Moving a Dog from the Netherlands to Norway: Crate Rules, Airline Routing, and Arrival Steps

If you’re moving a dog from the Netherlands to Norway, it can feel “easy” because it’s Europe-to-Europe. But the truth is, one small mistake—usually the tapeworm treatment timing or a crate that doesn’t meet rules—can turn a calm trip into a stressful mess at the airport .

So here’s a proper, real-life guide. No fluff. No textbook tone. Just the steps people actually need: documents, crate rules, flight routing, and arrival process in Norway.

1) The Basic Rules: What Norway Wants Before Your Dog Enters

Norway follows strict Pet entry rules even for nearby countries. The good—news is: it’s straightforward once you know the order.

* Microchip (First, always)

Your dog must have an ISO microchip . The chip has to be readable and it must match what’s written in the passport.

Small but important tip: ask the vet to scan it in front of you and show the number. Sometimes passports have typing errors, and that’s where problems start.

* EU Pet Passport

For travel from the Netherlands, you’ll typically use the EU pet passport. It should include:

• Microchip number and date
• Rabies vaccination details
• Tapeworm treatment record

Keep the passport in your hand luggage. Don’t pack it away “safely” in a suitcase. That’s how people lose time at customs .

* Rabies Vaccination + the 21-day wait

If it’s your dog’s first rabies—vaccine, there’s a waiting—period. Norway requires at least 21 days after the shot before your dog can enter.

If your dog is already vaccinated and you’ve done boosters on time, it usually stays valid. Still, check the dates. Don’t assume.

* Tapeworm Treatment (Echinococcus)

This is the step that catches people out.

For dogs entering Norway, a vet must give a tapeworm treatment and record it in the passport.

Most common rule:
* Must be done 24 to 120 hours before arrival in Norway

That means you can’t do it a week early “just to be safe.” It has to be inside that window.

2) A Simple Travel Timeline (So You Don’t Miss Anything)

Here’s a practical—plan you can follow without overthinking:

Time Before Travel	What to Do	Why It Matters
4–6 weeks before	Check microchip + passport info	Fix mistakes early
3–4 weeks before	Confirm rabies vaccine dates	Need 21-day wait if it’s first shot
2–3 weeks before	Pick airline + confirm pet slots	Flights have limited pet capacity
1–5 days before	Vet does tapeworm treatment	Norway checks timing carefully
Travel day	Keep papers ready + crate prepared	Avoid airport delays
Arrival	Declare at red channel	Norway expects it

3) Crate Rules: What Airlines Usually Reject (and What They Accept)

Crates are a big deal. Even if your paperwork is perfect, the airline can still refuse your dog if the crate looks—wrong.

What an airline normally expects

A travel crate should:

• Be hard plastic or sturdy airline-approved type
• Have strong ventilation (usually on 3 sides, often 4)
• Have a secure—door
• Be big enough for your dog to stand, turn & lie down

• Have absorbent—bedding

Avoid this: soft crates for cargo/hold travel. Those are mostly for cabin use.

How to pick the right size (easy method)

Instead of getting lost in formulas, do this:

1. Make your dog stand naturally
2. Measure from nose to base of tail
3. Add extra space so they can turn comfortably
4. Height should allow them to stand without ears pressed to the top

If you’re stuck between sizes, go bigger. A slightly larger crate is rarely a problem. A smaller crate can get rejected immediately.

Crate setup tips that actually help

• Put a worn t-shirt inside (your smell calms them)
• Attach a water bowl that clips to the door
• Add an “absorbent pad” on the floor
• Label crate clearly: LIVE ANIMAL, your phone number, destination address

Also: don’t feed a heavy meal right before the flight. A light meal earlier is fine. Too much food = nausea risk.

4) Airline Routing: Best Way to Fly Netherlands → Norway with a Dog

The route you choose matters more than people think.

Option A: Direct flights (best choice)

Direct flights mean:

• Less time in transit
• Less crate handling
• Lower chance of delays causing pet stress

If you can fly Amsterdam → Oslo directly, do it. Even if it costs a bit more, it often saves you money in the long—run .

Option B: One-stop routing (good backup)

If you can’t get a direct route, a single stop is okay. Choose airport known for good handling and short walking distances.

What you want:

• One connection only
• Enough connection time (not tight)
• Avoid overnight layovers if possible

Cabin vs Hold vs Cargo (what’s best?)

This depends on your dog’s size.

In-cabin:

• Only for small dogs that fit under the seat in a carrier
• Less stressful for many dogs because you’re nearby
• Strict airline rules on size/weight

Checked baggage (in the hold):

• Common option for medium dogs
• Must use approved crate
• Still travels on your flight

Cargo:

• Usually for large dogs or if airline doesn’t allow pets as checked baggage
• More paperwork, but sometimes better handling and planning

5) Arrival Steps in Norway: What Happens After Landing

This part is simple if your documents are correct.

Step 1: Go through the Red Channel

In Norway, you should declare your dog at customs . That means using the red channel, not walking out like you have nothing to declare.

Step 2: Show documents quickly and clearly

Have these ready:

• EU pet passport
• Rabies details
• Tapeworm treatment entry with date/time
• Your ID and flight details (just in case)

Step 3: Quick inspection and you’re done

Usually, it’s fast. They check the passport, confirm treatment timing, and you’re cleared.

If there’s a problem (wrong timing or missing vet stamp), that’s when things get stressful. So double-check your tapeworm window before flying.

FAQs: Netherlands to Norway Dog Travel