peony said:
I agree with bloodmoon on most points, except vaccination list. I checked my cat's passport and the vaccinations required in teh Netherlands are: rabbies (depending on which country you are coming from) and coctail one containing feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus and feline panleucopoenia vaccine. The coctail one is required to be topped up every year while living in the Netherlands, while the rabbies are not (I think every 3 years).

You are absolutely right, I didn't explain myself correctly... What I wanted to say was that the only EXTRA vaccine required for my cats was the rabbies one. Thanks for the clarification, peony.

I arrived last week from Portugal to The Netherlands and brought my two cats with me, travelling in the cabin as well.

I arranged for all the necessary documentation: pet passport, required vaccinations (in this case rabies shots only) and a declaration signed by a certified vet - not all vets are certified to issue passports - stating that the cats were in good health and could travel (8 to 2 days before travel).

I contacted the veterinary authorities in Portugal and they informed me about all the NL requirements regarding the entrance of pets in the country. I took care of all the paperwork and vaccinations as they said, although none of it was necessary when I arrived at Schiphol airport. No one asked to see the cats documentation when leaving the airport... Nevertheless, it was there if needed.

I agree with peony, I'd prefer to get the USDA stamp anyway than to risk having problems and not being able to travel with my cats. What would cost you more in the end?

Greetings,

I am a 37 year old woman from Lisbon, Portugal. My boyfriend and I will arrive in NL in one week from now and we'll be settling in Haarlem. We are both starting on new jobs as from January 2012.

I'm really excited about this new experience and looking forward to making new friends. :)

Rgds,

Lu