How to Move Your Pet to Spain: A Guide For Pet Parents
It’s important to start planning your pet’s relocation to Spain at least 1 to 2 months in advance to ensure all pet import requirements and health certifications are completed on time. Starting early also helps secure your preferred travel dates and avoid last-minute issues.
At WorldCare Pet, we recommend allowing a minimum of 1-2 months to prepare your pet for entry into Spain.
What Are Spain's Dog Breed Restrictions?
The following dog breeds are not banned from entering Spain, but they must be registered within 3 months of arrival and are required to wear a muzzle in public to comply with Spain’s pet safety regulations:
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- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasiliero
- Tosa Inu
- Akita Inu
- Pit Bull Terrier
Should I Keep My Pet's Original Health Documents When Moving to Spain?
Make sure to keep all original health documents with your pet's at all times. Do not pack or take them with you—they are your pet’s “passport” for travel!!
Health Requirements For Pet's To Enter Spain
Microchip
Microchip Timing: Your pet's microchip must be implanted before receiving their most recent vaccinations.
ISO-Compliant Microchip:Your pet must be microchipped for identification with a 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785).
Regular Microchip Scans: Ask your veterinarian to scan your pet's microchip during every vet visit. Confirm the microchip is functioning, readable, and matches all medical records.
Avoid Travel Delays: If your pet's microchip is unreadable or its information is incorrect on paperwork, it could delay their travel plans.
What Vaccines Are Needed For Your Pet?
Rabies VaccineTo enter Spain, your pet’s rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old and valid at the time of travel. The vaccine must also be administered within the last 12 months, unless your pet has a valid 3-year rabies vaccine with no lapse in coverage.
If there has been any lapse in your pet’s rabies vaccination history, a new rabies vaccine must be administered, and you’ll need to wait 21 days from the date of that vaccination before your pet is eligible to travel.
Important: If your pet was microchipped after receiving their most recent rabies vaccine, they will need to be revaccinated after the microchip is placed to meet Spain’s entry requirements.
Rabies Titer Test
If your pet is traveling to Spain from an unlisted country, they will be required to undergo a rabies titer test (also known as a rabies antibody test). This test must be completed at least 3 months before entry into Spain.
If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet, your dedicated Pet Relocation Counselor will guide you through this process and ensure all timing and documentation requirements are met.
NOTE: It can take 4-6+ WEEKS to receive the rabies titre test results back from the laboratory.
Additional Vaccines
While general vaccinations are not genrally required for entry into Spain, they are strongly recommended to protect your pet’s health and reduce the risk of illness during travel.
Recommended Dog Vaccines:
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DHPP+L: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis
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Bordetella (kennel cough): Should be administered within the last 6 months
Recommended Cat Vaccines:
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FVRCP: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia
Document Requirements For Pet's To Enter Spain
EU Health Certificate
A government-accredited veterinarian must examine your pet and complete the Spain EU Health Certificate within 10 days of your pet’s scheduled departure.
If you choose to work with WorldCare Pet Transport, your dedicated Pet Relocation Counselor, along with our team in your origin country, will help coordinate this important step to ensure full compliance.
Important: If your pet is not traveling within 5 days before or after your own travel date, it may affect the coordination timeline of your documentation.
International Fit to Fly Certificate
A USDA-accredited veterinarian must examine your pet and complete the APHIS 7001 Health Certificate within 10 days of your pet’s planned departure date.
FAQ: Moving Your Pet To Spain
PawPrint Pet Travel Guides For Popular Cities in Spain
Planning pet transport to Spain? Explore our PawPrint Guide for safe, pet-friendly services, including veterinarians, boarding kennels, dog parks, pet groomers, and pet shops!
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Ready to start your pet’s journey? We’re here to help! Discover our Spain pet shipping services and see why pet parents choose us. From start to finish, we provide complete door-to-door care for your furry friend.