Good evening, I am just looking in to travelling with our dog (a staffie cross) to The Netherlands possibly this year, late August. It would be the first time taking a pet abroad for us. Having read what is needed on relevant govt websites, I am after advice/reassurance etc to just check that I have read and understood what is required; so I know that he has to be microchipped, which he is, so no problem there. But it’s the rabies/ tapeworm and AHC that I want to make sure I’m doing right! The rabies vaccination says 21 days before entering the country - is that all you have to do, or do I have to start the process a lot earlier (which I recall reading about a while ago, but not sure of the why’s and wherefore’s) Then the Animal health certificate - I’m guessing my vet will supply this once he has had all that is needed? I’d be interested to hear in particular from people who have travelled to The Netherlands with their pets.
One other thing too, do the pitches tend to be generous there? We have an 8m caravan. Many thanks 😊
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RE the AHC, you will need to make sure that your vet is an OV(Official Veterinarian) as they are they only ones allowed to compile the AHC.
Not all practices have an OV as it costs money to achieve the status required.
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The rabies jab needs to be at least 21 days before travel but you can get it done any time - it'll be 3 years before you need a booster for a UK administered jab. There was talk at one time that a blood test would be needed to show the dog had sufficient antibodies, thus prolonging the process, but that is not now needed.
You will need to get an Animal Health Certificate for your dog no more than 10 days before you travel. Not all vets do these so you'll have to check with your vet. The cost also seems to vary quite a lot. There are apparently on-line options, but I'm not sure on the details - I'm sure someone else will supply them, or use the search facility on here.
At the end of your holiday you will need to visit a vet more than 24 hours but less than 5 days before your return to the UK for the worming treatment and a general health check, and the vet will complete the Animal Health Certificate ready for your return. It is always advisable to check the document has been completed correctly with time, date, signature etc, as if not you could be refused travel. There are lots of recommendations on here for European vets (see the pinned Post at the beginning of this section) or your campsite can probably advise and may even make the appointment for you.
It is also advisable to get your vet to check your dog's microchip is working shortly before you go, and that you know where it is located - makes life simpler when you scan your dog at check-in if you know where the chip is meant to be!
It all seems a bit complicated the first time you travel, but don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward really. Enjoy your trip!
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Hi
I cannot help with your pet but would highly recommend that you book your campsites well-ahead. We found it very difficult to find a pitch, even for one night, in late September! The sites we visited were of excellent quality. Have a great trip.
The animal health certificate is quite a long document so you need to see your vet NOW and he/she will need details of your holiday booking (ferry, tunnel) with your pet shown as ‘passenger’ you need to collect the document as nearer to your departure as possible because it is only valid for 10 days after date of issue. Once you’re on the continent it can be used for as long as you stop. Just remember you’ll have to get an animal health certificate for every trip you make abroad and not every vet will be prepared to issue one. It’s now a costly process taking your pet on holiday!!
We’re going mid May and our vet is in the process right now and we will collect it about 5 days before we sail giving us plenty of time within the 10 day time frame.
Enjoy your holiday!
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Thanks again for your advice everyone and to Keith 2375 for the heads up re: booking, so it’s not like France then where you can always find somewhere to stay!
I think the booking thing is something of an unknown at the moment. We camped in the Netherlands several times in 2018 and 2019 and never booked (that was in May). Having camped in France in 2020/21 there was clearly fewer Dutch around so I can only assume that they were staying home and perhaps the sites in the Netherlands were busier than usual for that reason.
Now that travel is easier and there is the perception that it is a bit safer I would not be surprised to find Dutch sites a bit quieter this year - - I hope so, we are planning a trip next month and don`t really want to book, it just isn`t the way we camp.
Enjoy your trip, it is a lovely country to visit.
The high season in the Netherlands is at the end of August. In September, people without children go out and the campsites are often still busy. You could look at the smaller farm campsites (Vekabo/SVR) or the nature campsites where you are welcome with a caravan and dog (https://www.natuurkampeerterreinen.nl/natuurkampeerkaart/
Do some research before you go, because I know French campsites won't take Staffie type dogs, I've never camped in Holland so I don't know the rules but I know they have a dangerous dogs list and Saffies are not included but check with the campsite
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A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Netherlands, first time taking pet abroad
via mobile 12/4/2022 at 8:32am
