Country Compliance
Spain Pet Import Requirements
Official veterinary regulations, microchip standards, rabies rules, and breed restrictions for entering Spain.
1. Microchip & Identification
- Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be individually identified by an ISO compliant (11784 and 11785) microchip before vaccinations.
- ISO compliant microchips are 15 digits long. The pet’s microchip ISO compatibility can be confirmed with the microchip manufacturer.
- If the pet does not have an ISO compliant microchip:
- The pet will need to travel with a microchip reader that can read the microchip OR contact the Veterinary Officials at the intended port of arrival to verify that they have a reader capable of reading the pet’s microchip.
OR - If a non-ISO compatible microchip was previously implanted and can still be read, then the Veterinarian can implant an ISO-compatible microchip in addition to the non-ISO one the pet currently has.
- The number and the date of implantation of both microchips must be documented on the EU Health Certificate.
- The pet will need to travel with a microchip reader that can read the microchip OR contact the Veterinary Officials at the intended port of arrival to verify that they have a reader capable of reading the pet’s microchip.
2. Rabies Vaccination
At least 12 weeks old and must wait 21 days after vaccination to travel.
3. Titre Tests & Bloodwork
Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 “List of countries exempt from rabies antibody serology to enter Spain”.
The unlisted countries must to be done 90 days before travel
4. Quarantine Requirements
5. Breed Restrictions
The following breeds are not banned from entering Spain, but they must be registered within 3 months of entry and must wear a muzzle to pass security in Spain: Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasiliero, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu.
Done-for-You Service
Breed rules in Spain can mean a border denial.
Our IPATA-certified team verifies your specific breed against Spain's current import rules and manages every document — so you arrive cleared, not turned away.
Get a Spain Relocation Quote6. Customs & Import Rules
Depending on which airport the pet is either entering or departing from there maybe a slight difference in the local authority procedures, although the overall requirements are the same.
The website address shown throughout this country information will allow the user to find all the current information on the Export and Import of all animals.
Common Questions
Spain pet travel — frequently asked
Are there breed restrictions for pets entering Spain?
Yes, Spain enforces breed restrictions for incoming pets. Review the Breed Restrictions section on this page for the specific breeds affected, or contact our team for a breed-specific compliance assessment.
Does Spain require quarantine for dogs and cats?
Yes, quarantine requirements apply for pets entering Spain. See the Quarantine Requirements section for holding periods, conditions, and approved facilities.
What documents do I need to bring my pet to Spain?
Pets entering Spain typically require an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and a health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, plus a rabies titre (antibody) test. Requirements vary by origin country — check each section above for the most current rules.
Pet Travel Guides
Where are you heading in Spain?
Each city guide covers hotels, vets, experiences, and airport concierge— fully coordinated with Spain's import requirements above.
Barcelona
EU pet passport and microchip validation handled end-to-end.
Full Barcelona pet travel guideMadrid
EU health certificate clearance with full AECOSAN pre-clearance at Madrid Barajas POAO inspection post.
Full Madrid pet travel guideValencia
EU health certificate clearance at Valencia Airport POAO with full AECOSAN coordination for Spain's third-largest city.
Full Valencia pet travel guideSeville
EU health certificate clearance at Seville Airport POAO — gateway to Andalusia for you and your pet.
Full Seville pet travel guideMálaga
Seamless EU health certificate clearance at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport — gateway to the Costa del Sol.
Full Málaga pet travel guidePopular Airlines
Airlines flying pets to Spain
Each airline has its own breed restrictions, weight limits, and cargo embargo windows. Check policies before you book.
