Owning a Dog or Cat
Overview of the rules applying to pet ownership in the Netherlands...
There is no dog licencing in the Netherlands, however all dogs are subject to a tax. Dog tax (Hondenbelasting) is charged annually and is calculated on the number of dogs in each household. The charge is set by the municipality and varies for the first and second dog and each subsequent animal.
It is the owner's responsibility to declare each dog to the municipality within 14 days of acquiring it. The owner will need to present their National Identification Number.
Cats do not need to be declared to the authorities and they are not taxed.
Docking of a dog's tail or ears has been banned since 2001 under Dutch law.
Den Haag/The Hague
Certain rules apply to dog owners.
- For detailed information: Click here
- The Hague Council produce a brochure in Dutch with advice for looking after dogs in the area. To download the brochure "Hondenkaart": Click here
Wassenaar
All dogs must be kept on a leash except in the designated free dog zones (losloopgebieden). For a list of free dog zones, click here.
Pets Lost and Found
Animal pound/refuge (dierenopvangcentrum/dierenasiel)
All vets, animal ambulances and animal refuges have a microchip reader. Take the found animal to any of these organisations and they will do what's required.
The Dutch Pet Database, Nederlandse Databank Gezelschapsdieren (NDG) allows veterinarians and animal rescue staff to trace the owners of microchipped animals.
- Nederlandse Databank Gezelschapsdieren (NDG)
At: De Molen 77, 3995 AW Houten
Tel: 0900 404 0456 the NDG hotline
e-mail
Europetnet operates a similar service throughout Europe. Pet owners need to register the animal's microchip number with the Europetnet database. This will allow for the missing animal to be traced from any member country in Europe.
- Europetnet
At: Rue de la Presse 4, Drukpersstraat, Administrative & Head Office, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)70 233 147
Fax: +32 (0)70 233 181
e-mail
Dangerous Dogs
Since 2008, pit bull terriers, pit bull cross breeds and Rottweilers are no longer banned in the Netherlands, however the animal's temperament will be tested and if found to be aggressive, it may be euthanised (as was previously the norm for pit bull-type dogs).
Pets on Public Transport
Guide dogs for the visually impaired can travel free of charge on all public transport.
- For information on Guide dogs in the Netherlands: Click here
- The Dutch Guide Dog Association: Click here (in Dutch)
Restrictions apply when taking a guide dog or assistance dog on long distance trains. A dog may be taken in a sleeper coach if an entire compartment is booked.
- Further information from the NS: Click here
Dog Fouling
The Dutch have fines in place for those who do not clear up after their dogs. Anyone walking a dog must be carrying a suitable item with which to "scoop the poop"; failure to produce this will result in a fine. This may include:
- Paper bag
- Plastic bag
- Scoop
Anyone caught not clearing their dog's mess will receive a fine.
Bags and equipment with which to clear up after a pet are available from pet shops, vets and municipal offices.
Dog Walking
Dogs are allowed on beaches except during the summer months, and there are some beaches that allow animals on leads then or in the early morning or late evening.
All mess should be cleared up in accordance with the law and the owner is responsible for the dog while it is on the beach. There are signs indicating how the dog should behave and whether it should be on a lead or not.
- For more information and examples of the signs: Click here
The ANWB publishes a guide (in Dutch) of specific dog walking areas and routes.
- For more information (in Dutch): Click here