Fly a Shih Tzu from France to Netherlands on Air France
Step-by-step veterinary timeline and airline rules for flying a Shih Tzu from France (Controlled/Low-Risk) to Netherlands under NVWA (Netherlands Food & Consumer Product Safety Authority). Pre-filled in the calculator below—set your flight date to see your exact paperwork schedule.
Enter Your Trip & Pet Details
Choose your origin, destination, airline, breed, and target flight date to get every vet step in reverse order.
Min: 22d • Ideal: 36d
Feasible Timeline: 60 days available (22 days strict minimum)
Starting today gives you sufficient runway to complete Netherlands's veterinary sequence, government endorsement via DDPP Official Veterinarian, and Air France pet booking.
Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breed Alert: Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu is classified as a Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed prone to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) under cargo stress and heat. Air France enforces a strict cargo/hold embargo on Shih Tzus.
At 6 kg (including soft carrier), your Shih Tzu qualifies for Air France passenger cabin travel in a ventilated carrier up to 46 x 28 x 24 cm. Reserve cabin pet quota at least 7 days ahead.
Step-by-Step Vet & Travel Schedule
Counting backward from France (FR) Netherlands (NL) arrival.
📅 On or before Wed, Dec 9, 2026
Implant or scan-verify a non-encrypted ISO 11784/11785 15-digit. Any rabies vaccination administered BEFORE the microchip implantation date is legally invalid for Netherlands.
⚠️ Ensure the exact 15-digit barcode sticker is affixed to all vaccination and health certificates.
📅 No later than Thu, Dec 10, 2026
Administer WHO/WOAH-approved inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine (pet must be >= 12 weeks old). Triggers 21-day primary immunity wait required by NVWA (Netherlands Food & Consumer Product Safety Authority).
⚠️ Record vaccine manufacturer, product name, batch/lot number, administration date, and valid-until date.
Unlock Full Compliance Packet ($29)
See your exact hour-by-hour tapeworm treatment window, DDPP Official Veterinarian endorsement cutoff, Printable Vet Sign-Off PDF, and Apple/Google .ics Calendar Sync with 48-hour alerts.
- Exact 24–120h tapeworm and parasite treatment times
- Printable Vet Sign-Off & 15-Digit Microchip PDF Packet
- One-click .ics Calendar Sync with 48h advance reminders
One-time checkout via PayPal or card • Instant PDF & .ics download
Confirm requirements with a government-accredited vet before travel.
Side-by-Side Route, Customs & Airline Summary
Side-by-side comparison of DDPP Official Veterinarian export steps, NVWA (Netherlands Food & Consumer Product Safety Authority) import rules, and Air France pet policies.
| Requirement | Origin (France) | Destination (Netherlands) | Air France & Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies Risk Tier | 🇫🇷 France: Controlled/Low-Risk | 🇳🇱 Netherlands: Controlled/Low-Risk | No 90/180-day blood test wait (21-day vaccine wait applies) |
| ISO Microchip Rule | Scanned by DDPP Official Veterinarian vet before rabies shot | ISO 11784/11785 15-digit | 15-digit barcode must match AF booking and health certificate |
| Rabies Blood Test () | Origin tier: Controlled/Low-Risk | Not required for direct low-risk entry | 22 days minimum vet lead time |
| (Tapeworm) Rule | Given and timestamped before departure | General parasite check before export | Standard parasite check on health certificate |
| Government Health Certificate | Endorsed by DDPP Official Veterinarian | EU Non-Commercial Pet Health Certificate (within 10 days) | Original signed certificate checked at Air France counter |
| Cabin vs. Cargo & Breed Policy | Book pet space 7+ days ahead | Allows Cabin, Checked Hold (), or Cargo | Snub-nosed breed (Shih Tzu): Banned in cargo/hold on Air France |
Arriving in Netherlands: Customs & Border Check
- Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) Customs verifies ISO microchip and EU Health Certificate upon arrival.
- Dogs residing in the Netherlands > 3 months must be registered in a Dutch UBN database within 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shih Tzu (France → Netherlands)
Can a Shih Tzu fly in the cabin on Air France from France to Netherlands?
In-Cabin Approved on Air France (<= 8 kg Limit). At 6 kg (including soft carrier), your Shih Tzu qualifies for Air France passenger cabin travel in a ventilated carrier up to 46 x 28 x 24 cm. Reserve cabin pet quota at least 7 days ahead.
How many days in advance do I need to prepare my Shih Tzu to enter Netherlands from France?
Entering Netherlands from France (Controlled/Low-Risk) requires a strict biological minimum of 22 days and a recommended 36-day pre-clearance lead window via NVWA (Netherlands Food & Consumer Product Safety Authority).
Does Netherlands require a Rabies Titer Test (FAVN) or 24–120h Tapeworm treatment from France?
No — because France is classified as Controlled/Low-Risk, direct travel to Netherlands is exempt from the 90/180-day blood titer wait, requiring a 21-day post-microchip rabies immunity wait. Ensure standard internal and external parasite clearance is documented on your health certificate.
When must DDPP Official Veterinarian endorse the health certificate for Netherlands?
Your accredited veterinarian must issue "EU Non-Commercial Pet Health Certificate" and obtain official government endorsement from DDPP Official Veterinarian within 10 days prior to departure.