Kennel Size Matters
The animal should have enough room to stand naturally, turn around and lie down comfortably.
Check the Combined Weight
Airlines commonly calculate eligibility and fees using the combined weight of the pet and transport kennel.

Before You Go to Schiphol With Your Pet

Reserve Your Pet With the Airline
Pet capacity can be limited even when passenger seats are still available.
Check EU Entry Requirements
Do not rely only on your airline’s pet policy. Veterinary entry rules are a separate requirement.
Keep Documents Accessible
Do not pack original veterinary certificates or required laboratory reports deep inside checked baggage.
Allow Extra Check-In Time
Schiphol recommends allowing additional time when checking in an animal.
Bring Clean-Up Bags
There are no dedicated dog toilets at Schiphol, so come prepared before entering the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes. Dogs are allowed in the arrival and departure halls but must remain on a lead or otherwise secured.

Schiphol states that it does not have dedicated dog toilets. Passengers should therefore plan ahead and carry appropriate clean-up supplies.

Potentially. Several airlines accept small dogs and cats in the cabin, but the weight, carrier, route and aircraft restrictions differ by airline.

KLM generally allows an eligible cat or dog in the cabin when the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 8 kg, subject to route and booking conditions.

Yes, dogs and cats normally need a valid rabies vaccination that satisfies EU requirements.

Normally no. The first rabies vaccination can be given from 12 weeks of age and a 21-day waiting period applies after the primary vaccination.

It depends on the country of origin. Pets arriving from high-risk rabies countries normally require an approved rabies antibody test and the applicable waiting period.

When Amsterdam is the applicable EU entry point, report the pet to Customs and use the Goods to Declare route for the required inspection.

Not when the applicable EU import requirements are correctly satisfied. Animals that do not meet the requirements may be quarantined or returned following an NVWA veterinary decision.

Yes, but the requirements depend on the itinerary. If Amsterdam is the first EU entry point, the pet normally needs to satisfy EU import rules and undergo the required entry inspection.

Schiphol states that a pet travelling in a kennel may be taken out in the arrival hall after the Customs passage when leaving the reclaim hall.

Yes. Assistance and service dogs are not exempt from the veterinary import requirements that apply when entering the EU from a non-EU country.

Schiphol recommends allowing additional check-in time when travelling with an animal. Your airline may recommend an even earlier arrival depending on how the pet is transported.