Bringing a dog or cat to Spain from the US: pet relocation

Spain follows the European Union’s rules for pets. For dogs, cats and ferrets coming from the US, the requirements are clear and there is no quarantine. What catches people out is the timing, because the final paperwork has to be done in the last ten days before you arrive.

What your pet needs

1. A microchip that meets the ISO standard (15 digits). It must be implanted before the rabies vaccination, or on the same day. A vaccination given before the chip doesn’t count.
2. A rabies vaccination, given when the animal is at least twelve weeks old. After a first vaccination you wait at least 21 days before travel. Boosters given on time don’t restart the wait.
3. An EU health certificate for non-commercial travel, completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.
4. USDA endorsement. The certificate must be endorsed by the USDA’s animal health service (APHIS) within ten days before your pet arrives in the EU.

The certificate covers up to five pets travelling with their owner, or within five days of the owner’s own journey. If someone else is transporting the animal, or it is travelling to be sold or rehomed, stricter commercial rules apply.

Rules and forms are updated from time to time. Check the current requirements on the USDA’s pet travel pages and with your vet when you start.

Arriving in Spain

• Pets from outside the EU must come in through an airport or port authorised to check them. The main international airports are on the list.
• Declare your pet at customs on arrival and show the certificate.
• Once you are settled, a Spanish vet can register the chip locally and issue an EU pet passport, which you use for travel within Europe from then on.

Airlines

Airline rules are often stricter than the government’s, and they differ between carriers:

• Small pets may be allowed in the cabin, with weight limits that include the carrier.
• Larger dogs fly as checked baggage or cargo, and not every airline or route accepts them.
• Many airlines restrict snub-nosed breeds and stop carrying animals in the hold in hot weather. Spanish airports are hot from June to September.

A direct flight to Madrid or Barcelona is easier on an animal than a connection.

Spanish rules once you live there

• Dogs must be chipped and registered with the regional pet registry.
• Certain breeds are classed as potentially dangerous, including pit bull types, Rottweilers and Akitas. Owners need a licence and liability insurance, and the dog must be leashed and muzzled in public.
• Spain’s animal welfare law adds duties for all dog owners, including liability insurance. Parts of it are still being put into effect, so ask your vet what applies in your region.
• Many landlords and building communities restrict pets. Mention yours before you sign a lease.

Other animals

Birds, rabbits, reptiles and other species follow different rules and may need import permits or be barred. Start months ahead and take advice.

If you might bring a dog back to the US later, check the US re-entry requirements as well, since they have changed in recent years.

When a relocation service is worth it

• Large dogs that must fly as cargo.
• Snub-nosed breeds.
• Several animals, or species other than dogs and cats.
• Summer moves.
• When your pet can’t travel on your own flight.

What to ask before hiring

• Which airlines and routes do you use for Spain, and why?
• What exactly is included: crate, vet paperwork, USDA endorsement, customs clearance, delivery?
• Who is with my animal at each stage, and how do I get updates?
• What happens if a flight is cancelled or it is too hot to fly?

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Spain from the US?

Yes. Your dog needs an ISO-standard microchip, a rabies vaccination given after the chip and at least 21 days before travel, and an EU health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by the USDA shortly before you fly. The same rules apply to cats and ferrets.

Do pets have to be quarantined in Spain?

No, as long as the paperwork is correct. An animal that arrives without a valid microchip, vaccination or certificate can be sent back or held at your expense.

Does my pet need a rabies blood test to enter Spain from the US?

No. The rabies antibody test is required only for animals coming from countries the EU considers higher risk, and the United States isn't one of them. A valid rabies vaccination is enough.