Bringing Pets to Spain from Abroad: Documents and Process

For many families and professionals relocating to Spain, the pet is part of the process from the very beginning. The good news: bringing a dog or cat to Spain is entirely possible in most cases. The less good news: the paperwork involves deadlines that must be respected, and the requirements vary considerably depending on where you are coming from. Starting too late can delay your pet's travel — or prevent them from flying on the same flight as you.

Basic requirements for all pets

Regardless of country of origin, all dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Spain (and the EU) must meet three minimum requirements:

1. ISO microchip identification: The animal must have an ISO 11784/11785 chip implanted (15 digits). This is the EU standard. If your pet has a different format chip (common in the US, which uses 9 or 10 digit chips), you must implant an ISO chip in addition to the existing one, or ensure the destination scanner can read it.

2. Valid rabies vaccination: The rabies vaccine must be current at the time of travel. A first rabies vaccination requires a 21-day wait before it is valid for international travel, so the vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before the trip.

3. EU Pet Passport or equivalent official veterinary certificate: In the EU, the official document for travelling with pets is the European Pet Passport. If the animal comes from outside the EU, an official veterinary certificate from the country of origin meeting EU requirements is needed.

Entry from EU/EEA countries

If your pet already has an ISO microchip and a valid rabies vaccination recorded in a European pet passport, the move between EU countries is very straightforward: the passport acts as a valid travel document. No additional paperwork is needed beyond keeping the documentation current.

Entry from high-risk and low-risk countries for rabies

The EU classifies countries into two categories:

Listed Part 1 countries (equivalent to the EU for rabies control): Including the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Australia, Japan, Canada and others with excellent disease control. For pets from these countries, the requirements are microchip + rabies vaccination + pet passport/official veterinary certificate.

Listed Part 2 countries (higher risk): This includes the USA (yes, despite what you might expect), Mexico, most of Latin America, many Asian and African countries. Additional requirements may include:

• Rabies antibody titre test with a positive result
• A 90-day waiting period after the positive test result (unless the animal already met this requirement in the country of origin before travelling)

The antibody titre test must be carried out in an EU-approved laboratory. In the US, the approved laboratory is the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory.

Sequence for pets from the USA (or other Part 2 countries):

1. Implant microchip (if none or incompatible)
2. Administer rabies vaccine (if not vaccinated or vaccine about to expire)
3. Wait 30 days, then carry out the antibody titre test (at an EU-approved lab)
4. Wait 90 days from the positive result
5. Obtain the official veterinary certificate within 10 days before travel

Minimum time from scratch: 4–6 months. This is what surprises most families who do not know about it in advance.

Airline requirements for flying with pets

Beyond health requirements, each airline has its own rules for transporting animals:

In-cabin: Only for small dogs and cats (total weight including carrier typically under 8–10 kg). Advance booking mandatory. Surcharge: €50–150 depending on airline and route.

In hold (live cargo area): For larger animals. The carrier must meet IATA standards. Surcharge: €150–400 or more.

As air cargo: Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers) are not accepted in cabin or passenger hold by many airlines due to respiratory risk. Specialist pet transport companies exist that manage this as freight.

Registration in Spain on arrival

When you arrive in Spain with your pet, you must register them in the Companion Animal Identification Register (RIACH or equivalent regional register in Madrid). Some municipalities also require registration in the local census.

Additionally, if your pet has a foreign veterinary passport, a Spanish vet can issue a European Pet Passport, which simplifies future travel across Europe.

Breeds with restrictions in Madrid

The Community of Madrid, like other regions of Spain, maintains a list of Potentially Dangerous Animals (APPCs) that require public liability insurance, a special licence, and other conditions. Breeds on the list include: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Akita Inu, Tosa Inu, and others. If you own one of these breeds, research the specific requirements before travelling.

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References:

• Regulation (EU) 576/2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food — Import of pet animals from third countries.
• USDA APHIS — Pet Travel to Spain and the EU.