How to choose a vet in Amsterdam
Start with what a practice can actually do beyond a routine checkup. Only a veterinarian or a registered microchipping professional may microchip a dog in the Netherlands, so if you are registering a new pet or bringing one in from abroad, confirm the clinic can handle that alongside the exam.
Ask whether the practice issues EU pet passports directly, since a dog needs one if it changes owner, was born on or after November 1, 2021, or will travel abroad, and only a veterinarian can request it. If you are importing a dog from outside the EU, check that the vet has handled an import declaration before, since Dutch rules require that within two weeks of the dog's arrival.
Confirm emergency access and English-language consultations before you actually need either, since not every Amsterdam practice offers both as standard. For a longer walk-through of what to weigh when narrowing the shortlist, see our guide on how to choose a vet in Amsterdam.
Questions people ask
Does my dog need to be microchipped in Amsterdam?
Yes, every dog in the Netherlands must be microchipped, and only a veterinarian or a registered microchipping professional is allowed to do it. Breeders must have puppies chipped within seven weeks of birth, while dogs imported from abroad must be examined and chipped, if needed, within two weeks of arrival.
Does my dog need an EU pet passport?
A dog needs an EU pet passport if it changes owner, was born on or after November 1, 2021, arrived from another EU country after that date, or will travel abroad. The passport is requested directly from a veterinarian, who registers the passport number through the national registration system.
What happens if I import a dog from outside the EU?
A dog from a non-EU country does not arrive with an EU pet passport, so the examining veterinarian issues one on the spot. The same vet also registers the dog's import, its microchip number, and the new passport with the designated national portal.
Are certain dog breeds subject to extra rules here?
The Dutch government keeps a list of 20 dog breeds it considers high-risk, including pit bull terriers, Rottweilers, and Caucasian shepherds. Owners of a listed breed are legally required to complete a training course, and a veterinarian can be a useful first point of contact for finding one.
Is pet insurance common in the Netherlands?
Pet insurance is available from several Dutch providers and is worth raising when you register a new animal with a vet, since coverage and terms vary by policy. Ask the insurer directly for current pricing and what is included, rather than assuming a standard rate applies.
What should newcomers to Amsterdam know about registering a pet?
Newcomers often find that a pet's registration, microchip, and passport paperwork mirrors other Dutch bureaucracy, similar to registering with a pharmacy as covered in our guide to Amsterdam pharmacies. If housing is still unsettled, our guide to Amsterdam real estate agents covers the practical side of getting set up before adding a pet to the household.