I traveled to the Netherlands with my dog in late May, and the experience was incredibly calm and easy. Public spaces were clean and simple to use. People were welcoming. Daily travel never felt stressful. Honestly, I felt like the quality of life for my dog was just better there because he could be with me all the time.
You will find that the Dog Friendly Netherlands is one of the most pet-friendly places in Europe. It is a country that celebrates animals. From luxury hotels with dog spa services to 120-acre off-leash parks, the country makes travel feel effortless.
Important Information for Visiting the Netherlands with a Dog
You must prepare the right legal and health documents before you arrive. This preparation helps you avoid stress and delays at the border.
If you travel from an EU country, your dog needs a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. You must ensure the rabies vaccine is given after the microchip and at least 21 days before you travel. Once these steps are done, an EU Pet Passport is enough to enter the country.
Travel from the UK or outside the EU is a bit different. You will need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or an EU Veterinary Certificate. An official vet must issue this within 10 days of your entry into the Netherlands. Your dog must be at least 15 weeks old to enter. They should be vaccinated at 12 weeks old, and then you must wait the required 21 days.
I found that the Netherlands no longer bans specific dog breeds. Breeds like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers can enter the country. However, the law does restrict the breeding of flat-faced dogs like Pugs or French Bulldogs because of health concerns. You can still bring these as personal pets as long as they breathe comfortably and are medically fit to travel.
Residents who live in the country often pay a dog tax called hondenbelasting. In 2024, about 35% of the 342 municipalities still collected this tax. Amsterdam ended its dog tax in 2017, and The Hague stopped it in 2024. Some cities still have high fees. For example, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht charges €145.44 for the first dog. You do not need to register your dog for short stays of less than three months.
Dog-Friendly Cities in the Netherlands
1. Amsterdam This city is famous for being one of the most pet-friendly capitals. I walked through the Museum District, which was much quieter than the busy tourist spots. It is very walkable. I loved that dogs are allowed in most cafes and even some cultural spaces like the Museum of Humanity in Zaandam.
2. Rotterdam This modern city is very easy to navigate with a pet. Public transport there is free for all dogs. I took the metro and trams without any issues. The vibe is very relaxed.
3. The Hague (Den Haag) The Hague offers a great mix of city life and beach access. You can visit Kijkduin, which has a dedicated dog beach open all year. It is a quieter alternative to the busy Scheveningen area.
4. Utrecht Even though it is not on the coast, Utrecht has lovely lakeside spots. The Haarrijnseplas is a wonderful place to take a dog for a swim. It has a grassy area where dogs can enter the water alongside their owners.
5. Noordwijk I consider this the most dog-friendly beach town in the country. It is located just 45 minutes from Amsterdam. From September to May, dogs can run off-leash across the entire beach.
6. Zandvoort This town is only a 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam. It has a spectacular 9-kilometer stretch of sandy beach. It is perfect for a day trip to get some fresh air.
7. Zaandam I visited this town to see the unique architecture. It is very welcoming to dogs. You can explore the Zaanse Schans area, which has traditional windmills.
8. Volendam This traditional fishing village is a must-see. The buses that go there are very dog-friendly. I found the drivers to be very kind and helpful.
9. Edam I walked through the quiet streets of Edam and felt very welcome. It is cheaper than the big cities for meals. The canals here are beautiful for a slow walk.
10. Egmond aan Zee This is a charming coastal village. You can access it easily by bike through scenic dunes. It offers a variety of shops and restaurants to explore after a beach walk.
Dog-friendly Accommodations in the Netherlands
You can find many types of places to stay, from historic hotels to forest cottages. I suggest you call the hotel directly before you book. Even if a listing says they are pet-friendly, they might only have a few specific rooms for dogs.
Luxury Hotels
- Kimpton De Witt (Amsterdam): This is a top pick because they have zero pet fees and no size restrictions. They provide memory foam beds and welcome treats.
- Hotel Pulitzer (Amsterdam): This hotel spans 25 historic canal houses. They allow dogs up to 30kg for a fee of €35 per night.
- Conservatorium Hotel: If you want to spoil your pup, this five-star spot offers a custom dog menu and a pet spa. They charge €50 per night.
Boutique and Trendy Stays
- The Hoxton: Located in the city center, they allow one dog up to 18kg for no extra charge.
- Volkshotel: This trendy spot allows two dogs for €15 a day.
- The Dylan: This is an intimate boutique hotel that welcomes small dogs under 15kg.
Budget and Unique Options
- House of Arts & Crafts B&B: This is a creative and homey spot in the Plantage District. They charge only €15 per night for dogs up to 25kg.
- Hotel The Neighbour’s Magnolia: This hotel is literally across the street from Vondelpark. It is perfect if you want to walk into the park in 60 seconds.
Vacation Rentals and Cottages You can choose from over 1,000 cottages and apartments where pets are welcome. I think renting a beach cottage in Zeeland or on Texel is a great idea. Your dog can enjoy the sand and water right outside your door. If your dog loves the woods, you can rent a forest holiday home. These are great for jumping in puddles and exploring the scents of the heathland.
Dog-friendly Dining in the Netherlands
I was surprised by how many restaurants allowed my dog inside. It is not even a question most of the time. Staff will often bring a water bowl before you even get your own drinks.
Specialized Dog Cafes
- Woof & Me (Amsterdam): This is the first dog cafe in the country. Dogs come first here. They have a bark-ery with treats and even a ball pit for pups. You can even join events like dog yoga.
The Best Dining Spots
- Pllek: This is an urban beach at NDSM Wharf. It is a doggie paradise with great views of the city.
- Mama Impasto: If you love Italian food, this cozy spot has a 9.1 rating and welcomes dogs.
- Restaurant Black and Blue: They serve European cuisine and make sure your canine companion feels at home.
- Wagamama Centraal: You can enjoy Asian fusion here with your pet by your side.
- Parnassia aan Zee: This beachside cafe in Overveen is open all year. It has a huge outdoor area where dogs can relax after a walk on the sand.
Fine Dining on the Water You can book a private dining cruise with BoatBoys Amsterdam. They offer luxury boats where you can eat a 2, 3, or 4-course meal with your dog. Prices start from €430 for 2 hours. You can pick dishes from local restaurants like Restaurant Red or the Vegan Sushi Bar.
Dog-friendly Things to Do in the Netherlands
Sightseeing and Culture
- Canal Boat Tours: I highly recommend renting a private canal boat. You can see the city from the water with your dog. It is a very calm way to experience the rhythm of the canals.
- Bike Rides: You can rent a bakfiets (cargo bike) to show a large dog around the city. Smaller dogs can sit in a basket.
- Markets: I visited several markets and found they were great for finding local food and knick-knacks for my dog.
Winter and Autumn Activities Autumn and winter are perfect for the coast. From October to May, most beaches are deserted and allow dogs off-leash all day. The air is crisp and the scenery is stunning.
Nature and Hiking
- De Hoge Veluwe National Park: This is one of the largest nature reserves in the country. It has heathlands, sand dunes, and woodlands. You can even use the free white bicycles, though much of the area is also great for walking.
- Vondelpark: This is the largest park in Amsterdam. It has vast green spaces, ponds, and even a dog run.
- Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forest): This area has multiple walking trails and an open-air theater where dogs can sometimes join you.
- Sloterpark: This park has a 5.8 km trail around a beautiful lake.
Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in the Netherlands
I found that many people love camping with their pets in the Dog Friendly Netherlands. Many campgrounds are located near the coast or in the forest. While specific campground names were not listed in the sources, the country generally offers a great selection of pet-friendly outdoor stays. You should look for sites near National Parks or the Wadden Islands for the best nature experience.
Dog-friendly Beaches and Lakes in the Netherlands
The coastline is a paradise for dogs. Most beaches welcome dogs off-leash from mid-October to May.
Top Beach Spots
- Noordwijk: A 4-km stretch from exit 1 towards Katwijk is open to off-leash dogs all year.
- Scheveningen: Dogs are welcome from October 1 to May 15. The Noorderstrand area allows dogs year-round.
- Renesse: This beach in Zeeland is a peaceful paradise in autumn. Dogs do not need leashes on the 21-kilometer beach from October to April.
- Texel: Most of the island’s beaches are dog-friendly. I suggest visiting the Slufter Valley, where dogs can roam freely.
- Ouddorp: This beach stretches for 25 kilometers and welcomes both dogs and horses.
Lakes and Freshwater
- Lauwersoog: Located in Lauwersmeer National Park, this spot has two off-leash beaches with sandy shores.
- Area X (Limburg): This is the first dedicated dog beach in Limburg. Dogs and owners can swim together in the Noorderplas.
- Schoonloo (Drenthe): This hidden gem has a crystal-clear lake surrounded by forest. The water is 70 meters deep, making it a very picturesque spot for a swim.
Dog-friendly Public Transport in the Netherlands
Moving around the country is super easy. You will see pets on trains, trams, and buses every day.
The Rules of the Road
- Small Dogs: They travel for free if they are in a carrier, bag, or on your lap.
- Large Dogs: You must buy a Day Ticket Dog for large dogs on trains. This ticket costs a few euros and is valid all day regardless of how far you go.
- Buses and Trams: Dogs are usually free on GVB (Amsterdam) and RET (Rotterdam) services. On buses, your pet travels for free as long as they do not take up a seat.
- Ferries: Dogs are allowed on the free ferries behind Central Station in Amsterdam. These take you to Amsterdam Noord and the NDSM Wharf.
I suggest you avoid rush hours (8-9 AM and 5-6 PM) if you have a large dog. The trains can get very crowded then.
Practical Tips for Dog-Friendly Travel in the Netherlands
- Clean Up: You are required by law to pick up after your dog. Most parks have free bag dispensers. If the police catch you leaving waste, the fine is €150.
- Leash Rules: Dogs must be on a leash in most public places. Look for signs that say “losloopgebied“. This means your dog can run free.
- Hot Pavement: In the summer, remember that cobblestones can get very hot.
- Shopping: Most stores allow dogs, but supermarkets do not. Do not leave your dog tied up outside a shop.
- Vet Care: Most neighborhoods have a vet, called a “dierenarts“. They usually have 24-hour emergency numbers.
- Ticks and Fleas: These are active from March to October. You should check your dog after walks in the forest or tall grass.
Traveling through the Dog Friendly Netherlands with a dog is like a walk in the park—literally. Everything is designed to make the journey as smooth as a boat gliding through a calm canal. You just need to follow the simple rules, and you will have an unforgettable adventure with your best friend.
Numerical Data and Statistics Summary
- €150: Fine for not cleaning up dog waste.
- €140: Fine for not picking up waste in some city areas.
- €90: Fine for letting a dog off-leash in restricted areas.
- 21 days: Minimum wait time after a rabies shot before travel.
- 10 days: The window in which an AHC must be issued before travel.
- 120 acres: Total size of Vondelpark.
- 25 kilometers: Length of the beach at Ouddorp.
- 70 meters: Depth of the lake in Schoonloo.
FAQ
Is the Netherlands a dog-friendly country?
Yes, the Netherlands is a very animal-friendly country where pets receive a warm welcome. It is one of the easiest places in Europe for traveling in the Netherlands with a dog because public spaces are very accessible.
Where to go with a dog in the Netherlands?
You should visit Dog-Friendly Cities in the Netherlands like Amsterdam or Rotterdam for a mix of culture and parks. Dog-friendly beaches/lakes in the Netherlands like Noordwijk or the Slufter Valley on Texel offer great off-leash freedom. You can also enjoy Dog-friendly things to do in the Netherlands by taking your pet on a private canal boat tour.
Is Amsterdam a dog-friendly city?
Amsterdam is famous for being one of the most pet-friendly cities in Europe. The city has many Dog-friendly accommodations in the Netherlands, including luxury hotels that charge no extra pet fees.
Can I move to Amsterdam with my dog?
You can move to the city with your pet, but you must follow specific rules. You are required to have your dog microchipped and registered within two weeks of your arrival. You should also check if your new municipality collects a dog tax.
Which country is the most pet friendly?
The Netherlands is a top choice because dogs are a normal part of everyday life there. It is a paradise where you can find Dog-friendly dining in the Netherlands almost everywhere.
Are dogs allowed in restaurants in Amsterdam?
Dogs are allowed in the vast majority of cafes and restaurants in the city. You can find many spots for Dog-friendly dining in the Netherlands that even provide water bowls or special treats for your pup.
What is the most dog friendly city?
Amsterdam is often called one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world. It offers Dog-friendly public transport in the Netherlands where even large dogs can travel easily with a special ticket.
Concluding Words
I believe that the Netherlands is a perfect destination for any pet owner. This country provides a wide range of Dog-friendly accommodations in the Netherlands and beautiful off-leash areas. Dog-friendly public transport in the Netherlands is simple to use and very reliable.
You can follow these Practical tips for dog friendly travel in the Netherlands to ensure a smooth journey. This guide helps you find the best spots for a happy holiday. You should plan your trip to the Dutch coast today. A dog lover’s dream. Easy travel. Welcoming people.
