Bringing Your Pet to Spain
Complete requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Spain from the United States. Verified against official sources.
Spain allows pets to enter without quarantine when paperwork is complete. Here's what you need, in order.
Step-by-step timeline
What it costs
Realistic all-in costs for an already-healthy pet. Does not include airline pet fees.
| Microchip (if not already chipped) | $40 – $80 |
| Rabies vaccination | $20 – $60 |
| USDA-accredited vet exam + EU health certificate | $150 – $400 |
| USDA APHIS endorsement fee | $38 – $173 |
| Airline pet fee (in-cabin or cargo) | $100 – $200 |
| Typical all-in | $350 – $900 |
Common mistakes that cause denied entry
- Getting the rabies vaccine before the microchip is implanted. Spain and the EU require the microchip first; any rabies vaccination given before the chip doesn't count and must be redone.
- Traveling less than 21 days after the first rabies vaccination. If this is your pet's first-ever rabies shot, the wait is mandatory — no exceptions.
- Using a non-ISO microchip. Spain enforces the EU standard strictly; non-ISO US chips mean you'll need to bring your own scanner or implant a second ISO chip.
- Skipping the bilingual English/Spanish certificate. Spain accepts the standard EU certificate but bilingual versions dramatically speed border clearance. Request the template from [email protected] 6-8 weeks before travel.
- Arriving at an airport that's not a designated Traveler's Point of Entry. Most major Spanish airports qualify, but smaller regional ones do not. Fly into MAD, BCN, PMI, AGP, ALC, or VLC to avoid issues.
Airline notes
Iberia, United, American, Delta, Air Europa, and Lufthansa all fly pets to Spain. Iberia accepts in-cabin pets up to 8 kg (carrier included) on most routes. For larger pets, cargo is typically required. Summer flights (June-September) often have heat embargoes on brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs. Book pet transport separately from your own ticket — airlines limit 2-6 in-cabin pets per flight.
Frequently asked questions
Does Spain require quarantine for pets from the US?
No. Spain allows dogs, cats, and ferrets from the US to enter without quarantine, provided your paperwork is complete and correctly sequenced (ISO microchip first, then rabies vaccine at least 21 days before travel, then USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within 10 days). Pets arriving with incomplete or incorrect documentation may be refused entry or held at the border until corrected at your expense.
Are there dog breed restrictions in Spain?
Yes. Spain classifies 8 breeds as 'potentially dangerous' (PPP — Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos) under federal law: Akita Inu, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bullmastiff, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and Tosa Inu. These breeds can still be imported, but owners must obtain a municipal license within 3 months of arrival, carry €120,000 in civil liability insurance, pass a psychological evaluation, and always use a muzzle and short leash in public. Some autonomous communities add more breeds to the list (Doberman is regulated in several regions).
What is the 'Law 7/2023' 5-pet limit?
Spain's 2023 Animal Welfare Law (Ley 7/2023) set a maximum of 5 companion animals per household without additional permits. More than 5 pets triggers additional paperwork to prove you have resources, housing, and veterinary arrangements to care for them. For most expats moving with 1-3 pets, this doesn't apply — but if you're bringing a small menagerie, plan accordingly.
Do I need the Spanish health certificate or the standard EU certificate?
You use the standard EU non-commercial health certificate (same one used for all EU entry), but Spain strongly prefers a bilingual English/Spanish version to speed border clearance. Request the bilingual template from your USDA-accredited vet or by emailing [email protected] 6-8 weeks before travel. Spanish border vets can process the English-only version but it sometimes triggers questions.
Can I fly my pet in cabin to Spain?
Yes, for small pets (typically under 8 kg / 17 lbs including carrier). Iberia, TAP Portugal (via Lisbon), United, Delta, and American all accept in-cabin pets on transatlantic flights to Spain. Larger pets fly as checked baggage or cargo. Always book the pet spot separately from your ticket — airlines limit 2-6 in-cabin pets per flight, and these fill up months in advance, especially in summer.
What about taking my pet onward from Spain to other EU countries?
After entering Spain legally, you can obtain an EU Pet Passport from any Spanish veterinarian (€30-60, one-time). The passport simplifies travel between EU member states indefinitely. You may also continue using your original USDA-endorsed certificate for up to 4 months of travel within the EU, as long as the rabies vaccination stays valid. If you go to Finland, Ireland, Malta, or Norway from Spain, dogs need tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before arrival.
How much will the total move cost?
Realistic all-in for a healthy, microchipped pet with current rabies: $350-900 per pet. That covers the vet exam + EU health certificate ($150-400), USDA endorsement ($38-173), and airline fee ($100-200 in-cabin, $300-800 cargo). If starting from scratch (microchip + first rabies vaccine), add $60-140 and an extra 3-4 weeks of prep time.
- Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación — Travelling with pets · last checked 2026-04-19
- USDA APHIS — Pet Travel to Spain · last checked 2026-04-19
- EU — Travelling with pets and other animals in the EU · last checked 2026-04-19
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