Bringing a pet to Spain

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Spain is an EU member state applying the harmonised EU Pet Travel Scheme. There is no routine quarantine for dogs arriving from approved origins, but rules differ by the origin country's rabies status: EU-equivalent origins face minimal friction, while non-EU origins must meet extra conditions and some high-risk origins require a rabies titer test and a waiting period before entry.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Spain.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian or authorised private veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Spain does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, the Dangerous Animals Act (Ley 50/1999) requires a licence and liability insurance for certain breeds (e.g. Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, and their crosses). These breeds must be muzzled and on a lead in public spaces. Some airlines and ferry operators may refuse brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers) during hot months or in cargo. Check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or equivalent official health certificate
  • Proof of rabies vaccination (date, vaccine batch, valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Microchip number recorded in the passport/certificate

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~€30–60, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, EU pet passport or health certificate ~€30–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Spanish authority.

For EU-equivalent origins (e.g. Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Iceland), an EU pet passport issued in the origin country is accepted. No titer test, no import permit, no quarantine. The pet must be at least 15 weeks old to have a valid rabies vaccination (12 weeks minimum age at vaccination + 21 days wait).

MAPA Spain

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (endorsed by the competent authority, e.g. USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Spain does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, the Dangerous Animals Act (Ley 50/1999) requires a licence and liability insurance for certain breeds (e.g. Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, and their crosses). These breeds must be muzzled and on a lead in public spaces. Some airlines and ferry operators may refuse brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers) during hot months or in cargo. Check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Official veterinary health certificate for non-commercial movement (EU model certificate, Annex IV of Regulation 577/2013)
  • Proof of rabies vaccination (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Microchip number recorded in the certificate
  • Owner's declaration that the movement is non-commercial

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~€30–60, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, official health certificate ~€100–250 (including endorsement fees), possible courier/administrative costs. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

For low-risk non-EU origins (e.g. US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada), the EU health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and endorsed by the origin's competent authority. The rabies vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before travel. No titer test or import permit is required. The pet must be at least 15 weeks old. Entry is allowed through any Spanish border post with veterinary inspection.

MAPA Spain

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (endorsed by the competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Breed restrictions

Spain does not ban any dog breeds at the national level. However, the Dangerous Animals Act (Ley 50/1999) requires a licence and liability insurance for certain breeds (e.g. Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, and their crosses). These breeds must be muzzled and on a lead in public spaces. Some airlines and ferry operators may refuse brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers) during hot months or in cargo. Check with your carrier.

Documents checklist

  • Official veterinary health certificate for non-commercial movement (EU model certificate, Annex IV of Regulation 577/2013)
  • Proof of rabies vaccination (valid for at least 21 days and not expired)
  • Rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (FAVN/RFFIT), with a result ≥0.5 IU/ml
  • Microchip number recorded in the certificate
  • Owner's declaration that the movement is non-commercial

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only: microchip ~€30–60, rabies vaccination ~€20–50, rabies titer test ~€100–250 (plus shipping to an EU-approved lab), official health certificate ~€100–250. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the destination agency.

For high-risk origins (e.g. Russia, Thailand, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East), a rabies titer test is mandatory. The test must be done at least 30 days after vaccination and the pet must wait 3 months from the date the blood sample was taken before entering Spain. No quarantine is imposed if all conditions are met. If the titer test is not done or fails, the pet may be quarantined or returned at the owner's expense. Entry must be through a designated Traveller's Point of Entry with veterinary inspection.

MAPA Spain

Frequently asked questions

A single non-commercial traveller may bring up to 5 pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) into Spain under the EU Pet Travel Scheme. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and you must meet additional requirements, including registration with the Spanish authorities, possible import licences, and compliance with intra-EU trade rules. The 5-pet limit applies per traveller, not per household.
No. Spain does not exempt emotional support animals or service dogs from the standard import requirements. All dogs entering Spain must comply with microchipping, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and (if applicable) titer testing rules. Service dogs may be allowed in the cabin under airline policies, but they still need the same veterinary documents. There is no waiver for quarantine or titer tests based on the animal's role.
A puppy must be at least 15 weeks old to enter Spain. This is because the rabies vaccine cannot be given before 12 weeks of age, and then a 21-day waiting period must pass before the vaccine is considered valid. Puppies younger than 15 weeks are not allowed, even from low-risk countries. There is no exemption for young puppies.
No. The USA is classified as a low-risk country for rabies, so a titer test is not required for dogs travelling from the USA to Spain. You only need a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination (given at least 21 days before travel), and an EU health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. The certificate must be endorsed by USDA APHIS.
If your dog is from a high-risk country, you must enter through a designated Traveller's Point of Entry (TPE) with a veterinary inspection post. In Spain, these include major airports like Madrid-Barajas, Barcelona-El Prat, and certain land borders. For low-risk and EU-equivalent origins, you can enter through any border crossing, but you must still be able to present the required documents if asked. Always check the latest list of TPEs on the MAPA website.
If the documents are incomplete or the dog does not meet the requirements, the Spanish authorities may order quarantine at your expense, return the animal to the origin country, or in extreme cases, euthanise it. Quarantine can last until the requirements are met, which may be up to 3 months for titer test failures. It is your responsibility to ensure all documents are correct before travel.
No. Spain does not require an import permit for non-commercial movement of dogs from any origin, including high-risk countries. The only documents needed are the microchip, rabies vaccination record, health certificate, and (for high-risk origins) a rabies titer test result. This applies to all three tiers: free, low_risk, and high_risk.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Spain.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official veterinarian of the origin country (or authorised vet for Andorra/San Marino/Vatican) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport (or equivalent) issued by an authorised veterinarian
  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing date and vaccine batch, valid from 21 days after primary vaccination
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate only: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–40, EU pet passport €20–40, health certificate (if needed) €50–100. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Spanish authorities.

Andorra, San Marino, and Vatican City are treated as EU-equivalent for pet travel. No border checks for cats entering Spain from these territories in practice, but documentation must be available if requested.

MAPA Spain

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian (e.g., USDA APHIS-accredited vet for US, DEFRA-authorised vet for UK, or equivalent national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport OR third-country veterinary health certificate (EU model certificate for non-commercial movement)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate valid from 21 days after primary vaccination
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Signed declaration of non-commercial movement (if travelling with owner or authorised person)

Rough budget

Approximate only: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–40, EU pet passport or health certificate €50–150, possible endorsement fee €30–80. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Spanish authorities.

For cats from low-risk non-EU countries (e.g., US, UK, Japan, Australia), a rabies titer test is not required. The cat must be microchipped before rabies vaccination. Entry must be through an authorised travellers' point of entry (airport/port).

MAPA Spain

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country (or accredited vet endorsed by the national authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU veterinary health certificate for non-commercial movement from third countries (issued within 10 days of arrival)
  • Rabies vaccination certificate valid from 21 days after primary vaccination
  • FAVN rabies titer test result from an EU-approved laboratory (≥0.5 IU/ml)
  • Microchip certificate or proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • Signed declaration of non-commercial movement

Rough budget

Approximate only: microchip €30–50, rabies vaccination €20–40, FAVN titer test €100–250 (plus shipping to EU lab), health certificate €50–150, possible endorsement fee €30–80. Confirm current prices with a local vet and the Spanish authorities.

Cats from high-risk countries (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East) must have a valid FAVN titer test. The 90-day wait starts from the date the blood sample was taken. If the titer test is not done or fails, the cat may be quarantined or returned at owner's expense. Entry must be through an authorised travellers' point of entry.

MAPA Spain

Frequently asked questions

Up to 5 cats per traveller. More than 5 is considered commercial movement and requires an import permit, an official veterinary certificate for trade, and animals from an approved establishment. The limit applies per person, not per household.
No. Spain does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from the standard import requirements. All cats must meet the same microchip, rabies vaccination, and documentation rules. Airlines may have separate cabin policies, but border authorities apply the law equally.
Only if your cat is coming from a high-risk country for rabies (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa, South Asia, Middle East). Cats from EU countries, the US, UK, Japan, Australia, and other low-risk countries do not need a titer test. If required, the FAVN test must be done at an EU-approved lab at least 30 days after vaccination, and you must wait 90 days from the blood draw before entering Spain.
A kitten must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old and have a valid rabies vaccination given at least 21 days before entry. If the kitten is from a high-risk country and requires a titer test, the minimum age effectively becomes older due to the 90-day wait after the blood test.
No. You must enter through an authorised travellers' point of entry (airport or port) that has a border inspection post for live animals. Major airports like Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) are authorised. Check the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture website for the full list before booking travel.
No. Tapeworm treatment (Echinococcus multilocularis) is required only for dogs entering Spain from certain countries. Cats are exempt.
If the microchip, rabies vaccination, or health certificate is missing or invalid, the cat may be quarantined at your expense until requirements are met, or returned to the origin country. If a required titer test is missing for a high-risk origin, the cat will be quarantined or returned. Fines can also apply. Verify documents with the Spanish authorities or an official veterinarian before travel.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Spain.

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or equivalent travel document with rabies vaccination record
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. Prices vary by country and clinic; confirm with your veterinarian and Spanish authorities.

Free-tier origins (Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City) may use an EU pet passport or equivalent. Ferrets require an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of entry. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine.

MAPA Spain

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or equivalent travel document with rabies vaccination record
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50. Prices vary by country and clinic; confirm with your veterinarian and Spanish authorities.

Low-risk origins (e.g., USA, UK, Japan, Australia) require an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and a health certificate issued within 10 days of entry. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine.

MAPA Spain

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Official government veterinarian of the origin country · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • EU pet passport or equivalent travel document with rabies vaccination record
  • Official health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from an EU-approved laboratory
  • Import permit issued by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture

Rough budget

Approximate costs: microchip €30–50, health certificate €50–150, rabies vaccination €20–50, FAVN titer test €100–250, import permit €50–100. Prices vary by country and clinic; confirm with your veterinarian and Spanish authorities.

High-risk origins (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa) require an ISO microchip, rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, a FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml) performed at least 30 days after vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, and an import permit from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture. No quarantine if all conditions are met.

MAPA Spain

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The USA is a low-risk country for rabies. Your ferret needs an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, a rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel, and an official health certificate issued within 10 days of entry. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine is required.
You can bring up to 5 ferrets per traveller without triggering commercial regulations. If you bring more than 5, the movement is considered commercial and additional requirements apply, such as an import permit and compliance with trade rules.
No. Spain does not exempt emotional support or service ferrets from import requirements. All ferrets must meet the same entry conditions: microchip, rabies vaccination, health certificate, and any applicable titer test or permit. Airlines may have separate policies for cabin travel, but government import rules are the same.
It depends on the origin country. If you are travelling from a high-risk country for rabies (e.g., Thailand, Russia, most of Africa), a FAVN titer test is required. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before travel, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml. For low-risk or free-tier countries, no titer test is required.
Ferrets must be at least 3 months old to enter Spain. Because rabies vaccination cannot be given before 12 weeks of age and you must wait 21 days after vaccination before travel, the effective minimum age at entry is about 4 months.
Only if your ferret is coming from a high-risk country for rabies. For low-risk or free-tier countries, no import permit is required. For high-risk countries, you must obtain an import permit from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture before travel. The permit application process can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
You need an official health certificate issued by a government veterinarian in your origin country within 10 days of travel. The certificate must confirm that your ferret is healthy, has a valid rabies vaccination, and meets all other entry requirements. The certificate must be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified translation.

Good to know

Spain follows EU Regulation 576/2013 for non-commercial movement of pet animals. Pets must travel with an owner or an authorised person, or be moved within 5 days of the owner. Commercial movements (more than 5 pets, or sale/transfer of ownership) fall under different EU rules and require additional guarantees. The competent authority is the Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA); border checks are handled by the Guardia Civil's Seprona and local agriculture offices at points of entry.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Spain, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Spain's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.